What a lovely, if windy, day for Day 1 of Birmingham National. Merry came 3rd. in a strong Veteran Bitch class - a bit headstrong on the move - but overall I was pleased with her. Her free stand, with wagging tail. And her final stack. Mum you're so untidy with that lead! Now just a month off her 8th. birthday - and we love her to bits! Eddie will be nine on Saturday. There was a time when we never thought he would make eight, but he is proving everybody wrong, and doing a very good impression of being a healthy, crazy Beagle.