Wow - What a journey, where to begin,
You taught me patience and to never give in!
Topaz - aptly this is the sanskrit word for Fire,
As a puppy you arrived with such a burning desire,
Full of enthusiasm and energy, no puppy naps for you,
This is how you continued your whole life through,
I didn't realise what I had from the very start,
So it took a couple of years for me to get smart,
You'd sit, watch, work things out, using your brain,
Getting a step (or several) ahead of me - driving me insane,
You just wanted me close, happy to do whatever,
So beautiful, loyal, committed and oh so clever,
You also had dog tourettes !!! Squeaking and screaming too,
Just an outlet for your excitement to get on and do,
You did everything fast, never walked always ran,
Throwing in your all - winning over many a fan,
Working was your ultimate reward - your passion to live,
Attention, enthusiasm, drive and flare always willingly given,
I loved to stride out knowing you were there,
Firmly on my leg, looking up, committed with flare,
But time marches on, you were an absolute pleasure,
We are left with a wealth of happy memories to treasure,
As it came to the end you raced that bit too,
Didn't want a quiet retirement - that's just not for you,
Now you can chase pesky pigeons, your ball and bubbles,
Running free of pain, happy with no troubles,
But now you are doing an out of sight stay on your own,
While we break out hearts missing you at home,
But save your excitement for the end of your wait,
As we greet each other at the pearly gate.

Oh Topaz I can't believe you've now gone,
A wonderful, spectacular girl who truly shone,
If only I could give you as much as you gave me,
If only I could have you beside me for all eternity.

Your Huge Presence and Personality
is going to be missed by so many
All Our Love Always
Joanne & Mark Stanley
And yor lttle sausages Frankiefurter & Pipparami
XXX

The moment that you died
My heart was torn in two,
One side filled with heartache
The other died with you.

I often lie awake at night
When the world is fast asleep and
Take a walk down memory lane,
With tears upon my cheeks.

Remembering you is easy,
I do it every day,
But missing you is heartache
That never goes away

I hold you tightly within my heart
And there you will remain,
Until the joyous day arrives
That we will meet again.

Well, ‘Spira’ delivered you to us
Arriving without, ‘too’ much fuss.
‘Meka’ was your name that we chose
But ‘ Meeky Maggot’ out of that arose !

Like your mother before you
So protective, kind and loving too.
Wonderful with all puppies/kittens & people new
Those you didn’t like were very few.

We never set the world alight
Our obedience was more – ‘fun and bright’!!
As normal I was the one who let you down
But you were my Champion on every show ground.

You gave us your daughter ‘Merri’ to carry your name,
Her nickname is ‘Moo Moo’ a bit of a pain!
Known as ‘the Hooligan’ she thinks life is a game,
I think I’ve failed with obedience, such is the shame!!

It crept up slowly on us your old age.
The time, it came too soon for me to turn the page.
I held you quietly, and whispered that I loved you so,
And then the time it came to let you go.

Over Rainbow Bridge now off you go
Find Rookie, Tiggy, Spira and friends that you know.
Please wait and watch and look out for mum,
Please all be there when it’s my turn to come. xxx

Loved and Missed so much
Rita and Mac. xxxxx

My beautiful white boy, my saviour, my showman, my clown an ambassador to your breed -
You bounced into my life, a puppy just right.
So full of loving energy, a light so very bright, so full of living, gentle yet energetic, bold yet sensitive,
always loving and very giving.
Strutting your stuff so proud, always ensuring you pulled a crowd.
Your loves in life were many, with gusto thrown in all, chasing everybody’s ball.
You lived life to the absolute max, didn't want to rest and miss things.
As long as we were going somewhere or doing something good, you were by my side with a smile,
doing everything you should.
My life was built around you I had no idea you were to be taken suddenly.
Now grieved as a child lost, I try to smile through all the tears and remember our deep love.
Storm - you touched many hearts - right now they're all broken
In life I loved you dearly
In death I love you still
In my heart you hold a place
No one can ever fill
Love,
Mom, Spirit and Shadow

Two long years have slowly passed,

We hoped you would forever last.

The day was sad, but peaceful when found,

The place where much loved dogs abound.

You loved to play and have some fun,

But most of all you liked to run.

You would dance to the music, herd the woolly sheep,

It was so, so easy to learn how to creep.

Flyball’s the best. Such fun to be had,

Over the jumps and running fast, Wow – to win is not so bad!

Jarvis, my lovely boy, with big bright eyes and bushy tail,

The love you gave me would never fail.

You were my Chief, My Cherikee Chief,

Your life was far, far too precious and brief.

Go now and run, pain free at last,

Be ready to meet us when our lives have past.

Owned and loved my Elaine and Mike Richards

My beautiful Sabre was taken so suddenly, I still cant believe it. He was a wonderful ambassador for his breed. Such a wonderful temperament all round.
We will miss all his quirky little ways. Life will not be the same without him. Keep Safe with Diesel until we are all together. Missed so much by all

I'm Still Here
Please don't mourn for me, I'm still here, though you don't see.
I'm right by your side each night and day, and within your heart I long to stay.
My body is gone, but I'm always near. I'm everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I'll never depart, as long as you keep me alive in your heart.
I'll never wander out of your sight, I'm the brightest star on a summer night.
I'll never be beyond your reach, I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach.
I'm the colourful leaves, when fall comes around, and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond, the clear cool water in a quiet pond.
I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring, the first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine, and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.
When you start thinking there's no one to love you, you can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees, and you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.
I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep And the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I'm the smile you see on a baby's face. Just look for me, I'm everyplace!

Taken from us so suddenly as we were still enjoying our life together. The house is so empty and very quiet without you and we miss you so much. You live on in your lovely puppies, Skoot, Kyte and all the “Munchkins” who I see around the shows. I have your daughter Bryce who has inherited a lot of your mischievous and funny ways. You can do all the sniffing you want now with no-one to spoil your fun. Give a hug to Scharn and Kia for us.

