As a novice getting ready for a day's picking up can be
quite daunting. So although I will already have an idea of what to take with me
it's good to ask others....
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| The beating and picking up team: From left to right - Emily, Rick, Wendy, Sam, Mark, Mick, Paul, Tim, Chris, Shirley and Michelle! Picture taken by Sarah Smith Purbeck Paws Photography |
'What is the one essential item you pack in the car for a successful day beating or picking up?'
Mick, the heart of the picking up team, has a keen
appreciation of what handlers need on a shoot day. "It's got to be a first
aid kit as you never know when your dog may get injured." Pet
photographer, Sarah Smith agrees with him, "Whether you're out walking the
dog or working your dog a first aid kit is essential to have in the car."
Local beater, Rick, explains that his desire for a
specific cuisine is an essential
requirement for a successful day beating. "It's got to be an Italian
themed lunch. One of the Italian meats really makes my day! It all started when
I used to go mushrooming as a kid with the family and my grandparents would
clip me around the ear and get me to pick the poisonous ones and tell me they
weren't!" Rick grins and adds
"Our lunch would be ciabatta and salemi or one of the Italian meats and
that's what I continue to do now."
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| A bird on the ground is better than two in a bush! |
Jason and Tim share the same idea. "It's got to be a
hip flask!" The boys agree the silver gem is the essential accessory for the
beating line. Easily accessible and undetectable inside the jacket pocket it's
easy to see why the rich flavour and aroma of port keeps them focused on the job!
New to picking up this season, Sam chuckles. "Ah..my
dog lead is the one essential for me." He
pauses and then adds, "I can't believe I left my lead behind on the last shoot!"
Michelle loves beating and enjoys working her spaniel.
"My essential item has got to be my dog." She smiles and adds "I
wouldn't be here without him!"
Chris who helps to run the beating line agrees. "My dogs are
essential for me to have a great day!"
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| Murphy and Mark enjoying the December sunshine! |
Mark has invested in something he feels is essential for
a good day out beating. "I love my tweed
cap...it's one of the first things I pack in the car!"
"Food!" Paul grins, "I don't mind what
kind of food. It just needs to be edible!" He pauses for a minute and adds,
" I do always make sure I've got a tow rope and shackles in the car, as
you never know if someone needs
help."
Spaniels Dodger and Archie have effortlessly found a place in the heart
of the beating line. Dodger's handler, Emily is delighted with his progress and
admits after a full day on the shoot an essential item has to be a towel for
the dog. "I always try to get the excess water and dirt off him before
starting the journey home."
What's my essential item? It's my tea flask! When I arrive at the shoot there is a mixture
of excitement and understandable apprehension.
My morning brew settles the nerves and by the time the first drive
starts I'm relaxed and ready to work Ivy. I wouldn't be without my drink pod!
Photos taken by Sarah Smith. For more information please visit http://www.purbeckpaws.co.uk/
