The Last Post

Thank you to everyone who has participated in the 'Four Legs' project. It turned out to be an ambitious event - as I tried to cover a lot of territory in a short time. This extended from the dog community to dance and an investigation into what ideas to do with movement, sensation and the body can offer. And then a look at community - with particular attention to the spatial characteristics of the dog community - and what this may offer in terms of how we come to know and experience the world.

Underlying all this is an interest in creative potential - creativity in a critical sense - and how the shift from representing ideas - through performance or choreography to participation/activities(such as dog walking) can enable a shift in understanding. In part I approached the project as an art making challenge - where the focus is on participation and in this case the community that results as an alternative to the making of objects/artifacts/choreography. I consciusly avoided 'making a dance' that would somehow endeavour to improve lives or capture an experience.

The next step will be a report to the NZ Recreation Council in November. Its interesting how they are willing to consider the positive influence of dogs.

Sincere apologies to all those who received an invite to the final show with incorrect details - a correct one did go out - but sadly not to everyone.

And yes I have been a very random blogger - having discovered that to take it seriously is a job in itself - and I am much more interested in getting out and about.

Thank you to the Caroline Plummer Memorial Foundation for the generous support.

More than ever I see the influence of dogs as positive on the lives of the individual owners, their immediate communities and the broader community.

Thank you.

Sean Curham

The heart of the project - July 4

I recently met an old dog walking acquaintance - the owner of two full sized Poodles 'Fergus' - now on the glucosamine and 'Charlie' - maybe 3 years old - and completely mad. I only know the dogs names. She asked me what Id been doing? I told her about the "Four Legs"project.

She replied.

"Its the dogs that give me my strongest feeling of community. Its because of them that I walk around in my neighbourhood - if didn't have these two I wouldn't get to meet these people. Just the other day one of my elderly neighbours who I always stop and chat with mistook me for a bird and threw some bread at me. Its our version of the kind of communities you see in Europe or the Pacific- where everyone is out on the street - or on their front step keeping in touch - the dogs give me this sense of involvement - and there's no boundary - the dogs sense of prejudice is not the same as ours - I get to meet all sorts of people I would never meet in any other situation."

The conversation went on like this - I'm not making it up. This was in Auckland - I was dropping Tippy back so that my partner could have the dog back in her life too.

She then said - "but here we feel like such criminals - the 'dog catcher' lurks up there ready to fine us - all the rules are designed to make it impossible to own a dog." I responded by saying that I had turned the corner - I have been so immersed in the dog world where the positives are so clear and so constantly affirmed - that I now felt like its just a matter of time before the fear that has been building around dogs over the last few years will lessen and there will be a move towards an understanding of how brilliant the dog community is -and its all because of the animals.

Saturday 27 June - Dance

I have invited members of the dance community to join the site. Some may not be aware but the "Four Legs" project is diverse. Alongside the key focus of participation in dog walking - are several other side projects. One of these "Commune" - is being explored with the post graduate dance students at Uni, some staff and freelance practitioners as well. The aim of this event has been to take some of the ideas that have arisen from the dog walking and explore them in a theatre/conventional dance context. A kind of reversal of the main project - which has been to take the resources of dance and leave the theatre - "Commune" sets the issues back in the theatre.

The first discussion point explores 'participation vs observing'.

It is suggested that the joy, creativity and potential of dance is found in the 'doing' – that it is the participation in corporeal/embodied activity – i.e. activity that requires all the senses, that produces the experiences of dance. At its core dance is about felt experience through activity.

“Four Legs” explores the idea that the potential for new experience, to feel and sense new experiences exists in our everyday lives. In activities like dog walking our senses are alert – we are actively stumbling into new sensations that are at the heart of creative activity.

This is where the dogs come in and where due to their presence, dog walking becomes dance. With the addition of a dog – as a spontaneous and instinctive influence walking becomes increasingly unpredictable. Or perhaps the experience becomes more lively – an alert and playful dog requires attention. Participation in the unruly activity of dog walking brings new sensations and feelings – that arrive through the 'doing' of the walk. Crucially too, these experiences are unrestrained – they are not tied to a rational or conscious ordering – they come and go as small(or large) interruptions. Is it this appearance of unexpected sensation that is the creative potential of dog walking?

Describing dance in this way is quite a shift from how many would imagine dance. Instead of making steps and music the priority - here movement or action of any sort - that involves the body fully is thought of as dance. The creative potential that resides in 'doing' is the exciting thing - and this version of dance extends the potential it carries to everyone.