Drummer, you gave me 10 wonderful years,it was a privilage to have you as my beautiful boy,since the first day when I picked you up from Lesley,s you were my shining light,and you will always be my shining light.
When you passed away ,my heart just broke in two I never imagined my life without you, so to carry on is going to be hard there is a hole that no-one can fill.
I bet Banjo and your best friend Bobby was waiting for you now don,t forget when you go swimming put your cap on, but you will not need it will you,because you have gone to a place were no doggies are in pain, so run free in those green fields and wait for me

In life I loved you dearly
In death I love you still
In my heart you hold a place
No one can ever fill

Sleep tight God Bless Dumdums love you always and a day

Mum Dad Twist Solo xxxxxxxxx

Foster
You were here for such a short time
just 9 years and that wicked CDRM claimed your life

Foster we miss you so much you were such a massive presence
in our lives you kept us safe
and you have been snatched from us
we love you fosty and miss you so much
we will all be together again one day
good night sweetheart
until that day
x x

Gill

Jack was born on Crufts Dog Ticket day in 2003, I should have been at Crufts but had to stay home because they decided to come early. My two friends went and it was a case of how many now? In the end there were 4 puppies, 3 boys and 1 girl. By the time my friends called on their way home I had decided that Jack was mine, I fell in love with him at a few hours old.
He never got very far in obedience, places in Novice but he loved life and people to the full especially men who had beards and moustaches. He would be walking either round at a show, training and even in Crufts while doing Discover Dogs, that there was someone over there that he knew and 9 times out of 10 he was right..
He had been unwell and not eating for a couple of weeks but I thought that was because Isla was bullying him, when he refused his cup of tea I knew something was wrong, so got vet help. He had blood test and X Rays, which showed some small spots on his lungs which looked as though he had had small bleeds, but his red blood cells were also very low. He was on a course of tablets and seemed to be getting better eating well, he was even mugging friends pockets at training for titbits on Friday night. Then suddenly on Saturday he came in from morning trot down the garden and when I turned round to ask him to come for his tablets before I fed him he was just lay in the hall talking his last few breathes. I will never know why he went so young,, but will never forget him
Sleep well son and Run Free at the Bridge

We are devastated that we have lost our big handsome boy suddenly after a short illness and it is so hard to have to write this. He was such a character and we miss him so much. He loved going to the shows, and won many rosettes, and despite having hip dysplasia he enjoyed life to the full. Jesika is lost without him and we have a huge hole in our hearts. Run free big boy and find Rosie and Jemma to play with again. love Mum and Dad (Sue and Bryan Hannay)

Don't think of him as gone away
His journey has just begun
Life holds many facets
The earth is only one

Just think of him as resting
From the sorrow and the tears
In a place of warmth and comfort
Where there are no days or years

Think how he must be wishing
That we could know today
How nothing but our sadness
Can really pass away

And think of him as living
In the hearts of those he touched
For nothing loved is ever lost
And he was loved so much.

My Hoggy dog came into the world backwards and very stuck, the only puppy of my beautifull Alice and special boy Billy. He was big, handsome and very naughty but I loved him so much from the day the vet had to pull him from his mom to the awfull day when he was put to sleep in my arms.

Biff was just like his dad, a one person dog, and didn't like much else. He had a wicked sence of humour and if he got the glint in his eye you knew someone was going to get their bum bitten and even at fifteen he could summon up the energy to chase a bike if I wasn't on the ball!
We managed to get to C only despite being diagnosed deaf at 4 but he couldn't cope with the DC and drop on sendaway so I retired him and we just did heelwork for fun which he loved.

At home he totally ignored all the dogs and they followed him everywhere, a testament to his leadership, now the pack is as lost as me. Please God make sure he has a van cage, a football,some ducks to herd, Bonios, lots of liver and sausage and cuddle him and tell him I love him every night before he goes to sleep.

One hundred percent Sheepdog. One hundred miles an hour. That's how Steffi lived her life. She didn't do slow. She didn't do gentle. She lived life to the full, right up to the end. She hated German Shepherds, Lord knows why and she made all our Shepherds know it, always nipping at their heels. I have had to wade in a few times in the past when things got out of hand. She never apologised, never compromised.
We loved her to bits. She had such an enthusiasm for life and would retrieve all day every day if we let her, not bad for a self taught dog, for I never had to teach the exercise to her, she just nicked the article one day from one of the others and brought it back to me. She was still nicking the dumbbell in January, falling over in her enthusiasm, as her wobbly legs gave way, but she brought it back to me waiting for it to be thrown again. She was so very loving and had the light of life in her eyes. We had just had a fabulous 2 weeks running the dogs on the beach, and boy did Steffi enjoy herself. The last walk on Friday evening was slow and peaceful, but she began to fall over. On Saturday she didn't get up. We planned to bring her home, but as we travelled it became apparent that Steffi wasn't going to come home again. Thank you John and Vicky for arranging the vet for us on our way home and for looking after us.
Dear Steffi, please leave the poor Shepherds alone and find yourself a bally to fetch. Dear God, Steffi likes Cheerios in milk please and she has to make her own bed, just the way she likes it.

My lovely Dancer was put to sleep as old age was taking its toll, so at 17yrs and 10 months we had to say goodbye. Even now writing this after so many months gone this makes the tears flow, still miss her so much. She was a lovely kind girl and was always happy if she had a ball or bit of fluffy rag in her mouth. She was a quick learner in her training and always looked at me to say 'I don't need telling twice'She got to working 'C' classes but at the age of 10, I retired her as she gave me the impression that she did not want to do obedience anymore, so she left it to the younger girls and she would watch the training from afar with a ball in her mouth as if to say 'I've done all that'. If I had not gone down with arthritis and was out of the obedience for over two years, I think the way she was working we could have gone further in obedience (even ticket ?) so the training she had she put it to use at home helping me, picking up stuff of the floor, getting the letters, and so much more which she enjoyed that was the sort of dog she was. She had lovely breeding Woughstock and Mounthill Moss and I was lucky to have her. And she always Made My Day.

