Ever since Blossom qualified for Crufts in November 2007 I've been working towards this day. Then Punch qualified for Crufts as well (3 times) so I really wanted to go there with the 2 qualifiers.
My great friend Wendy, from Chinese Crested Kennel "Full Monty", was so nice to accompany me and my dogs for support. I am so greatful of her support and guidance during this trip, and not to forget for Binkie and Annie, Wendy's car and navigation.

We left thursday morning from Helmond and arrived at Calais around noon.
After been recovered from the shock of the price of our Tunnel Tickets and driving in the wrong direction 3 times in a row (and had a great laugh over this) we finally managed to get on the train.
The trip went well and fast, we arrived in England before we even could close our eyes.

We had reservations in a lovely hotel near Birmingham, were we, after getting used to driving on the wrong side of the road, arrived around 4.
Our room was lovely and we were very tired so we ordered room-service :-) As you can see on the pictures... we were very hungry!
Of course we took the dogs out for a nice walk and they also had their dinner.

We talked some and then decided to play with the dogs a bit in the hall way.
Wendy brought her own made toys "soekies" which my dogs absolutely love, so running around through the hallway was one big blast.

Afterwards we hit the shower and then went to bed around 9.
At 4 in the morning Wendy got up and walked the dogs, and afterwards I tried to groom my dogs as best as possible as we did not have a removable head on our shower.
We left our hotel at around 6:30 and were at NEC, Birmingham 15 minutes later. There we could easily find our place in the right hall and I practiced a bit with the dogs.

I was (as on all shows) very nervous but had no expectations, just being on Crufts was enough!
First "Timegarden Paradise Punch" entered the male Yearling Class and he did perfect! Stood super on the table, showed as I know from him and when the Judge pointed at Punch for First Place I was soooo happy
My own bred boy First Place at Crufts, that was like a dream.

"Time to Blossom Diamond Place" - Blossom did great as well and she felt real confident on table and in the ring. No placement for her, but I was so proud of both of my babies. And being there was such a great experience.
As Punch was already qualified for Crufts 2010 on the Winner in Amsterdam and now by winning First Place is qualified again, we might be coming back in 2010 ;-)

After the shopping we went to Diane from Chinese Crested and Dobermann Kennel "Leibwache". We got a great welcome there and had a great meal and an even better bed ;-) I was so nice meeting her and her family and dogs in person.
We slept great, woke up at 9 and decided to go home in the afternoon. After having played with the dogs and packing our bags again, we left to go back to the Netherlands.
Again with the train through the tunnel, this time without any difficulties ;-)

I want to thank Wendy for her support, the great pictures she all made (and you can see on this page) but most of all her friendship and companionship.
And of course thanks to Diane and her family who welcomed us in their house and let us have a truly very pleasant stay in England.
Next many many thanks to my mum and dad, who babysitted my dogs at home while I was away. Without these people I wouldn't have been to Crufts this year.
Thank you all for this marvelous experience and we hope to come back again next year!