Any responses greatfully received. Post to the discussion board.

Purakaunui

Purakaunui Beach - and the Mapoutahi headland - which I understand was breifly a Pa site. A very cold day - we walk around the estuary - and discover the Purakaunui Urupa.

I went for a swim - can you believe it.

What now? June 15

Its time to take stock. With the support of the dog walking community I have gathered a large amount of archives - photos, video, audio, some written contributions - and many cartoons and sketches of variable quality via the "Good dog, bad man' boards in the Uni link. Unlike the drawing of "Monty"- which I rate as tops. Many other side projects are either underway or now complete - some are major undertakings. These have been either collaborations or independent projects by contributors. The response has been fantastic - THANK YOU to everyone who has become involved. Ongoing contributions are still most welcome - and there are a number of future projects still in the mix. I am hoping that "both "Kennel Club" and "Commune" will be realized - its a matter of resources at this stage.

I need to take a bit of time to reflect and then shape all these elements into a presentation that can bring the project together in a cohesive form - to clarify the goals, achievements and future of the project.



This photo is another favourite - it has the shadow of a figure just discernable in the left hand corner - an accident of course in the fading light.

Warrington

Thurs 4 June

What a day! Too much to do and where have all the good times gone? Have you seen the Kuri/dog sculpture on the waterfront - Leander St? Its by Stephen Mulqueen - I hope the link works.


Its application day - all the different funding agencies have their deadline tomorrow - which means the last day for posting is Thurs - and that has to be super quick mail. As a freelancer I have to always have an eye on the future - and the next project - up to two years in advance - which means 24hr days around deadline time.


T and I stop off at the park on the way down the hill from Wakari - I forget its name - yes I pick up. T then has to wait around while I do my posting etc. While we are in the post office I take my eye off her and notice she has shied away and is lying under the table away from the queue - shes letting me know that all is not well - and it becomes clear that the person behind hates dogs and clearly thinks T should NOT be in the post shop. The staff however have a different idea.

We survive and its off to the Waldron - but guess what its wall to wall Ds and regular cop cars and its fun day with guns at the shooting range. And yes they do shoot at figures - take a look.



I'm still hunting a venue for the showing in July - the Aquatic Centre is great but maybe a bit far from the Uni - Dan and I are negotiating on the Old Gym which is perfect. Negotiations prove difficult but things work out when I go straight to the source and deal with the users not the timetable guy.

12.30 and its Logan Park -meet the fabulous Film Clubbers who are still keen on the project in site of many set backs with equipment, dogs and the weather. Its a great school and very busy in the arts. Kristan the Media Studies teacher is fantastic supporting the students and project.


2pm and its Beatrice. We have met before - I'm intrigued by Beatrice's work and interest in things community. I'm tired and generally incoherent but B is onto it. Biscuits and tea help. She also has a garden full of black plants- this is fascinating. Saphy her dog is loving the sun and the special lunch enjoyed before my arrival.

Quick visit with Peter the set designer who is helping out with "Commune" a Uni based side project.

Tomahawk and the crew. Everyone is out. Digby dog Bossdin, Maisie and a couple of stray Schnauzer's.


Alice the lovely black misfit is walked by a very young boy - the dog always pulls and runs away - but shes smart and comes back. The weed eating Shar Pei crosses are out and about. Their walker is the neighbour who cant stand to see them tied up all the time.



Finally its the last thing of the day - a "Commune" meeting. We adjourn to the local bar instead and celebrate Hahna's thesis submission.

Monday June 1

The wild animal theme continues - I am chased from the surf at Allan's Beach by a seal? or is it a sea lion? A big grey thing with a DOC antenna and a serious face on. I was on my own and it wanted me out. Fair enough! Get home to a mouse invasion - they're living in the couch which is sending T spare.

The amateur photos continue - I now have hundreds of out-of-focus am dram shots of nature. A camera its like a microphone or whiteboard maker.

I know what I was on about today - the idea that our experience works like glue - well sort of its a terrible analogy - but the idea is that we are constantly trying to grab a hold of events - to contain or fix them so that we can make sense of things - little anchors - the never ending snapshot. Tragically many things about the way I see the world are being revealed through my nature snaps.

Beagle Club, blogging and "Good dog, bad man"

Thanks to all those who have commented and contributed to the site. Slowly its growing. The 'Good dog, bad man' project is up and running in the link at Uni. So if you feel like contributing drop in and draw a panel.