Love you always Dancer.

Yvonne and Alan
Joka and Topaz.

My best friend closed her eyes last night,
As her head was in my hand,
The vet said it was time for her to go
As age has taken it's toll.

The thoughts that scurried through my head,
As I cradled her in my arms,
Were of her younger, puppy years,
And Oh..her many charms.

Today, there was no gentle nudge
With an intense "I love you gaze",
Only a heart that's filled with tears
Remembering our joy filled days,

But an Angel just appeared to me,
And he said, "You should cry no more,
GOD also loves our canine friends,
HE's installed a 'doggy-door'!!!

Shadow was a little dog with a big personality - she came in to my life nearly 13 years ago and was determined to be the centre of my world, 24 hours a day. She adored people, and thought everyone at a show had come especially to see her. Her other passion in life was tennis balls - the newer the better. She was a phenomenal working dog - giving everything 110%. A natural retriever, she won an AV Novice gundog test and got placed in Open. In obedience she took me from Pre-Begs to a place in Ticket and taught me so much along the way. Shadow gave me a love of the sport of obedience and introduced me to many good friends. She was my friend, my teacher and my inspiration, and will live forever in my memories.

Lizzie came to us at 3 years old and has spent the last 12 years enjoying her life in a quiet and happy way. She won her two beginner classes and then retired due to hip problems.

Lizzie died as she had lived, happy with the taste of chicken still in her mouth. She was always very fond of her food and the last thing on her mind was the chicken that I was hand feeding her.

I would also like to pay tribute to the vet who came out to her. She handled the situation so gently and Lizzie knew nothing about it.
Lizzie is greatly missed by all the family.

Lynda Ward

First born, number one son and the name stuck. Wonsun. We saw him in to the world and again at the end we were there with him. John called him "me lad" and his allegiance was always to John regardless of my pathetic attempts to train him.
The most handsome, gentle boy, he was too gentle to be a collie. I reckon he got in the wrong queue when they were giving breeds out. He won his Novices, but by then it was obvious he absolutely hated obedience training. All this bouncy bouncy wind your dogs up was wrong. We both hated it and looked for a better way. We discovered clicker training. He loved it and thrived on it, but by then we were out of the game anyway and we had a ball learning tricks for the fun of it. He loved his football and once ran on to a pitch and brought a game to a standstill when he stole the ball. The referee red carded him.
We will miss the walks where he had to find half a tree to carry, no measly little sticks for him. We will miss chasing him in his later years when he wandered off. Have you noticed how hard it is to catch an old dog when they take off?
We could take him anywhere and he had impeccable manners, except when he tried to bite anyone's ankles that disturbed his sleep in his last few months. Eh Vicky?,..That holiday will always make me smile.
He was very much a gentleman and we miss him dearly.
Dear God, he likes a blanket to suckle on, his Bonios please and his drink of milk in the mornings (with an extra biccie when no-one's looking)

It is a very sad time for me, as I have to tell you my beloved BUZZ has joined my beloved KACY at the bridge. Buzz who swam as usual this week I was determined he would swim to the last and he did, he was a water babe, but come friday night i could see enough was enough. He had not eaten for few days, and he had really lost the will to live, and i had lost the will to watch him struggle. He was fit and healthy until two weeks ago but then he suddenly went downhil. Everything Buzz did was very fast, no hanging around for him. He has now performed what he loved doing most, his last send away to the bridge, no doubt killing the back marker lol.

Kacy and Buzz did everything together i went along for the ride. Kacy took me from pre begginers to Crufts, winning an agility final, and winning an award at the HTM comps, a complete all rounder, who would do anything i asked. KK is my soul mate, I could not bring myself to write a tribute to K until Buzz had joined him. KC lived till 17, Buzz 15. Lots of yrs we shared, so many happy times, and we met so many lovely people obed and agility people the best. Thank you all for your kind words, Buzzbee was a complete workahlic, such enthusiasm, which lives on thru all his children and grandchildren, now g grandchildren, a dog and a half, buzz and keltie were truly fantastic dogs. Thanks Wendy. Buzz loved agility, advanced and he loved jumping more than anything, even winning novice he jumped the ring ropes with the dumbell in his mouth. Obed was not his first love, but as it had a sendaay in, it had to be done, lol. I remember Sylvia standing ringside once and saying textbook. He worked ticket, I never realised then what an acheivement it is to have two dogs in the ticket ring at the same time. I was just loving my dogs, buzz loved his HTM, Pirates of Penzance the judges loved it and so did I. But his best one i think was Lord of the Dance, amazing, jumping everywhere, he scored first ever 10 - Mary did it with kizzy but she worked later - so mine was first lol. Got to acheive something.

Amazing thing this week, both KIZZY and BUZZBEE go to the bridge together, having both worked obed, htm,agiity, and both did the generation game, hope they're up there now performing, and running free with the rest of our special dogs. I have often been told Kacy was my dog of a liftime, but I consider myself lucky enough to have had two, Buzzbee and Kacy, run free till we meet again, and we can walk together again, love you both.

Because I am really missing Kizzy, I find this difficult to write. I have so many wonderful memories of her as she was the most brilliant dog anybody could have owned. Sixteen years ago this December at the Olympia Horse Show, Chris Bolton, expecting a litter of my Mr Chips' grandchildren, persuaded me to have one and it was the best decision of my life. From when I had her at seven weeks old she was amazing; she knew everything I always said, she had already lived before, she had a 100% temperament, was sweet, kind, gentle and loving. I had only had her for a week when I went to Crufts so Julia and Alan Disbery looked after her for me and videoed me talking to her on the telephone. She was turning her head, wagging her tail and squeaking. From then on they were friends and she loved them. She sometimes stayed at Roly and Sylv's Chalkwell Kennels and at shows if she put her nose in the air, sniffed and wagged her tail then I knew one of them was around - they were her friends.

