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- Written by Donna
THE BULLDOG WALK from the United Kingdom
Hello! Eiffion here again,
Today [ May 1,2016], I witnessed my first ever Bulldog meet / walk. This meet up is in Lewis, [United Kingdom] was organized by Angie Sherwood Walker, Officially The Bulldog Rescue and Rehoming of United Kingdom(BDR) as a fundraiser. Also Melita Brett, a volunteer for BDR, Home-Vetter, and breed shower phew!!!
Of course their man folk were there to help set up and run the raffle and tea table. It has been a beautiful day. The turnout considering some couldn't make the walk, was amazing. I've never seen so many wonderful Bulldogs all in one place before. I mean I see them all the time on Facebook groups. But to be out and about among all these cuties, was so cool. I had trouble trying to hold in a brimming smile.
I knew some of the folks that turned up, which helped with the initial anxiety that goes with meeting new people for the first time. I knew Helene as we had met before. I hadn't met any of her Bulldogs so that was nice, Simon and Princess Winter were there, but alas no Olaf. I was hoping to meet Simon's show dog, as I've been following his journey in the ring and totally adore his Bulldog. It was nice to eventually meet Princess. I have been advertising her services on the website for a while now. and only just got around to meeting Simon's wife, Princess. They do doggy grooming, micro-chipping and overall fantastic pet care.
Getting to speak to people proved awkward as Wiggles did not really enjoy herself (bless her). I needed to keep her company but I managed to say hi to a few owners. I do not want to come across as brash but it was nice to see my donations being raffled and going off to new homes with much needed money raised for a wonderful cause. I thought as it's a Bulldog walk I'd try and get every Bulldog's name whom arrived. I was choked when one couple said their Bulldog was called Missy. Our Boxer before Scruffy had the same name which brought back old memories. The pictures I took do not do the afternoons sight justice, there were Bulldogs of all sizes everywhere, from the cute little puppies, right up to the young and not so young big lads. Bounding around butt sniffing and playful natures were the order of the day. Wiggles did partake for a little while. But the commotion and all the dogs playing, was too much so we had sit out with her. I'm hopeful with the help of the folks at the walk, we may be able to integrate her with the others, without fear of any upsets in the future. Me and the girls wish to thank everyone for letting us come and join in the Bulldog fan and antics. It was a pleasure to meet you all.
Thank you to Angie and Melita, your generous tea & coffee donations plus the great amount that you raised for BDR. I would like to add on behalf of the walk, not just for the responsibility of taking on the once a month event, but for getting this stubborn blogger out for some much needed air. Normally, I finish my blog by saying, “Happy collecting.” But today I will say, “WHAT A DAY!”
Edited by Julie Bradford
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- Written by Eiffion Ashdown
What a couple of dogs named Scruffy-Louise and Wiggles have in common?
What do a couple of dogs named Scruffy-Louise and Wiggles have in common with a silver plated Humidor made around 1870, the Brighton Toy Museum in the United Kingdom or a Japanese Akari pattern painted seated Bulldog piece over 100 years old? It is a passion for Bulldogs.
Recently we came across a very remarkable family with a very special interest in Bulldogs that took a dramatic turn into an inspiring collection of Antique Bulldog items that takes your breath away.
In total awe and envy to be so surrounded by the wide-ranging diversity of items dedicated to the Bulldog we just had to learn more. Who would have known there was such an array? That some of these items could be over 200 years old in private collections of a family who is eager to share them with total strangers of another Bulldog admirer and the general public we find also amazing. Such is the nature of the impact of having been exposed to the Bulldog.
Eiffion Ashdown told us “I'm a Bully addict I run the English Bulldog Collectors Club.” when we first started discussing his collection.
Eiffion’s website blog explains how he got attracted to collecting Bulldog pieces. “My collection has one sole purpose, and that's to make it so my Antique Bulldog collection is worthy of auction one day or in years to come, this is so that my daughter can go to university once leaving college and study to live whatever dreams she wants as her vocation in life. Here's to hoping she decides to work with animals. I know back when I was younger I wanted to become a vet, but there are so many other possibilities out there, and I want the world to be her oyster but her happiness has always been my number one priority. It's been an absolute honor and privilege to have created all this for her and I hope it keeps me out of a care home (nursing home) in years to come.
I'm not sure when I will stop collecting but I am sure that I am having a great time in this bully bonkers world!” You have to admit this is an excellent reason to collect unique Bulldog items.
We had to know “How did Eiffion start out putting this collection together? Where did he learn what is valuable, faux, or imitation?”
“I started out with the least expensive, more obtainable English Bulldog pieces. This continued at a steady pace for a year or two with me learning all the time, until one day I realized unwittingly, I had taught myself a lot about Bulldogging and also the best English Bulldog types, dates, etc.
To invest in on this crusade of mine, I did not have the kind of money needed for top quality pieces till I met a gentleman into Bulldogs like me. I started buying high end pieces off him with a monthly payment arrangement until paid up. I have gone on to meet many wonderful sellers, dealers and contacts since then. I would love nothing more than to get my collection recognized. I hope one day someone spots what I have put together and think WOW!!!”
