© Karl Donvil

DamirSkok

What was your impression regarding the communication for the judges? Was everything clear and well organised?

First I’d like to thank Mr Pichard and Mrs Müller for their kind hospitality. As an organiser in Croatia I can say that we give more information to judges with regard to schedules, timing, breeds etc., but that is not the most important thing. But this can change the personal contact; whenever we need something from Mr Pichard or Mrs Müller, they are always available and that is more important than paperwork.

And the briefing for the main ring? I can see that all the judges are judging in the same way; to us, the Press, it is very much appreciated. Was there a briefing about it?

Yes there was a briefing each morning but also before we go to the pre-judging ring, we were reminded not to be late, how to run the dogs etc. And in the rings too, the ring stewards were excellent and I can tell as I judged two days.

And were you pleased with the hall and the rings? Were the exhibitors relaxed?

I had no issues with the exhibitors which is nice; I enjoyed it, but I would have liked to have more dogs to judge, the double would have been no problem at all.

But it was not cheap…

I think it was very fair. Somebody told me once that it is hard to organise a European Dog Show. It is really difficult with the recession and I admire the courage of the organizers, because with all the social media people are talking all the time about everything and about Switzerland not being hospitable, but I think the show itself told a different story and the biggest achievement of this show was the great hospitality of the Swiss Kennel Club and this comes totally from my heart.

I think they will be glad to hear that!

Interview by Karl Donvil