Quincy is missing her because every day he would lay in front of her and she would wash his face.

Apart from arthritis in her feet, she stayed in lovely condition with her dark brown coat and never lost any body weight, just muscle tone. She still walked half a mile a day and demanded her dinner from about 4:30 pm which, with the clocks going back an hour, became 3:30 pm!

We left for Discover Dogs on Friday, then on Saturday when my sister took her out she sat and couldn't get up so she had to carry her in. Kathy Ingham came to stay the night as she was competing at a local working trial. By Sunday morning Kizzy was never going to stand again so they rang me, but thanks to Kathy she knew that Kizzy would wait for me to get home and call the vet. My sister and I were grateful for Kathy's experience. Jan's daughter Bev also came round to the house then called me to say that she would travel down to London to pick me up as I would have had to get a train and change tubes on the Underground so I would probably have got lost. So my grateful thanks to her as we made it home and I had an hour with her before the vet came. She was as warm as toast and cosy so the end was very peaceful. However, now I have to live with the fact that I wasn't there when she needed me.

Kizzy won 12 Obedience CCs and 6 Reserves, was an Advanced agility dog and performed my first HTM in the Main Ring at Crufts 1997 with Riverdance and her last one in 2005 with four dogs when she would not let another dog get next to my left leg. So a star was born and will always shine bright in my heart.

It is with great sadness that my Dotti was given sleep today following veterinary assessment that confirmed serious liver damage that would not repair. I thank you all for your support when the sudden onset of illness led to the hospitalisation of Dotti. It is hard to accept that she ran across Coulsdon Common barking to her hearts delight as usual on Wednesday with no evidence of illness. Yet on Thursday morning she was violently sick and then became more ill during the day when I was at work. I took her to the vet at 4.30 p.m. and later that evening the vet was of the opinion that she had pancreatitis and whilst seriously ill had a chance Today all changed following an endiscopy which revealed the extent of the damage to the liver. I am so sad, shocked and distressed words cannot convey but thanks once again to all of you who expressed your concerns.

The kindest, most gentle and loving dog she talked to everyone and loved everyone that is the best way to describe my Dotti.

She was diagnosed with hip dysplasia at 6 months of age and it seemed unlikely that I would ever be able to work her in obedience let alone get to the dizzy heights of 'C' only. In fact after a number of months of taking her to see specialists and attending hydrotherapy she managed to build enough muscle to hold her hips together and was able to have an enjoyable and pain free life.

She gained many qualifiers in C but was unlucky to not gain the C win which would have qualified her to work in Championship and given her an obedience warrant from the Kennel Club, a number of chances were missed. The hip dysplasia did hinder her to some extent in achieving the down in a correct manner and this often cost us points in the distance control exercise and positions on the move. However she loved to sit and often completed a ten minute sit when others were doing the down in stays.

My fondest memories of her will be the games she played with my socks and slippers to get attention or a treat for returning them. However the last time she played with my slippers they ended up in shreds behind my back whilst I was trying to teach my younger dog Jess distance control.

Oh my darling Dotti, your presence I miss, your memory I will treasure, loving you always and in my thoughts forever. I hope you have met up with Roley and Sheri at Rainbow Bridge.

My beautiful, special girl did not recover from a massive serious infection which took over her body rapidly during the weekend of 2nd/3rd October. It was only the Sunday afternoon when I realised that there was something seriously wrong and I had to leave the show to seek veterinary attention for her.

Dash was a very clever greyhound who came to live with me and my collies at the age of 4. She fitted in so well and was such a rewarding pet to have around. My collies have always adored her. She had been rehomed and put back in rescue (as they do). She was as bright as a button and so responsive I just had to have her. She proved very trainable and was able to do all the exercises required for obedience but I did not pursue her working in the ring. Instead she was most often my demo dog at club. She was adept at getting herself to Pet Needs whenever possible at shows. She would invariably end up at the secretary's tent embarrassing me .

She thought she was put on this planet for people to make a fuss of her. She was Pets Therapy and made it a point to say hello and nuzzle up to anyone who dared to approach.

Her hay day of chasing rabbits and birds had passed but was still quite pacey when she chose. However she was enjoying more and more this year taking it easy on her bed or mine.

Hopefully she has met up with my Dotti whom I also lost the same time last year as well as her other friends at Rainbow Bridge. Another bit of my heart has been broken Sleepeezee my Darling girl.

Chaos came into our lives in June 2005 after a phone call from his breeder Kath Westell. To explain briefly – I lost a two year old dog in May 2004 (Danesway Double Indemnity – D’Arcy) and Chaos was his uncle. At the time of Kaths phone call I had recently got a new puppy Remy and together with Geordie who was ten at the time and Murry who was fourteen I felt I couldn’t bring a seven year old entire male into the pack. To cut a long story short I talked my son Paul into having him and the following Sunday Paul, his girlfriend Emily and I went to meet Kath and Chaos and brought him home with us.

He was a big lad but had a superb temperament. Now if I’ve got the story right Chaos’s original owner died when he was about two but her husband kept him and worked him winning out of Pre Beginners and Beginners. They had another dog who they said Chaos didn’t get on with (well I can’t believe that) and wanted to rehome him at seven years of age – but what they didn’t tell us was about the cruciate damage to his leg and he must have been in a great deal of pain before we had him. I’ve probably had about �1000 in vets bills since having him but that is beside the point – no animal should suffer in this day and age. He hated thunder so you can imagine that Bonfire Night was a nightmare for him. He also used to hit the deck if a vehicle came down the road and we’ll never know the reason why. I actually worked him in Novice at a few shows and he loved to work but the damage to his leg proved to be too much so he retired a year later having got a 6th place at his last show.

He had quite a few of Darcy’s traits which helped me through a very sad period in my life and would make me laugh again and he loved his toys. Paul and Emily moved house and then got married in 2008 so he came to stay with us for three weeks whilst they went off on their honeymoon and he was as good as gold.

