Danny Childs

Earth Dog Running Dog, letter.
For the attention of David Harcombe, Editor of E.D.R.D. Letter for publication if you deem suitable.

Dear David,

It has just been brought to my notice that Danny Childs mentions our old-fashioned strains of lurcher in the November issue of E.D.R.D.

Having now browsed a borrowed copy, I am considering taking out a subscription; as unlike "The Shooter's Comic" (as we know it), where only opinions in agreement with the recently deceased "Comic Book Writer" (as we know him) are allowed, E.D.R.D. appears to allow expression of other points of view.

I am very sorry that Danny was frustrated by our club waiting list, for puppies, but I think he may soon agree that our prices are cheap compared to paying less initially for a puppy-farm product if, after investing expense, time and effort into the rearing and training only to be disappointed in the finished articles natural hunting ability. He now has the next 15 years to reflect on the cost of impatience.

At least if you wait to purchase a surplus whelp from a litter bred for own use, from ancestors who have been selected for working performance for generations, there are no potential throw-backs to disappointing ingredients. A good thing is always worth waiting for. So, I suggest he re-books his place on the waiting list so that when his eldest team member retires he will be at the top of the list, ready. We will forgive him his current transgression providing he promises not to cross the good pup with it! We still get oversubscribed for rough bitchs, mostly previous owners returning for more of the same once they've seen one work. But, we do not wish to hike the price out of the reach of those who want one for work and we discourage breeding just for profit.

I prefer the dogs to do the talking - or rather the silent action in the fields - for me, and steer well clear of the playground chavies who chant "My dogs better than your dog" whilst clutching their "School-Master's books". We carry on just as we did in the days when mere ownership of a lurcher warranted execution along with the dog. The "Antis" may soon have us all back in those "Dark-Ages", if they get their way.

Another problem that I encounter is that nobody seems willing to give credit where it is due. Perhaps they want to keep their source of good workers a secret from rival hunters, which may be influenced by having to be patient on the waiting list for their "Another one like the last please".

Incidentally, "Reggie" purportedly of "Norfolk" stock is nothing like "The Norfolk rabbitting stamp of lurcher" as I know it; indeed, from the photograph he looks the total opposite - being well angulated, up on the leg, narrow through (both front legs from the same hole) and soft long coated.

Good hunting everybody Jeff. The Lurcher & Tumbler Welfare & Breed Club. (www.lurchers.org.uk).

This letter was published in the Earth Dog, Running Dog magazine.



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			Earth Dog Running Dog, letter. For the attention of David Harcombe, Editor of E.D.R.D. Letter for publication if you deem suitable. Dear David, It has just been brought to my notice that Danny Childs mentions our old-fashioned strains of lurcher in the November issue of E.D.R.D. Having now browsed a borrowed copy, I am considering taking out a subscription; as unlike "The Shooter's Comic" (as we know it), where only opinions in agreement with the recently deceased "Comic Book Writer" (as we know him) are allowed, E.D.R.D. appears to allow expression of other points of view. I am very sorry that Danny was frustrated by our club waiting list, for puppies, but I think he may soon agree that our prices are cheap compared to paying less initially for a puppy-farm product if, after investing expense, time and effort into the rearing and training only to be disappointed in the finished articles natural hunting ability. He now has the next 15 years to reflect on the cost of impatience. At least if you wait to purchase a surplus whelp from a litter bred for own use, from ancestors who have been selected for working performance for generations, there are no potential throw-backs to disappointing ingredients. A good thing is always worth waiting for. So, I suggest he re-books his place on the waiting list so that when his eldest team member retires he will be at the top of the list, ready. We will forgive him his current transgression providing he promises not to cross the good pup with it! We still get oversubscribed for rough bitchs, mostly previous owners returning for more of the same once they've seen one work. But, we do not wish to hike the price out of the reach of those who want one for work and we discourage breeding just for profit. I prefer the dogs to do the talking - or rather the silent action in the fields - for me, and steer well clear of the playground chavies who chant "My dogs better than your dog" whilst clutching their "School-Master's books". We carry on just as we did in the days when mere ownership of a lurcher warranted execution along with the dog. The "Antis" may soon have us all back in those "Dark-Ages", if they get their way. Another problem that I encounter is that nobody seems willing to give credit where it is due. Perhaps they want to keep their source of good workers a secret from rival hunters, which may be influenced by having to be patient on the waiting list for their "Another one like the last please". Incidentally, "Reggie" purportedly of "Norfolk" stock is nothing like "The Norfolk rabbitting stamp of lurcher" as I know it; indeed, from the photograph he looks the total opposite - being well angulated, up on the leg, narrow through (both front legs from the same hole) and soft long coated. Good hunting everybody Jeff. The Lurcher & Tumbler Welfare & Breed Club. (www.lurchers.org.uk). This letter was published in the Earth Dog, Running Dog magazine.