Scary night - I thought I was going to get trapped over at Warrington - it is sleeting but not snowing yet and the road is open.

Many thanks to Jill and the Beagle Club for letting us attend on Sunday. I think she said it has been running for 20 yrs? About 10 or 12 dogs attended. Clearly the club provides excellent support for owners and is great socially for all. From what I can gather Beagles can be tricky - and the unsuspecting owner is likely to need some support and advice. But isn't that true of all dogs to varying degrees? As Jill said she would prefer to put off a potential owner with some honesty about the Beagle traits than have to rehome a dog later on. I feel like this about all potential new dog owners. Better they are presented with an honest perspective on the demands of dog ownership and decide not to get a dog than come to the realization, having taken the puppy home, that its not for them.

A couple of new topics for discussion. I am still thinking about things community. The other topic relates to diet. Do you think diet can effect a dogs behaviour? What are you feeding your dog? We feed T raw food and she seems to be thriving on it. She took a little while to adjust to all the bone and chomping - but is away now. Green tripe is a favourite - but dont get it on your hands!

Southern Lurcher Rescue - hello and welcome. 15 May

Welcome to our Southern Lurcher Rescue friends. We love the work you do and your website.

Full moon at Waldronville.

Colin and Tippy at 'Rally O'. Friday 15 May #2

Plenty to report. On Wed night Glenda and I entered Colin and Tippy in 'Rally O'. This is a variation on obedience training - a looser, less particular circuit. We were both nervous -managed to get round - sort of - T and I missed a lot of stations. Colin is a gem - and very good at obedience!

Anne at Port Chalmers has a 14 month huntaway she is trying to find a home for. Is anyone interested?

Finally a new topic on the boards. This time its diet - do you think that diet effects your dogs behaviour? Prior to this we had the frivolous cartoon dogs - draw a cartoon of your dog. I have met a few people who want the boards to stay after the "Four Legs" project so that people can leave messages to do with local concerns and dog news.

"Good dog, bad man" is another "Four Legs" side project. This one is for the students and staff at Uni and is on campus. I have placed a white board in the link outside the library and started a cartoon 'story board' which I am hoping passers-by will contribute to. The goal is to bring the broader dog project to the attention of the students in a way that allows them to contribute without having to have a dog.

Friday. Another good walk with Darlene and Lynn at Blackhead.

I am talked into participating in "Mixed Agendas" which is part of the Allen Hall lunchtime theatre programme. This is an entirely improvised performance, with live musicians and performers. Ali East - a remarkable educator and dance practitioner is event director.

"Kennel Club" another on campus side project is about to appear. More on this is it develops - but it is another attempt to bring dogs to the campus - this time its the staff dogs.

First timer - not a husky

Maybe I wont be a sledder after all.

Tues 12 May - Another great night at the speedway

Its day four of the storm. We decide to brave Waldronville. First thing this morning it was Ross Creek - only Jude, friend and dog Jake are braving it. The streams are flooded and the road is closed with a tree down. For some reason the rabbits are out in force - must think they've got a clear run - which sends T into orbit - I hardly see her the entire walk - although shes always around, crashing through the bush. The rabbits are jumping out and running along the path! Freezing!



I cant stop taking amateur photos of the speedway - its a project in itself. We meet all the Ls in the rain - Lou, Louie and Lennox.

First meeting for "Commune" - another one of the side project associated with "Four Legs". "Commune"is a camping trip, on a mountain, in a theatre. Sounds a little crazy I know - but more on this soon. It is being developed in collaboration with the post-graduate students of the dance programme with members of the freelance dance community.

Thurs 7 May - Is this dance?

Make yourself comfortable. Tippy showing lurcher traits. Meet Sue and Molly dog first thing at St Clair. Then to Queens High and Diana's animal behaviour students. Its a great class - 6 dogs and 10+ students. The students are going to record the events of the class dog walks for the project.



Later I catch up with the film club at Logan Park High. They are focused on the 48hr Film Comp this weekend. We'll talk more next week about the dog walking project. I have had this idea during the week about the importance of movement to the "Four Legs" project. Given the fundamental presence of movement in film I raise this with the students. We briefly discuss how the illusion of film is produced through movement - and the role of movement in story telling among other things.


Back to the importance of movement to the "Four Legs" project. "Four Legs"is being developed with the support of the Dance Programme at the University of Otago. In creating the project I have suggested that many of the elements people look for in dance are strongly present in our daily activities like dog walking.

