The Ministry of Defence Guard Service - BPSCA.net

Winner of both the scratch and
handicapped competition was Patrolman
Whitelaw with dog 'Pryce' from
Kirkcudbright, pictured above receiving
his trophy_
1996 Can
There was a very special atmosphere at this
year's open day at the Defence Animal Centre,
Melton Mowbray. Not only was it the venue for
the Canine Biathlon and the Service Dog of the
Year Competition, butthe Royal Army Veterinary
Corps were also celebrating the 200th
anniversary of the first veterinary surgeon, John
Shipp, being commissioned into the British Army.
Farrier and equine displays were matched by
sheep and gundog demonstrations, with swing
boats and bounci ng castles to entertain the
younger element. Pimms and beertents catered
for mums and dads, the weather was beautiful
and so a good day was had by one and all. Or
was it?
If you were a service dog handler, had to run
six kilometres cross country with your dog and
during that run had to go over, under or through
35 obstacles designed to test to the full the
strength and endurance of both dog and handler,
would you say that you'd had a 'good day. The
answer if you are a Canine Biathlon entrant is a
resounding 'Yes'.
This year's course had been redesigned so
that the first eight obstacles were close to, and in
8 The Service Dog