Journal Donau 2018

25
I can’t remember...
...when and where I found out about the Donaueschingen
show, since it has been such a long time ago. For sure I remember
a certain uneasiness in taking part to such a challenging
event and the ambition to do well. I remember in those years
the rings placed in the park surrounding the von Fürstenberg
palace, the pictures token in front of the majestic façade of
the building, le cars random parked, making Olaf Knauber
furious. I’ll always remember for sure the emotion of the first
important win, the double Puppy BIS awarded by Floripedes
dei Mangialupi in 2003, then the double Junior BIS by Pappa
col Pomodoro dei Mangialupi in 2007, the Baby BIS by Charles
dei Mangialupi and the Veteran BIS by Karla dei Mangialupi in
2016, the wins by the litter sisters Ada and Pappa col Pomodoro
on the jubilee days, celebrating 100 years anniversary of
the wolfhound breed in Germany in 2010. So many rewards
for a breeder, a few failures. But when the standard of the
competition is so highly raised, it likely happens that the expectations
can’t be met. Until today I haven’t been able to win
the adult BIS, just placings, I wonder if I’ll ever get it! But it’s not
of course something to get stressed for. In Donaueschingen
it is fantastic to have the opportunity to meet so many good
friends, breeders among the best in the world, spending time
and sharing experiences with. And, of course, getting together
with the best friends of DWZRV, primarily the great ladies,
Frieda, Julie, Wallo, Angelika, Gerda, etc., even if they don’t
have so much time available in those days, being so busy in
making everything easy for the exhibitors, taking care for the
infernal machine called Donaueschingen Sighthound Festival.
Yes, because this event has become to be of an unbelievable
size, difficult to manage by a group of volunteers, in spite
of the stubborn workers as mentioned. I don’t know if it’s
better to wish them their event going to improve more and
more (because their efforts are worthy of a great reward), or if
it’s better to hope that the event remains or scales down, so
that it preserves a more human and workable format. What I
know for sure is that this time once more I’ll be there with my
hounds and I’m sure that, whatever prize I’ll take home or not,
I’ll spend a great time there.
Finally, in my position as president of Club del Levriero – Italy
– I’ve to say that I’m truly grateful to the DWZRV for the strong
partnership we created during the years, involving our Spring
Club Show in Padenghe and the Donaueschingen Sighthound
Festival.
Marcello Poli
President of Club del Leviero – Italy
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