This project definitely challenges what we think of as dance. If the conventions of skill, virtuosity and the desirable body are set aside, what is it that we seek in dance? I think both audiences and practitioners are looking for a new experience - an experience that can sidestep language or the familiar to reveal something new. Through being a 'sensory' or embodied event this perhaps is more immediate and therefore less controlled or censored?

With the "Four Legs" project I am exploring the idea that these type of experiences are present in our daily rituals and habits. That dog walking contains a sense of discovery, of adventure, risk and the potential to reveal something 'new'. The dogs spontaneous, intuitive behaviour adds an uncertainty that heightens this potential for our habitual experience of the world to be disrupted.

There is more to this - as I continue to consider how I am engaging with movement I am slowly realizing how wedded I am to the relationship between movement and sensation. I know see this as a problem.

PS I hope the Logan Parkers win the film comp!

Mon 4 May - camera returns

The 'Chinese whispers' camera returns. A camera has been being randomly passed around the dog community. Those receiving it were asked to record a short interview discussing their dogs and how the dogs change or influence their lives. At the end of two weeks the final recipient was asked to call me and I would collect the camera. Thanks to Joanne it returned. Great interviews - and many thanks to those who took part.

Blackhead.

The roving camera is going to be repeated - on the Peninsula and around St Clair so look out for it.

The aim of this exercise is to look at how the dog community are connected - is there any chance that the person who made the last recording could possibly now the first person on the tape. The camera traveled all over the city - from Ocean View to the centre of town via everywhere.

Tues May 5 - Dog cam

Sparky Mouse and Wee Jock McNew.

These two are always on the beach roughing each other up - really the best of mates with the best names.

"Dog cam" is up an running. It works!! Sharon from Canvas Works has modified a dog coat to carry a camera and GPS unit. The GPS remains untried - but the camera is all go. It sits out from the shoulder of the dog and has a clear view forward. Neville's' dog Syd has had a good go - with great success - Paula's' dog Hooch took a more sedate and dignified approach with a quick trip around the streets in between showers. Tippy hated it and would only participate under duress.

Wed 6 May

Forbury Park Board. Finally I have changed the discussion topic on the blog site - this time its to do with community and what the 'dog walking' community offers. Apologies to all those who have lost patience.

Great comments and drawings on the park boards.

"Good Dog, Bad Man" is about to start - this is a side project in the link at the University. Its another white board on which passers-by get to add to, creating the adventures of 'Good Dog'.

The Peninsula connection is growing with Giovanna and Fran.

Apparently there is alot going on in dog land this week - agility comps at Mosgiel, field trials out of town , a dog show as well?

Saturday 25 Sunday 26 April

Saturday

Commiserations to Diana and Echo - not the success they had hoped for in the regional comp.

-Demo Derby lights at Waldronville

Sunday morning. Jubilee first up. The local dog walking community love this park - and like so many areas make every effort to pick up and keep things tidy. This is a mixed use sports field - there are many of these around town - and no one wants to jeopardize its future as a dog exercise area.

Meet Colin and Zoe, Brandy dog and Steve and Barkley. Busy morning.

Go out to Purakaunui Beach - we drive right down - get stuck in the process - low revs, 2nd gear(think of my grandfather who loved getting stuck) and were away.

Walk down to the inlet and around Pa site. Easterly swell but Goat Isl. isn't really breaking.

Waldronville fun again. Finally meet a 'Gun Club' member. Get it all explained to me - how they shoot, the set up, etc. I'm hoping to get an invite to club night.

Friday 24 -No rest

Ross Creek. Zack, Tina and Annie are the only dogs. All SPCAers. The newly acquired Darcy - a ten week old Jack Russell is having his first 'on lead' outing.

Bossdin(pictured)

Logan Park High School. One of the aims of the project is to acknowledge the diverse nature of the dog walking community and create an intergenerational event. The Logan park 'Film Club' are up for it and will create video works - some of the students are dog walkers - others I'm hoping will respond to the idea of the 'dogs perspective on the world', and explore the speed, the velocity and sense of risk that this proximity to the ground creates.


Tomahawk Fridays. meet up with the Tomahawk group. Tui and Patch are the new additions. Tippy misbehaves and I have to step in. Dee has Bossdin and Digby. These two are the best of mates - lookalikes except one(Digby) is the miniature version.


