Funday
Sunday, 2 April 2006

I was invited, along with my Scottie, Molly, to attend the Scottie Fun Day on April 2nd, at Castle Hill. Christine McKay, a long-time Scottie owner and fellow Cessnock resident said it would be a great way to meet other scotties and their owners in a more relaxed environment.
We arrived, tracked Christine down, met her lovely mum, Olive, had a refreshing cuppa and then proceeded to met the other scotties. My 5 year old son, Edward, and I, fell instantly in love with the baby wheatens, as did everyone else. As we met, and Molly sniffed, the rest of the scotties, I was amazed at the huge variety of shapes and sizes. One characteristic was the same - that distinct Scottie bark!
We signed up for the maze run, having no previous experience. After watching some of the other contestants run through it became clear that this was not as easy as it looked. Molly was not impressed at all and didn't quite make it to the end! Jules said we should try again later and everyone was encouraging. We did try again and after a great deal of encouragement with doggy treats, and with some help form Geoff, Molly made it! The plan is to make it through the maze at the next fun day in less than 35 seconds. ( I think the winner made it through in 5! )
Molly and I lined  up as starters in the bone and spoon race, but it was my inexperience this time that let us down, dropping the bone just before the finish line. Molly didn't complain! A tasty treat after such a test of endurance!
We were then divided into groups for a Scottie quiz. This was more my style. My son proved to be quite knowledgeable regarding a particular series of story books about a little Scottie, giving us a much-needed edge over our competitors. Our group of 3 won, scoring 11 points and my prize was a little beanie Scottie on a key ring-very cute!
Lunch followed and a talk by Marion Bollard about training your Scottie. We have got as far as "sit" but it might take a while for some of the other commands.
Molly, and Edward, slept most of the way home, giving me time to reflect on our day. What really stood out, for me, was the warm welcome we received and the feeling that we were among friends. Are we attending the next Scottie fun day?-definitely!

Julie O'Brien