Trophies

[Ossian]

If one of my dogs wins a trophy, I will be delighted and put it in my cabinet proudly fior the year that I have it.

 

However I was talking to someone recently who noticed a cup which just had the trophy name on it (no space for engraving the winning dog for that year etc)

 

They wanted to know why I had brought it home and when I queried it they said they would never uplift a trophy they couldnt have inscribed with their dogs name. They would leave it!

 

I was really taken aback but I dont know ....is that what everyone thinks?

[eva ciechonska]

I am with you and Sue on this one. It has never occured to me to only take trophies I could have inscribed. I always thought it was an honour to win them anyway. Maybe it's sign of the times.........it is a shame because Club trophies have all been donated by members. Many of them are very old and have a great history behind them. Why should they be repaced or modified just because someone wants to put their dog's name on them?

[eva ciechonska]

Interesting point Michelle about replacing original trophies just because there are no more spaces to add names. So many of these trophies are very beautiful and valuable and too costly to ask the membership to replace like for like. It would be a great shame to demote them to the display cabinet. I don't think it would even be considered in the UK to ask. Cups and trophies are replaced if they are lost or damaged beyond repair, otherwise they are passed on every year to the winning dogs. The winners of all Club trophies are recorded on the Club websites and in the year books. In many respects this is better because more often than not photos are also taken so you have an historical and pictorial record.
There are certain situations when placing the name of a dog or winner on a trophy would be of historical significance. Top IS for that year, top sire, top brood and top breeder. Bur these are landmark achievements and merit special consideration.

[eva ciechonska]

Of course the valuable and historical trophies will be displayed for posterity should the Club ever fold.
I think, to go back to Ossian's original question.........It seems, judging by how many Club trophies are taken home after each show, that most people don't care whether there is a spot to engrave their dog's name or not they just enjoy winning them.. I, like you Ossian, was surprised to hear this. For me the win is thrill enough, the trophy the bonus.
I have, however, had my dog's name engraved on the trophies for top IS and top sire but even ShChs Kerryfair Night Fever and Caspians Intrepid, who won these trophies more times than any other dog, do not appear on them every year.
Incidentally, if you really want your dog's win to be recorded you can always engrave it on a replica trophy, which you get to keep in your display cabinet forever.

[Ossian]

Isnt it strange? there is a split in the camp. One lady said she came home with a haul of seven trophies and all she could think was thank god I dont have to get three of them inscribed and anther said they woud never take a trophy they couldnt put their name on. Wonder what the diffence is? Was the lady with the large number of awards a regularl winner and the other perhaps less so..... dont know.

I still remember my first trophy ever. At the club show my lovely Gordon won "Best feet" I was so thriled with that trophy!!!

[eva ciechonska]

My dogs have won trophies over the years that, to put it kindly, weren't that attractive nor did they have a space to add a name to. I took them anyway out of courtesy (or guilt) to the member who donated them. I know how expensive it is to buy a trophy and have it engraved with the Society name, I have done it myself. Maybe it all comes too easily for some and if they take so should they give..............

"Best feet" is a great award!!!!! Interestingly, the people who win at Exemption (Companion) shows at grassroots level are absolutely thrilled when they receive a small plaque or cup, and some of them are pretty tiny and very often plastic. Very much brings you down to earth!!