“JUST DO IT.” As Eiffion tells us in his blog “On the 19 Oct 2015 I was diagnosed with OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). I’ve struggled with this for years now and during the making of this site, I want to disclose this information so to inspire others with disorders like mine to follow their dreams and passions; I've found it a great distraction, a great way of investing in my daughter’s future, and a great way to meet new people. I have been so warmly welcomed into the Bulldog community whom are a great bunch and have helped me in many ways."
Never quit trying
“My ultimate dream would be a Bulldog museum where a few choice collectors curate a catalogued collection running through the different genres like the history advertising propaganda a good two hundred years of Bulldog history just like a museum, but all Bulldog.”
Did you know there is not a museum dedicated to the Bulldog? Not one in the United Kingdom? Not one in the United States either?
Eiffion’s efforts have captured his whole family (want something the whole family can do together?) Eiffion’s wife has embraced the uniqueness of this collection. "Eiffion started collecting Bulldogs six years ago. The Bulldogs were just standard pieces with no maker’s marks. Within a few months, he had collected several pieces. He started looking for designer pieces and that's where he fell in love with his collection even more.
Slowly but surely, amazing pieces were becoming part of his collection, that made his passion for collecting Bulldog items even more serious. It didn't have to be a Bulldog statue, if it had a Bulldog on it he would have to have it. That's when he also decided to learn about the maker's marks and back stamps and where they were made.
Eiffion knows most of the maker's marks and what country the item was made in. To this day his collection is a testament to his passion for his daughter's future, and of collecting Bulldogs.
He even has a very old Bulldog toy which is displayed in our local toy museum. All his pieces are displayed in cabinets and he organizes them from the maker's mark country of origin and material.”
You really need to know who the special dogs are that have taken over this family’s life. You know it always is the dog’s fault, when something happens, and this is no exception… We understand that it all started with a Bulldog named Scruffy-Louise. In fact, the website is dedicated to “SCRUFFY-LOUISE THE BEST BULLDOG THAT COULD EVERY HAVE BEEN !!!” ON THE 25th OF OCTOBER, AT 1 AM, I LOST MY BULLDOG SCRUFFY-LOUISE SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING. SCRUFFY-LOUISE IS AN INSPIRATION TO ME AND THAT'S BEEN PASSED ON TO CREATE SOMEWHAT OF A BULLDOG COMMUNITY, AND ALL THANKS TO THIS BEAUTIFUL GIRL.” Scruffy-Louise is accredited for changing Eiffion’s life. Her memory is still the inspiration and she is considered a fundamental part of motivational direction for this massive one of a kind collection of antique collectible Bulldogs.
“Scruffy-Louise was our very first Bulldog, a massive change to our previous chosen breed the Boxer dog.” I have met new people, friends, contacts, and even clients from all over the world since joining the Bulldog world, which I'm eternally grateful for.”
Like all hooked Bulldog lovers, after the passing of Scruffy-Louise the family could not survive long without opening their home to their current reigning Bulldog, Wiggles. Thus ensuring that Collectibulldogs.com, the number one UK site for Collectible Bulldogs, will continue to delight and amaze collectors, Bulldog fans and dog lovers the world over.
A testament to the great influence the Bulldog breed has had on humans, “The Bulldog" dates back over two centuries. In the collector’s game, Bullies have been the focus of artists, companies advertising, the US Marine Corps’ Mascot, Mack trucks, WW1-2 propaganda among others. There is no other dog as well depicted from history in a collectible object as there is the Bulldog.”
Eiffion, “….hopes to inspire others into starting their own collections and ventures. Bulldog collectibles come in all shapes and sizes. We have amassed so far: rare antique collectibles, artwork, books and other one of a kind pieces. This is a world class collection of antique English Bulldog collectibles dating back over two centuries, made in many countries.
You are invited to contact him directly, ask questions about individual pieces or seek help in identifying items you would like help in identifying, that you might have. We have provided links to his website and Facebook page so you can admire this treasure trove of collectible Bulldog figurines and collectible antiquities from a bygone era. Eiffion welcomes your sharing of his sites and would love your feedback.
"In January of 2015 I loaned a piece from my collection to the Brighton Toy Museum, it's the OLD GROWLER piece dated 1800s. I was not thinking right when I bought this piece as it needs specialist attention to keep it from falling apart. Having a museum borrow your piece is great, as it keeps your investment safe and they specialize in preservation; whereas, the piece would have just sat in my cabinet till it turned to dust. If you wish to see other pieces at this museum they are at Brighton Museum. It's a great place, even the location is unusual, situated under an old Victorian rail way station and easy to get to using all forms of transport... “
Click here to go to Eiffion’s web site link
Eiffion Ashdown... “I chose the Bulldog after researching dogs. If I had my way, the home would be full of Boxer dogs they are the best breed for folks like me. They are the best for anxiety and mental health related issues etc. When I first started, I was buying anything with a Bulldog on it. It wasn't till I got serious that I started finding the world’s best and all this is driven by my love for my daughter. I've been fighting my illness every day I've been in this game. But it (the collection) saved me. I've gone from a nobody, to having friends like top judge, Norman Davis. You know, people are starting to take what you are doing very seriously when you start receiving signed books from Norman Davis.
Some folks in the Bulldog world are annoyed because they've known him longer, bought show winning pups and even had their Bulldogs judged by him and yet they get unsigned copies and need to pay. I got a signed copy come through the door and a gift.
Edited by Julie Bradford
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