River's Song: The Journey to Crufts

It was time for Crufts again, and with it came that usual mix of excitement, apprehension and a desire not to go. Of course I wanted to go, but there is always so much to do before and I am always aware that I need to get out more – the thought of going into busier places fills me with a bit of dread.

But, we got organised, Talulah, Tussock and Skara were left behind with Chris, and River and I set off on Thursday afternoon to go over to my parents’ in Fife. From there, it is only a 45 minute drive to Min’s house on Friday morning.

On arrival at Min’s house, I could see River thinking “Oh. Not THIS place again!” But she sniffed about, familiarising herself with the scent of Min’s dogs.

We loaded up, dogs in crates, water in dishes for each of them, water and food in the cab for us. We didn’t even bother to have a last coffee before setting off – we just went – we were keen to get on the road, red rosettes were beckoning, and the thought of a sociable couple of days was something we were looking forward to.

A quick stop to get fuel, and we were on the road properly. Our first stop is usually at the services at Annandale water – it’s one of the better places to let dogs have a good walk – and depending on how busy it is, even some time off lead. But we never made it that far…..

We weren’t that far out of Glasgow when Min suddenly said “We have a problem.” We had gone over a large pothole on the motorway just a couple of miles back, and my first thought was that we had a puncture, or something wrong with the steering. But no – the engine had just died. Min got us on to the hard shoulder and we sat there a few minutes discussing our situation. Tried the engine again, but with no luck.

Out came the AA card and the phone call was made – the usual advice was given – get out of the vehicle and on to the hard shoulder. Only we couldn’t! Beside us was a wall covered with wire. I might have made it up there, but I had doubts about Min doing so! And besides – neither of us were prepared to leave the dogs. So we sat there, and suddenly I realised just how frighteningly dangerous a position it is to be in. Every car, every bus and lorry shook the van and the speed of the traffic was scary.

Not sure we can climb this!

We had been told it would be an hour before recovery arrived, but in fact it was only about 40 minutes before a delightful chap called Charlie arrived. He explained he was going to put the van on the back of the truck and take us to the next services where it would be safer for him to take a look at the engine. So at that point we had to abandon the dogs and move into the back of the recovery truck. It was lovely and warm (and palatial!) and we both realised how cold we had got sitting still.

A warm and palatial cab.

The van was winched on to the truck and off we went – at least heading in the right direction. A few miles down the road, we pulled off to services and the van winched back off again. Charlie had a quick look at the engine, but couldn’t find anything obvious – he would have to call a mechanic, and that was going to be another hour. Our day was disappearing. But, we went for a coffee, to the loo, got the dogs out for a stretch and chatted. We were trying to be positive, and not think of the situation should they not be able to get the van going.

Going up the ramp.

Goodness knows what the dogs were thinking.

Charlie the recovery man.

Min looking a bit worried and fed up.

Charlie - a smiling gentleman.

Enter the mechanic. Hooray! We would soon be on the road again. But the news wasn’t good – the timing belt had gone. We were no longer going to Crufts. The mechanic was ordering another recovery vehicle to come and take us back to Perth.