Anderson's Bay. Bayfield Park. meet George the truly giant Rotty. Then Sasha appears and its on! T and Sasha have a great run while Melanie and I talk dog. Top story about Sasha and the over inquisitive neighbourhood cat who lets herself into the Sasha residence. MELTDOWN! Cat survives. Good walk!

Thursday 23

Jubilee - a bit boring. Go to Rotary Park to change the board. Discussion topic is "Anthropomorphizing" - 'Do we attribute human characteristics to our dogs'. Definitely 'no' from from Rotary.
Poppy(photo)

Warrington to get the 'dog cam' vest.

Meet Paula and Hooch at St Clair. Discover that Sue of Sue and Molly fame are friends of Paula's. Always a good walk. We decide that yes, we can sample those ripe apples that are on private property. Bowjo (the giant Rottweiler) and owner are hanging out on the boardwalk. Big night at the Forbury Track tonight. The horse that Paula shod is running - so its a bet each way.

Off to Forrester to meet Val and Poppy. Val is an expert. She and her dogs are well traveled. Poppy makes hospital visits enriching the lives of the in-patients. I'm looking forward to getting to know Poppy and Val. Lots of stories and insights into the value of dogs to the community.

Waldronville because we have to.

Sunday 19 April Bob and Oscar

Its a St Clair morning - Tippy knows her way around now and steers us down past the surf club to the beach. The games are on! For such a subdued dog she can really go crazy - certain things spin her wheels.

Ive been thinking about the games we play with our dogs - and and the process of training - even to do the most basic things. I see people with great games - and very responsive dogs - how did they do this - what tricks and techniques did they come up with to engage their dog? Do you think dog training is creative or is it just patterning?

Walk along the beach - meet Frodo and owners but forget to get a photo.

Bob arrives in the car park with Oscar - a great little dog! Hes currently exercising himself while Bob waits for a new hip. But wont be long now apparently and they'll be back to there old ways. Bob is very well known in St Kilda - clearly has a many followers as people stop off to catch up - Oscar stays busy with the dogs.

Aramoana and then over to Murdering Beach - its covered in low cloud - the infamous easterly fog? - over the hill to Waititi - around to Drs Point and try to walk around to Purakaunui Beach - bit tricky so its to Warrington.

Sat 18 April

Ross Creek - quiet - new sign on the playing fields - no bikes, golf or dogs - the field is empty.

Meet 'Gabby dogs' owner - we collect all the old dog poo bags thrown down beside the track - for some reason owners are bagging their dogs poo then throwing it into the bush - I don't get it and so clamber around collecting the bags. Inspired by the Tomahawk group who care take their local park picking up rubbish, glass and more dog poo.


Forbury Cnr - great comments on the board. The question was "do dogs benefit the broader community? How?"

Beach trip. Meet Julian,family and Jesse the new Lab - a four year old re-homer.


Drop in at Green Island - Xena, Pooki and Milly dogs and owners. Again plenty of comments - the pens have gone but that's no problem - to be expected.

Waldronville - pick up 20 comets - the 'pucks' used for shooting practice by the gun club - these are the ones that got away!! They must fly for miles - Ive found some at least 300m from the club. There is no one around but realize later preparations are on for a big 'Gun Club Meet.'

Friday 17 - Big Day Out

Start the day with Darlene, Lynn Namo and Sadie. Darlene and Lynn are very generous collaborators on the project and great company. Namo a guide dog gets the morning off - well sort of as Sadie takes the opportunity to fully exploit Namos freedom for some serious games. (Evisceration, hamstringing, garroting - everyones favourites) Both love it - Tippy is the 3rd wheel. We make it to the top of Fraser's Gully - and from there apparently it is possible to go on - over the hill and down to Mosgiel. But we don't. Great walk.


Jubilee - quick stop - no sign of Tumai or Bailey

Wakari . Meet Tina and Syd(Dogga) - he loves to run so we plan a video of his exploits. The park is full of kids and dogs. Brilliant.

This is a day of new places, people and dogs. Tomahawk. Meet Dee Margaret and Jill with Maisie,Boston and Digby - Jesse and Julian visit. The Tomahawkers are an inspiration - great caretakers for the local area - picking up rubbish - always being around must make the area safe and friendly for others. I think that the presence of dog walkers is an efficient neighbourhood watch.

Happy dogs - Digby quickly sorts us all out, puts me on ball duty. Jill is on stray ball retrieval. Margaret gets to supervise - Dee has got the mic and gives the call.

Tippy is unsure -another group to adjust too - her herding tactics don't go down too well.

