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Stephen Salter gives us an behind-the-scenes glimpse into Salters at Suffolk Dog Day…
An early rise for the annual event at Helmingham…
The Salters Van was packed the day before, so off I went at 6.45am to set my Salters Stand up for the day.
The weather was great: a light breeze and sunshine.
Arriving you could see that once again the Suffolk Dog Day had grown in size…. the big players were there with their impressive stands, which no doubt, their crews of people had put together the day before.
All staff were in their colour co-ordinated shirts, directing people on where to go…walkie talkies which were red hot!
I was directed to my ticketed destination…this is my square!!
Typical, the wind drops and the heat increases… poor dogs – if this keeps up, it will also knock the attendance as people will not bring their dogs out!
I had asked for the tent to be oiled for easy assembly, but I had half of Shell’s oil extraction running down my arms by the time I had finished…..and it was getting hotter…
Unfortunately the law is that we can’t leave our van by our pitch, it has to be parked away, so everything must come out and be disguised as display and stored for the day… so as to avoid a messy stand – attention to detail is the order of the day…
And I am getting hotter!!!
Finally, it’s there in all our glory: our stand is complete.
Our staff arrive and so do the people…..This is my exit, having assembled the stand, my shirt and shorts needed changing as they were somewhat sponge-like! Fortunately I had learnt over the years to take further washing facilities and fresh clothes.
What a sight, if people knew what went on in a Transit!
At last, fresher, shirted and tied, time to sell our stuff!!
Thankfully the wind had returned and it was pleasant. Lots of people coming round, so lots of samples given…. at least the dogs would get a really nice treat with Salters.
It is always encouraging when your customers come up and say they have been using Salters for years and they’re so happy about their dogs’ coats and condition… it’s really rewarding.
Also those who have just heard of Salters and are already impressed even at the early stages of use. Yes it is a business, but it’s nice when people are happy, there is an enormous amount of pleasure gained from “man’s best friend”. So if you can try to make their dogs as healthy and happy as possible, by using the very best of ingredients, then you have done your best, thats my personal opinion.
The show rings were busy with several new events and Mr Peter Purves was there giving his commentary and expertise that he brings to these dog events, indeed giving a great lift and lightheartedness to the proceedings, a popular celebrity where ever he goes…
People are waining a bit in the heat, so time to find a short queue for drinks and a quick bite…
There is a constant flow throughout the afternoon, nice people and very relaxed, the only real danger of this hot day is going to the loo!!! These Plastic Tardises!!! (Doctor Who (BBC) for those who are younger!!) are quite murderous as they get so hot, you are almost getting out of the shower having smelt hot plastic for a few minutes!!
As people collect their prizes that we had donated, everyone had had a great day, peoples spirits were up and the only thing needed, was for the stand to come down… Once the curfew had been lifted the vans were allowed back and the disassembly could take place – amazing how quickly you can pack up after a long day on your feet…
All round a good and successful day for Salters flying our flag… happy customers, happy dogs!!!
From Left to Right: Two pictures of Salters Dogs visiting the stand; Wenigan, Reserve Best in Show; Mylo, Winner of “Scruffiest Dog” collecting the prize from Salters Stand and two photos of The Salters Stand at Suffolk Dog Day
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