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Kennelmaid Nan

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#1: Kennelmaid Nan Author: Rachael,

Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2005 5:59 pm

What a wonderful book title!! Please discuss here:

#2: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2005 6:22 pm

I enjoyed this book when I read it on the Transcripts' site. It was rather more adult than the usual EBD story, and I enjoyed the focus on the world of work rather than school. I thought that Nan was a fairly well-drawn character who in true EBD style, proved her worth to her employer. I thought that the accusations against Nan, and the clearing of her name were written in the authentic EBD 'virtue will have its own rewards' style, but it was good to read something that wasn't set in a school.

#3: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 8:42 pm

No surprise that I enjoyed this book really! Read it on the transcripts site one afternoon over Christmas. From a personal opinion I feel that EBD must have known someone that either worked in or ran a kennel. The portrayal of the day to day running of the kennel was very accurate - there was an article in this year's Dog World Annual about the Vulcan Poodle Kennels in the 1950's and some of the routine they followed was very similar to that followed in the book. The show system used throughout the book is accurate - including the fact that a cocker can only get it's full title if it has three Challenge Certificates ( CC's ) and it's working certificate (you can get three Working Certificates and become a Field Trial Champion but to become a show champion as well you need all three CC's). She also talks about different types of show - sanction, limit, open and championship - most of which are still in operation today. Her mention of classes - such as debutante, maiden, tyro etc are also all correct. Note to those not in the UK - the KC's system of running shows, classification and qualifications are very different from anywhere else in the world. A UK title is the most highly prized of any in the dog world as it is the only country where champions compete for the CC's along side non champions making it much harder to win the required three. Both pre and post war large commercial style kennels, normally specialising in one breed, were common all over the country and work as a kennel maid was thought to be a suitable occupation for a young girl who wanted to work with animals but didn't have the education or qualifications for further training as a vet (vet nurse training around that time was very hit and miss!) The most well known of the training kennels was Bellmead - now the Country outpost of Battersea dogs home and the small animal college. Other large breeders, such as the Of Ware cocker spaniels (famous for winning crufts before and after the war) also ran upto about 50 dogs at a time. It was common for the favourite kennel maids to be given puppies to train and show, eventually many of these would start up their own lines, some of which are running today. Some kennel maids became the managers and eventually took over the stock and affix (kennel name) of the kennel when the original owner died. (am willing to try and answer any questions anyone might have about the show scene etc - and if anyone wants will bring the Dog World Annual to the Gathering for people to look at the article mentioned above)

#4: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 7:59 pm

I loved this too- have it in HB since i loved the transcript so much. Kate, I think EBD bred and showed German Shepherds at some point, but I shouldn't be surprised if she did the same with Cockers. She has them perfect- standard, characteristics and all!

#5: Author: joelle, Location: lancashire, england

Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 8:48 pm

i agree with the above! this was one of the ebd transcripts i left til near the end since to be honest, it didnt sound one of her best. but its a lot realistic that some of her other books and its really interesting to read. i know if i`d read it when i was younger id have been considering working in a kennel (now with a stupid but lovable hyperactive dog im not so sure Laughing

)

#6: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 6:10 pm

I didn't see the comment about the Of Wares before- I have a 19030s? book called 'the merry cocker.' I *think* the writer bred/ had dogs from the Treetops line- probably Of Ware too. Anyway, the book has some abolutely gorgeous photos including a portrait of a blue roan bitch Tracy Witch of Ware. I loved it as a child cos it was the spitting image of our blue roan cocker bitch. I also loved the cute line drawings and anecdotes sprinkled throughout. It's also very similar to Kennelmaid Nan in lots of ways.

#7: Author: Kat, Location: Swansea

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 7:22 pm

Thanks for posting that Kate! Found it very interesting Smile

I liked Kennelmaid Nan, and enjoyed reading about the way the kennel was run. Equally I thought EBD drew the characters well (although it was tempting to whack Mr Evil one!) and I liked seeing Nan develop from the shy girl at the beginning to the strong minded woman at the end.

Must read the transcript again, haven't read it for a long time, so excuse the lack of names involved!!

ETA: I started reading this today - and have come across a cracking bit!!

"Jakes, Miss Peters is interested in your stripping.”
Jakes looked up with a grin. “Welcome, I’m sure,” he said. “See here, miss, it’s like this.”

Laughing

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