In June of that same year my friend Rebecca (Remy’s breeder) brought up her Border Collie bitch (Remy’s mum) to mate her to Chaos who was only a WSD but she was doing it as a great favour for me to get some of Darcy back and I’m sure Kath would have loved a puppy but it wasn’t to be as he hadn’t got the foggiest idea what to do – bless him. Such a shame really as that would have produced two good old healthy obedience lines together Tamerrye and Kajo.

In June 2009 Paul and Em brought a new addition into the household a new little baby daughter Georgia and he wasn’t phased at all but wasn’t too keen when Dexter the cat appeared who has actually pined for him.

In June this year he had trouble going to the loo and after I took him to the vets and after X-Rays he had a large mass around the neck of his bladder, prostate enlarged and it was starting to affect his bowel so the decision had to be made. We all miss him so much and Sunday is never quite the same as Paul and Em always come round for Sunday dinner but this big tri colour boy dosen’t barge through the house any more like a whirlwind with tail wagging and making his presence known.

Sleep well big boy and I hope you have found your nephews Darcy and Digit at Rainbow Bridge.

Dizzie you stayed by my side for all your life,
Thankyou for being my very special girl
my dog of a life time
I will always love you Dizzie

goodnight sweetheart
untill we meet again
x x

Jess, I can’t believe you’d have been 14 this year, your birthday is remembered as it’s the day before mine on June 12th

It only seems like yesterday that I had you in my life, I got you when I was 12 years old and you were my everything,

I loved you so much and it’s only now that I find I can talk about your wonderful ways!

Amber your sister only knew you for 2 years and that’s a shame, she’s totally different to you jess, her character is different and although I love her deeply she doesn’t replace you , no dog will ever do that, you’re my one and only !!!

I miss your little tantrums in the ring and the licks down to our tonsils if we laughed any where near you, so many remember you for all the little naughty things you did, which you thought were incredibly funny!

Those that loved you , miss you so much , life isn’t the same as it was when you were around , anyway hope Gus the cat and the rest of our doggies in heaven are with you , keeping each other company till we meet together again one day !

Dusty was given her long sleep on Wednesday 30th June 2010. Her active little brain finally snapped and she became “another person”.

Dear Dusty, how you loved to “fusspot” and bustle, so devoted to me that stays were always your bete-noir, not wanting me out of your sight and yet you took me to ‘C’ only, in spite of my failings. You were so much a part of my life that there is a great void where you have been. You will now be bossing your great friend Bonny and brother Tarn at Rainbow Bridge There is a great gap in my life that was filled by you – my special girl.

Only with me for 14 short months but oh how he changed my life. Taken in for the Belgian Shepherd Rescue to re-home, but discovered he was at least 13 years old already with poorly hips. So Solo stayed with me and his six Sisters and Brother.

I was honored to share Solo's last year with him. He turned into a devoted and loyal boy, my shadow, caring and kind.

Solo enjoyed his new life to the full, discovering lovely walks, running in the paddock, van rides and dog shows. How I wish he could have enjoyed them for longer. To the end he tried to 'protect' me from the vet, barking and standing between me and the vet, even with his heart failing. I will miss Solo so dreadfully, but know he goes to Rainbow Bridge to look after Tia for me, who left me in January.

I had to say Goodbye to my very special little girl as I didn’t want to see her suffer. It is perhaps the most difficult thing I’ve ever done; she and I had never really have been apart, until now. My heart is broken and I’ll always miss her.

What can I say about Aasta besides that she had enthusiasm for everything she ever did and more. She always did everything in her own way too. I never really knew her to stay still and is the only dog I’ve had who could get excited over doing stays. She not only worked her own rounds but also every obedience round she ever watched even if it was on TV by prancing on the spot endlessly.

She chose to stay with me when I did my one bit of breeding ever, she never had any intention of going anywhere and would either sleep or hide through any litter visitors we had. I didn’t mind as she grew into the most wonderful little dog to live with and have around, always!

The night of the mating I saw a shooting star so the puppy I kept was going to be called Star except that didn’t really suit her and after pouring over many baby name books came up with Aasta, which means star, which she was. She had many nick-names Aasta Pasta and Aastaroid, Dis-Aasta and Lilly Limpet but she will always remain my faithful little girl.

Many people over the years thought they would like to work Aasta and amazingly she would appear very keen to do so. Each person would set her up for her heelwork, gee her up and say Aasta Close and step off only to quickly find themselves alone. She never wanted anyone else and if she did ever work for you, you were privileged.

She passed as she had always lived with speed and devotion. All day Wednesday she was fine but late evening I noticed her holding her head down and thought she was having problems with her neck which she’d had before. Thursday Morning she was obviously having some serious difficulty so I made an appointment to see the vet, thinking they would give her some treatment. No, she was in heart failure and I had to make the decision there and then. She died as close to me as she could get with her head over my shoulder in a huggie.

Rest in Peace my little girl until we meet again. Back now in both Mums arms your own Fizzy and my Mum who loved you so much too.

I found a penny today
Just laying on the ground,
But it's not just a penny
This little coin I've found.

Found pennies come from heaven
That's what my Granddad told me.
He said "Dog-Angels toss them down."
Oh, how I loved that story.

He said, "When a Dog-Angel misses you,
He tosses a penny down,
Sometimes just to cheer you up
To make a smile out of your frown."

So don't pass by that penny
When you're feeling blue,
It may be a penny from heaven
That your dog has tossed for you.

My beautiful Diesel was with us for such a short time but his wonderful temperament and strong character made such an impact on our lives. We miss him desperately, may he run free over Rainbow Bridge till we meet again.
Fran May and family.
xx

I am so sorry Tia
I never realized what a devoted, loyal and special little girl you were.
Its only now I understand.

