Bella & Darcy's Friends. Mystery Cache

The cache is not at the posted coordinates but there you will find a bench where you can solve the puzzle below to find the coodinates of GZ.

While geocaching we are accompanied by our three year old, Old English Sheepdogs, Bella & Darcy.  They have attended a number of local events, including two CITOs and they feature in many photos that are included in our logs. We have had five Old English Sheepdogs over the past 20 plus years, we thought you might like to know a bit more about our favourite breed of dog.

The Old English Sheepdog (OES) is a large breed of dog that was developed in England from early herding types of dog.

Appearance.  The OES is immediately recognisable by its long, thick, shaggy grey and white coat, with fur covering their face and eyes. The ears lie flat to the head. Historically, the breed's tail was commonly docked, but dogs with tails dogs are now common, as many countries have outlawed cosmetic docking. The OES stands lower at the shoulder than at the loin and walks with a "bear-like” roll from the rear.

Height at the withers is at least 61 cm (24 in), with females slightly smaller than males. The body is short and compact, and ideal weights are not specified in the breed standards, but may be as much as 46 kg for large males.

The colour of the double coat may be any shade of grey, grizzle, black, blue, or blue merle, with optional white markings. The undercoat is water resistant. Puppies are born with a black and white coat, and it is only after the puppy coat has been shed that the more common grey or silver shaggy hair appears. The OES only sheds when they are brushed.

Temperament.  The breed standards describe the ideal OES as never being nervous or aggressive. The New Zealand Kennel Club adds "they are sometimes couch potatoes" and "may even try to herd children by gently bumping them.” This breed's temperament can be described as intelligent, social and adaptable. The American Kennel Club adds that the breed has "a clownish energy" and "may try to herd people or other objects.” The OES should not be deprived of the company and the warmth of people.

Activities.  The OES can compete in dog agility trials obedience, fly-ball, tracking, and herding events. They are also ideal geo-hounds !

The Puzzle

The combination of their good looks and excellent temperament has meant that Old English Sheepdogs have starred in many books, cartoon strips, films & TV shows. Can you remember the names of some of Bella & Darcy’s famous friends?  Where there is more than one possible answer an initial or initials will be included in brackets for clarification.

The cache can be found at N54 27.ABC  W005 49.DEF

A  =  The Shaggy DA - Paul McCartney’s OES

B  = (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang + 1) - The Shaggy Dog

C  =  The Raccoons, older OES (S)

D  =  The 1st Dulux dog (D)

E  =  Labyrinth - 1

F  =  The Little Mermaid

Enjoy !