Doghailes at Newhailes Estate

After far too long, dog shows are back! To kick of the first (of hopefully many more) of the year, was Doghailes at Newhailes Estate and Gardens. This was the first time we had visited Newhailes and, admiring it's strangely wide and yet very narrow shape, I think we'll need to go back and check out the site on a quiet day. As it was, its only 10 minutes from our good friends and our favourite honorary twin neice and nephew (both about to turn 7). 

The wee ones are at that age where they like the idea of a dog, but with the exception of Missy, don't actually know any dogs. Thier mum (who came with us) also really wants a dog, but is trying to convince dad. He didn't join us, long covid means a choice between seeing us during the day, or sleeping and enjoying our company over a family dinner, and then the evening once kids have gone to bed. He's been quite frustrated with it, but used the playful excuse of getting to avoid his wife trying to convince him to get a dog. 

(spoiler, tactic didn't work, the 3 of them went back wanting different dogs!) 

And there was a lot of dogs to choose from! Whilst browsing markets and stalls, watching the shows (and trying to pick the winner) we established mum wants an old time bulldog, neice wants an akita and nephew the "really small and fluffy Missy", a black and tan long haired teacup chihuahua who had on a bow tie bigger than itself.

Good luck finding a compromise! 

We entered two competitions, Golden Oldie (which I knew we would never win, but after 4 people were convinced she didn't belong to the category, I realised just how a long a shot it was!). We lost to a very old dog in a buggy, which I was more than happy with.

We also entered Best Rescue, where we didn't place again. Niece and nephew were cross about this, but I explained that we knew she was best, and that was all that mattered. We only entered to give some money to a good cause (the National Trust in this case).

It was a good day. All the dogs were well behaved, we found the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home stall and filled them in on how the ex-convict was doing (they put her picture on insta stories!) and Missy managed to sweet talk (or hard stare) everyone out of biscuits. 

A good day. Long over due. 

And yes, the kids went back demanding dogs, so our friends avoidance tactic failed! Still, we got to hang out for the evening and life feels almost as it should be. 

Fingers crossed to a more normal future. Until the next adventure, I'll leave you with Missy dreaming of days to come.