No little dog at my feet at the computer desk
No little dog beside me on the settee
No little dog peering out the window of the van
No little dog waiting by the front door for walkies

No little dog racing round the paddock
No little dog curled on the mat beside the bath
No little dog watching my every move in the kitchen
No little dog asleep beside me on my bed

Why did I not realize Tia, you were always there for me
Run free my Tia, but wait for me.

All my love, Mum xx

Our darling , beautiful Maisie left us on 13th November aged 17 years and one month.

Initially, Nigel said categorically - NO GIRLS!. How quickly he changed his mind!

I heard that my friend Gill was planning a mating using her wonderfully handsome but dippy Danny (a bright Sealight tri) to her own black faced and strong willed bitch, Folly. I had asked Gill to consider me for one of her puppies. Gill suggested that I had a bitch this time, following my baptism of fire with my two wilful boys (Dylan and Jamie) . I duly followed her advice and stated I would like a 'red' if there was one.

Anyway…..I received a phone call early on the Saturday morning. It was Gill.
"Your red girl is born" she said.
Well, I couldn't wait to see the babies!

I peered at the infants who lay there blind and helpless with Folly administering to their needs. The little red girl was indeed very pretty but I was drawn to the 'black faced one'. Anyway to cut a long story short we chose the little black-faced one and I decided to call her Maisie as at that time I was an avid reader of the Daily Mirror, in particular their famous strip cartoon 'The Perishers'. (Maisie was the naughty girl who teased the boys and made Baby Grumplin's life as miserable as possible!) So Maisie it was!

As you can see from one of her 'glamour shots' - Maisie was indeed, very beautiful.

Nigel is daft with our dogs and thinks up suitable songs which pertain to each one. For Maisie he chose the Motown classic 'My Girl'. (Each time I hear it now I fill up). The opening line is '"I got sunshine on a cloudy day" Indeed - Maisie was our sunshine every day - cloudy or otherwise!
She was as dippy as Danny (her Dad) and I am sure that she wasn't the brightest pixie in the forest, however she did quite well in Obedience, qualifying to class B, but she could never really see the point of it all. She was full of angst and couldn't cope with scary noises (someone slamming a car door shut would escalate her into a panic and she would leave the ring and run back to our vehicle at breakneck speed)!

She retired herself at the age of 7 as she could see little point in continuing.

She hated retrieve. I remember taking a retrieve article from the judge's box and after Maisie had 'retrieved' it I handed it back to the steward in several pieces!
Maisie (or 'The Duchess' as she was known in her dotage) enjoyed 10 years of happy and healthy retirement, never really suffering any illnesses except for a tooth extraction!

So it was with a heavy heart and the assistance of our vet Tom, Maisie died peacefully in my arms. She was in no pain .

She had lost her hearing over the years and at the end was pretty much completely blind - a burden which she coped with as well as she could.

Maisie was the very last of her litter to go to Rainbow Bridge. I hope she is running happily now with them all - Eddie, Ronnie and Harry - her wonderful brothers and Alice and Meg - her beautiful sisters.

What a litter! What a privilege to have shared our lives with Maisie for such a long time.

Gill, thank you so very much for allowing us to have Maisie. We will love her and miss her always.

When fully groomed, her coat would shimmer and float, the light reflecting her auburn red 'lowlights' but underneath she was 100% blonde! Almost every day of her long life, someone would say :"Isn't she beautiful?" Yes - she certainly was beautiful!

Christmas Eve 2009 was the worst day of my life. After six months of fighting his disease I had to say a final goodbye to the dog I loved most in the world. My beloved Llwyd was given sleep at home in his favourite place to prevent him suffering whilst I cradled him in my arms for the last time and told him how much I loved him. My life will never be the same without him.

I fell desperately in love with Llwyd as a beautiful three week old blue and white puppy and as he grew our mutual love affair grew also. The bond between us was obvious for all to see and in Llwyd's world there was ever only me for him and he would have walked over hot coals to reach me - as I would have for him. We were soul mates - two halves of one whole - together physically twenty four hours a day. My Llwydi was ultra sensitive which sometimes caused problems in our training, but I'm also very sensitive and that was probably why we suited each other so well. He knew when I had problems and would lay his great head on my knee, give me a kiss and look at me with his beautiful eyes as if to say "It'll be all right mum, you've still got me" and of course it was all right because I did have him and he gave me a reason to get out of bed every day. He was my most loyal friend and companion - the love of my life who gave me unconditional love and friendship and asked only that I love him and care for his needs in return.

Llwyd made six consecutive appearances at the Crufts Obedience Championships being only three on his first appearance. He was an Obedience Champion a month after his 4th birthday winning 14 Tickets and 3 Reserve Tickets. To say I was proud of my handsome boy is an understatement but win or lose we always had each other and that was the real prize.

I have had dogs all my life and have loved them all dearly. When I lose them I always fall apart, shed tears for months and grieve for them with a broken heart. However nothing has prepared me for the way I feel about losing Llwydi. I'm just not handling this at all and the hurt is so bad I'm not sure I'll ever get over it. A sparkling light has gone out in my life and my world has become such a dark place without him. I still have some wonderful dogs in my life but my Llwyd was so "special" - the other half of me. All I have left of him now are memories, photographs and videos and his fur which I wear in a locket around my neck close to my heart. He is buried in the garden now with all our other lovely dogs, including his sire, my Taffy, Goldlawns Tribute to Bracken.

On Christmas Day, the day after Llwydi died, I was given a letter from my son in law David via my daughter Sue. David is not a man of words nor is he a "doggie" person but he wrote me a letter that touched my heart because of it's symplicity and because it had supposedly been written by Llwyd, and I quote …….

"TO THOSE WHOM I LOVE. In my life and my world
there are so few people I would choose to be with and
if I could have my life again I would choose you. You
have helped me rise to the top and I have shone so very
bright. Now is the time to be brave. Don't let my light
flicker and fade - it will go out.
Your Champion
LLWYD XXXX "

Although it reduced me to tears I shall treasure that letter for the rest of my life and I'm putting this on the Rainbow Bridge so that Llwyd's light does not "flicker and fade". I wont let it go out.

