Well, Crufts 2019 has been and gone and as always the actual day was as good as the anticipation.
Of the 139 hounds entered we had 4 Bonaforte hounds across the classes sadly Hugh and I couldn't attend, but what was simply fantastic was the non-competing owners made their way to the NEC to offer support and catch up with everyone.
Thank you very much for the show of solidarity from the Bonaforte family We have long believed that we have the best owners and this kind of camaraderie extends across both showing and non-showing owners, supporting each other at these events. It is one of the things that gives us the most pleasure as this love of the breed forges genuine strong friendships.
Hugh and I were kept updated throughout the day with photos and videos from ringside with everyone saying what a lovely atmosphere there was. Although for the most part, we weren't the judges choice Bonaforte's Opulence with CladdaghWolf -Rupert with Amanda was VHC in a strong PGD class. We are delighted with this beautiful hound, not only for his elegance and graceful movement but also for his fabulous temperament. He was a perfect breed ambassador the whole day. Carl and Rupert getting mobbed by vast amounts of people and he had a kiss or lick for everyone. One gentleman in particular who was in a wheelchair declared Rupert his “dog of the day” which Amanda and Carl said meant more than his card.
The Bligh Clan
Ava Bligh was 1st in Good Citizen and Elsie Bligh 3rd in Good citizen and not many Wolfhounds actually manage to qualify via good citizen so its credit to Helen's training, that she now has a mother and daughter team. Well done Helen.
Baby A with Julie
Bonaforte's Meldrew or Baby A and Julie, what can we say about this lovely duo. Being their 1st Wolfhound Julie decided to have a little go at showing, and this was her 2nd Crufts!! They are both simply personality personified-if ever a hound was matched to the perfect owner then these two are it. Both as mad at each other with a massive sense of fun!
As a breeder, it is so gratifying to know and see the difference your puppies make to people's lives, and Julie's Prosecco Cupcakes are becoming legendary!!!
Sharon with Pourquoi
Bonaforte's Pourquoi very nearly ran the legs off Sharon such is her speed and stride. What is also really nice to see is her love of children, so many people come to the benches to meet Wolfhounds and Porky is in her element being fussed and adored.
Not forgetting our own Bonaforte's Ophelia, shown by Linda she moved with grace and power, loving the indoor hustle and bustle and to us captures the Wolfhounds' true movement.
Linda with Ophelia
All our owners said what a lovely judge Roger Tebbutt (Caredig) had been, gentle with the hounds and giving every single dog his full attention which is exactly what is needed, especially when Crufts can be quite overwhelming.
Of course, would Crufts would not be Crufts for our owners without the necessary party. Vast amounts of cakes were baked for the occasion, and SkyeBear was dispatched both ringside and benches to offer some much needed sugary goodness to one and all.
Of course, Crufts is a dog show, but for our owners and us, it is also an opportunity to let people meet and greet this beautiful breed. If Wolfhounds are to survive in the 21st century, then people need to see them as fit and healthy and happy dogs, and we are delighted that all of our owners and hounds are perfect breed ambassadors.