Chardonnay is required for the next adjournment.

Srange day - Wed 15th April - made good by Colin the Champion

No rhythm today - Ross Creek early on - its OK and T is happy enough. Put up the final discussion board at Rotary Park - meet Renee - her two boys and dogs Royce and Reiko. The park seems well used - they're up from St Leonard's where there are apparently very few walking spots.

Forbury Cnr - changing the board topic or attempting to - the pens are gone - to be expected.

However Derick shows up with Eddy - and they both prove to be excellent company. Katherine arrives with Tiwa - more good stuff - funny story about the man who hopes his young dogs wont 'live' too long. Disappointed to discover dogs live for 12 - 15 years apparently. Bit late to be finding out the minor details.

Waldronville at 5pm.

The highlight of the day - the great and most unassuming champion Colin stakes his claim for immortality - takes out numerous dog club challenges - still no gold trophy or ribbon though. Glenda offers encouragement and guidance but really its all Colin.

Still having photo download problems - they are coming.

Tuesday April 13 - Zae, Madeleine, Midnight and Diana

Tuesday afternoon Diana shows me, Max,Echo and Tippy round the tracks of Bethunes Gully. It would be easy to get lost - we encounter 2 mountain bikers - and that's it - Echo knows the way - Diana is a great guide - loves the dogs and is clear about their role and influence on the community. Echo dog is a champ - shes off to sit the 'big test' next week so we are barracking for her.

Earlier in the day we start at St Clair - meet the lovely Zae and her dog Milly - fabulous. Zae loves a party and will always dress up.

Then get halfway down the beach and meet Madeleine - and her dog?? Cant believe Ive forgotten. She has a lovely and slightly mad dog. We double back and record a short interview.

The 3 legged 'Midnight' appears - I would say an established St Clair regular - brilliant - his surrogate owner is doing a great job meeting his every need - Id say Midnight was having the time of his life.

Saturday - Pineapple Track, St Clair with P

Easter Saturday - meet with Neville and his two dogs - great trip up the Pineapple Track. N has an amazing knowledge of plants - which he generously shares - and is keenly observant of how plants thrive in a natural environment. Then off to meet with Paula and Hooch - very funny walk - surfs good too - Blackhead at the end of the day. A demanding day for Tippy dog - has had to deal with many new situations and dogs - coped brilliantly.

Friday 10th April - am I getting enough oxytocin?

Quick trip to Jubilee, then down to St Kilda - no sign of Oscar dog. Aim to change topic on the discussion board at Forbury Cnr - but dont make it. Instead go up to Wakari dog Park - Max and Cosmo. Its black dog day. New topic - "what do you like the most about walking your dog? " Later go up Signal Hill - meet up with the owner of Annie and Zack at Opoho. Meet J and Otis - very nice walk up Frasers Gully. Good stuff. Trip to Brighton - gun club at Waldronville on the way back - meet Kahn - a beauty SPCA special - plan a locals walk day. Stop in at Forbury finally only to find that the discussion topic has been removed - oh well - meet Shadow and Nahnuk(?) - its big dog night.

Oxytocin is a hormone asociated with bonding, social recognition and trust - and its release is triggered by our interaction with animals.

Big day - Huriawa Pa, Karitane, Warrington on dusk,Forbury Cnr and St Clair with S, Gemma and Murphy ,

Start the day at St Kilda - T and I meet Oscar dog and his lovely owner - soon to be rebuilt with a new hip - bump into S from OCTC and her dogs - Murphy and Gemma - quick trip to put up discussion boards at Forbury Cnr. Meet Tazz dog - a new re-homer. Darly also. Later we drive up to Karitane via the coast - and check out Huriawa Pa - which is really interesting - could do with a bit more historical info - its blowing and cold - stop in at Warrington on the way home.

Speedway - Wed 8 April

Chilly morning - Ross Creek early on - meet up with Team A again and the pup J - some rogue rabbits have to be attended too along the golf course edge. Coffee then a quick trip to Jubilee and we meet up with Timai and Bailey - nice

Later its a trip around the Green Island Speedway and Gun Club - no shooting tonight - and as its freezing there's no one about -

Finally some training up at the OCTC - Forster Park - a very friendly club - great instructors - Saffy, Ivy, Colin and a couple of other dogs we are yet to meet. Colin wins the 'quick down' comp and comes away with an Easter egg. Better than one of those calf club ribbons I say.

Pics to come .