I believe that all living beings have souls which pass on to the next dimension. There is no death, merely a transition, where sick and weary bodies are left behind and all pain and suffering is ended. I also believe that those who love will meet again and it is for this I am waiting. Go free Llwydi darling, Taffy and the rest of the pack will be waiting to welcome you and when my time comes we will all be together again. Wait for me at the Bridge Pup Pup and thank you sweetheart for being my own beautiful handsome boy who will always hold my heart. I loved you so much in life and will continue to love you and remember you with every breath that I take.

If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep
Then you must do what must be done
For this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand
Don't let your grief then stay your hand
For this day more than all the rest
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears
You'd not want me to suffer, so
The time has come - please let me go.

Call in the vet my needs to tend
And stay with me until the end
Hold me close and talk to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

Please do not grieve it must be you
Who has this painful thing to do
We've been so close, we two, these years
Don't let your heart hold back the tears

My Taffy passed on 15 months ago and I never was able to bring myself to put a tribute to him on the Rainbow Bridge. Never did it occur to me then that just over a year later I would also lose his son, Llwyd. Everyone who knows me will know just how special both Taffy and of course Llwyd were to me and without Taffy I wouldn't have had Llwydi so I decided to put both tributes on the Rainbow Bridge at the same time.

I bred Taffy, son of my Mysti, and from the day he was born until the day he died I never heard a growl or angry sound come from him. He was, without doubt, the sweetest natured dog I have ever met. He loved life to the full and absolutely lived to work, over enthusiasm eventually being his downfall. However I was very proud of his achievements having won one ticket and four reserve tickets, represented the southern team at Crufts and was also Pro Dog of the Year 1998.

I think his greatest achievement really was as a Stud Dog, having over sixty puppies, many of which went on to do great things. At least three of his pups became Obedience Champions (including my Llwyd) and several others won tickets including two won by my own Jypzi, his daughter. There are still many Taffy pups and grandpups around the shows and I'm proud of them all.

You left such a large vacuum in our lives when you went Taffy and I loved you so very much, you were such a sweet gentle boy who will forever live on in my heart. You always did everything I asked of you so willingly Taf Taf and now I'm asking one last thing. Please find Llwydi and take care of him - I want to think of you two being together again.

Darling Taffy - you meant so much to me. I was the first to hold your warm little body in my hands and at the end I was the last to cradle you in my arms and tell you how much I loved you. The day will eventually come when I can be with you all again so wait for me at the Bridge Taf Taf with Llwydi and the rest of the pack and know that, like Llwydi, I'll love and remember you with every breath that I take.

Dearest Libbee - PTS as she was too weak to fight bronchial pneumonia. How we miss you, we now have to make our own decisions which way to walk in the morning instead of following you on your quest to find those rabbits.
Libbee was such a good-natured dog and was everybody's friend, she always got her own way and you didn't realize how she had twisted you around her 'paw'.
The highlight of her obedience career was being chosen to work class A for the Northern Team at Crufts 2000. I will never forget how she sat in the stays, so straight and upright looking down her long elegant nose at the 'peasants' sat next to her. She never really enjoyed the obedience ring and always gave 'just enough' to get by, but she always made me laugh and there are many tales to tell of her antics.
Hope there are plenty of rabbits at Rainbow Bridge, wait for me there with your best friend Louie, until we meet again.
"I'll lend you for a little time a dog of mine" he said.
"For you to love while she lives and mourn for when she's dead".
It maybe six or seven years or maybe more than these, but will you, till I call her back, take care of her for me?
She'll bring her charm to gladden you, and should her stay be brief, you'll have her memories, as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise she will stay, since all from earth return, but there are lessons taught down there, I want this dog to learn.
I've looked this wide world over, in my search for teachers true, and from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you.
Now will you give her all your love, nor think the labour vain, nor hate me when I come to call, and take her back again?
I fancied that I heard them say "Dear Lord, thy will be done", for all the joy thy dog shall bring, for the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter her with tenderness, we'll love her while we may, and for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay.
But should the angels call for her, we'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
Sweet Dreams until we meet again my naughty little girl. Lesley Alsop

Chancer the adorable Cavalier came into my life when he was 3 years old from a breeder friend, Chancer by name and chancer by nature. He was a show dog and boy did he know it! One of the reasons Inez had hand-picked me to take Chancer was because I attended an obedience class with my other dog and she knew he would go to a good home and be well loved. Chancer then made himself at home very quickly and settled into obedience very well. He gave me courage to start competing at shows and made it from pre-beginner through to Novice although loved doing a training round in “A” so that he could do the A Recall and scent. I remember the first time he was in A and everyone in the scent queue clapped when he got his scent. One of Chancer’s favourite activities at training was the sendaway. Once, another dog in the class was setting up to go to the send away and Chancer jumped off the seat, straight down to the markers and stole the bit liver before the dog could get there. Chancer had a try out for the Scottish Regional team at Crufts 2004. His try out was not his best work as the hall had rubber mats put down and Chancer got a bit confused and pranced like a show dog. He did make it onto the team however and did not let me or the team down. The moment he got to the NEC Centre, he strode out in front of me like the proudest dog in the world. Everyone commented on him in the parade!

I had decided that Chancer might like to do a bit of Agility and thought I would give him a try. He absolutely loved it – especially the jumping rounds. Only problem was that Chancer has his own pace and does not quite believe in running! A slight jog was enough for him. We decided to call it a day after a couple of competitions!

I would like to thank everyone who has judged us as a team and for all the places you gave us on our obedience journey. Even after he retired, everyone always asked after him or came to say hello to him whilst wandering round the shows. He’s my special wee legend that took me to Crufts – something I could only dream about as a child watching Crufts on the TV!

“Chancer, I love you, I miss you and you will always be in my heart. Run pain-free at Rainbow Bridge with Mitzi. Wait for me baby!” Your Mummy, Suzanne XXX

Broxi gave me 16 years of absolute joy. She was still very active and running around at 16. She loved her work in obedience and sang her way to the top (not always in tune).

