I’m not sure about other dogs, but both of my Irish are always happy to see the representatives of their breed. Perhaps, they associate big quantity of reds with an interesting pastime. If it’s really so, this time they were not mistaken – the First meeting of Irish terriers in Latvia passed in one breath!

I should admit that when Latvian lovers of Irish terriers decided to organize a meeting, they were not original in their decision. The meetings of our breed lovers and owners annually take place in Rabendorf (Germany); usually these meetings count about seventy dogs. Of course, our country can’t be proud of such a quantity of “Irish”, but on the 20th of August of this year “Zhubites” land in Saulkrasti lighted up with dozens of fervent eyes! The organizers of this meeting – elegant and feisty Irish terriers Rado and Aidan - stood out with an exceptional charm, they affably met each new quest, among which were also representatives of other breeds. Aidan arrived from Germany not so long ago, from where he brought an idea of organizing such meetings, which promise to become regular in Latvia too, and may be even become international.

The weather was good and all events were held as planned. Just after all participants arrived and went through a registration, the flag of the First Latvian Irish terrier’s meeting ran up. Things were humming! Owners were exchanging their experience, discussed questions of breeding and feeding, ears’ positioning, teeth brushing and claw cutting, I had the impression that participants were interested in everything. They looked through the photos, where one could see close and far relatives of a beloved dog – after their victories on shows or in the family circle. Another red was standing on a special table, going through the demonstrational trimming – hygienic and aesthetic treatment of dead hair removal. This treatment should be done not less that two times per year. Thanks to trimming the dogs almost never cast their coat. The hair is carefully pulled out in a way, which allows to emphasize the contours of an “Irish”, who has an athletic body.

“Attention please!” – the organizers refer to the public. What will it be? A huge cake with a happy bearded snout! This confectionary miracle becomes an object of everyone’s attention, photo shootings change one another. Not every daybreed fans can see such a piece of art; moreover it is possible to taste it! After having a tea and a little break the participants of the meeting were offered to take part in the contests together with their pets. This idea went off with a bang! All four-footed and two-footed more or less got over the agility track and barriers. The viewers had especially supported an old stager – 12 year-old Irish terrier Elly, who slowly but confidently went through all obstacles. This dog received a prize of honour with a picture of her breed – a dainty with a golden-red snout from one popular company. Such age is not something exclusive for Irish terriers; they all smoothly pass 10-year border, often living till 13-16 years, but that time Elly was the oldest of all attendants.

The First Latvian meeting was finished with a walk along the sea coast – what can be better and more natural? Dogs ran into the sea with pleasure, caught sticks – active rest is always in their way. In general it is difficult to tire an “Irish” with any walk; they are ready to follow their owner everywhere, at any day or night time. It was incredibly red in the eyes and joyfully on the heart from their optimism that day. Thanks to our Irish terriers for this feast, which they gave us and keep granting day by day.

20.08.2006.