Overcast, grey and raining! Umbrellas as far as the eye can see! People dressed in dark, depressing colours! A rough description of All Saints’ Day in Germany. But the 1st and 2nd of November were quite different here in Spain! Owners of the Newfoundland that had registered to take part in the rescue trials were welcomed by clear blue skies, sunshine and waves somewhat heavier than normal on their arrival in Olivia, a typical Spanish resort located to the south of Valencia which has not lost any of its natural character to tourism.

Some of the participants, a large proportion of those taking part came from inland parts of Spain (Madrid area) and even from Burgos in the north, decided to get here early on the previous evening and we all met up to celebrate a happy reunion.

Things began in earnest the following morning - owners' hangovers and all! In the early morning light, the beach looked lonely and deserted. But this proved to be deceiving with several mongrels, setters and schnauzers already enjoying the setting together with their owners. With dog restrictions lifted, an section of this kilometre-long, unspoilt sandy beach had been marked out for the trials. The “Cruz Roja” (Red Cross) had even made a dingy and crew available for the trails. Our good-natured, sometimes high-spirited best friends had to weather waves and salt water before climbing onto the boat, jumping overboard far out to sea, swimming a set distance, taking life belts out to dummies in the water and towing them back to land. The trails were split into 4 difficulty levels (for all those who don’t know a great deal about water rescue!). The sea and waves were a little unfamiliar to the dogs, since most of them were used to quiet lakes. But everything went like clockwork, which had a great deal to do with the sensitive instructions given by the judge, Don Ignacio de Marco.

Some of our best friends found waiting around between trials a little boring and, as a distraction, decided to turn their attentions to other dogs only here as onlookers; to the despair of their owners, since our rescuers were covered in sand.

Despite the fact that the trails had not been advertised at all, the interest from passing spectators was very great. Indeed, I'm not exaggerating when I say that more was done for the image of the Newfoundland over these two days than at a dog show. The water work group here in Spain is rather out on its own and VERY interested in establishing international contacts. We are sure that the warm Spanish hospitality and the unspoilt surroundings here in Oliva will play their part in this. In fact, it might even be worth considering for a holiday. You will find more information on the area at www.tourist-oliva.com

Hasta luego, amigos!

                                                            Jürgen und Ulla Clemens, Moraira