August 2024

Hello PCTC friends. 

I hope things are going well for you this summer and that you’re finding ways to keep cool.  This heat has been unreal.  Like me, I bet you’re looking forward to cooler weather.  I know our dogs will perk up once Autumn begins. 

The pipes will be calling us during Labor Day Weekend.  Our dogs will be ambassadors for the breed and rescue at the Virginia Scottish Games on Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1 from 9 am to 4 pm.  The games will be held in The Plains, Virginia.  The street address is 5089 Old Tavern Road.  We have a few dedicated members who organize our booth, bring their dogs and meet the public all day long.  These members have done this for many years now.  Please come and help if you can.  Just a few hours of volunteering will be greatly appreciated.  This is one of the most significant outreach events we do all year.  Come and enjoy the tartans, the fiddles, the dancing, the sports, and, of course, the bagpipes. 

We will hold a Sanctioned B Match on Saturday, September 7 at the home of Lydia Hutchinson in Middletown, MD.  Our judge will be Leslie Spencer.  This is a great opportunity to introduce your puppies to the show ring or work on your skills with your older Cairns.  All Cairns except finished Champions may enter.  You may pre-enter or enter on the day of the show starting at 9:30 am.  Judging will begin at 10:30 am.  A brief training session will be offered prior to the judging.  A parade of Champions and Rescue Dogs will be held at the conclusion of the match. 

We have been invited to participate in AKC Earth Dog Trials in October.  The Scottish Terrier Club of Greater Washington is holding two-day trials in Taneytown, MD.  The dates are Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20.  There will be three trials over two days:  two on Saturday and one on Sunday.  The flyer with more information can be found in this newsletter.  This is a great chance to work your dogs in a large AKC Trial.  There will be classes for Novice, Junior, Senior and Master Earth Dog.  There will also be an Intro to Quarry session. 

The club is excited to offer something we haven’t done before:  FARM DOG!  We will have a session on Saturday, November 9 at the home of Sharon and Jerry Howse in Berryville, Virginia.  We are fortunate that Sharon is an AKC Farm Dog judge, and that she has a farm with animals that will be the perfect setting for the day’s event.  Please plan to come.  It will be a wonderful experience for both you and your dog.

December brings one of our most cherished traditions, The Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade.  The parade will be held this year on Saturday, December 7.  This is a celebration of all things Scottish, including our dogs!  Start planning your Christmas and Scottish finery now.  There’s nothing like a group of terriers in kilts, jackets and tartans. 

I have been a proud member of PCTC for more than 30 years.  We are friendly and supportive, hard working and compassionate.  The strength of our club lies in the participation of our members.  You can reach out to any club member at any time with suggestions or for advice or for that extra pat on the back.  We are brought together by our love of “the best little pals in the world”, our Cairn Terriers.

In fellowship, Lois Cleland