She was still picking up rosettes well past her twelfth birthday, she gave me her all.

Sadly her last stroke was to be the one that proved to be, one too many, and I finally lost her on the 9th September. She has left me with another hole I can never hope to fill.

Run over the bridge to Toyah and take my love with you.

Mam and Pepsi

Look not where I was
For I am not there
My spirit is free
I am everywhere

In the air that you breathe,
In the sounds that you hear
Don't cry for me -
My spirit is near

I'll watch for you
From the other side
I'll be the one running,
New friends by my side

Smile at my memory
Remember in your heart
This isn't the end
It's a brand new start

Apologies for the late submission of this obituary for my dear Jivey. I did not feel that I could do this before the Tunbridge Wells show - This show holds a very special place in my heart, as this is where she was retired.

Many thanks to my friends in obedience who sent cards and for the fantastic accolades received honouring our very special partnership.

The final thank you must go to Brian and Sandy Wadhams for breeding my special girl.

My final ‘doggy’ link to Cyril has now been broken – R.I.P. Jivey.

June Stenning

Marmite was Alan's dog, and she was like a little cuddly bear. They did obedience for awhile and had a few places, but Marmite started to have trouble with her back legs and it became hard for her to sit. So at about three she was retired and just enjoyed life. She always loved retrieve so when I was training Dancer, she always loved to join in and have ago. She loved children and more so if they had a ball. She lived to a grand old age nearly 17yrs, but by then it was time to say goodbye. Still miss her, and still shed tears every time I think of her.

If tears could build a stairway
And heartache make a lane,
I'd walk the path to heaven
And bring you back again.

Your presence we miss,
Your memories we treasure,
Loving you always,
In our thoughts forever.

Love always.
Yvonne and Alan Broome
Dancer, Joka & Topaz.

My best friend has closed his eyes. Now there is a new star in the sky. It shines so much brighter than the rest. It is my P- Jay looking down from on high to remind me that he was always my best boy.

You were mine for such a long time, it was a great privilege to have shared your life, but it was so very hard to let you go.

You're giving me a special gift, So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.
But really, love is knowing when your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.
So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic that will
Once more make me whole.
The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.
That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner till the end.
Please, understand just what this gift
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.
You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it, too.
So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To grant me this appeal.
Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.
And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.
I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever-faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
... a young dog once again (anon)

My precious Little Meg
you gave so much
and took so little
You have always been a Angel
now you have your wings

Goodnight my little Angel
untill we meet again
x x x

Codi lived life to the full, he did everything at 100m.p.h. He got to " C " only, did not manage the win for CH C.

In 2004 he managed to get on the green carpet at Crufts when he was picked for the World Cup Team.

Very sadly Aud and Barry had to say goodbye to Fidge, when old age finally took its toll.

A very stylish flambouyant HW dog, who very quickly got to ticket. She also excelled at HWTM, coming third on her first performance at Ryton in 1997 and winning it the following year. She appeared on TV doing her routines, and performed them at Crufts and Discover dogs.

Unfortunately, due to injury, Fidget was retired at just 5yrs. She then became Barry`s constant companion. She had a very long and happy life doing just what she wanted, and being indulged.

Everybody said to me “You’ll never get another Danny!” He was a very special dog who loved everybody and anyone who met him fell in love with him. A big handsome boy with a wicked sense of humour! He was so like his dad (Dot Watts’ Jazz) in looks and temperament and it was through him that I started training with Dot & Ian. He took me from beginners to C only, but despite getting several seconds & thirds, he never got his C win.

I have so many memories of him: playing with his boomer ball & daring it to move

circuiting the swimming baths & catching the bubbles while making happy little whimpering noises

playing “the grass game” and teaching a whole room full of people at the vets that you can play it just as well without grass!

He adored toys of any sort, presents, water, woods, bitches (he sired one litter of pups) but most of all his Mum!. He was very much my dog & followed me everywhere, seeming to sense my moods.

You where the one who always made me smile when I was feeling down, whenever i was feeling lonely all i had to do was look to my side and you were always around.

I picked Skye from the litter at just a few minutes old, with her snow white face and curly coat she stood out from all the others and from that moment on she never left my side. I was 8 at the time and I didn't have much confidence, Skye helped me through so much, I was never alone with Skye by my side. We grew together, growing stronger as a team every day.

Skye developed epilepsy at just 2 years of age, but we didn't let this hold us back we worked our way up through the classes and won the Rebecca pointer trophy at crufts in 2005. I can remember Skye and me entering that ring at Crufts, the roar of our friends cheering us on as we walked around the ring. I remember looking down at little Skye's face and seeing her sparkling eyes beaming back at me as she trotted her little heart out next to me. Skye truly was my best friend, Skye knew just what to do, and she made me the person I am today.

Before I met skye you couldn't say boo to me, Skye made me confident and courage's just like she was. Without skye I wouldn't be training dogs I wouldn't have the life and friends I do.

I never got chance to thank Skye, I just hope she knows how grateful I am. So many times I felt like I had nobody to turn to but Skye was always there just to cuddle or talk to. The amount of times I turned to you Skye and all you had to do was wag your tail, you made everything seem better.

Skye was such a big part of me and the hole she has left in my heart can never be filled, Skye will never ever be forgotten and she has left me with amazing memories, in the 8 and a half years we spent together Skye we watched each other grow, me from 8 year old nervous child to a 17 year old with confidence, and Skye from a naughty puppy to a real lady. Skye you knew your work was done, you deserve to rest in peace my baby.

Keltie may have been the smallest puppy in the litter but, as she was to prove over the years, she certainly had a big heart. From the minute Wendy started training her, she gave it her all; very enthusiastic, very jolly and always very busy.

2002 was her year. She won two tickets and had two reserves and the following March at Crufts she was stunning. Sadly Wendy then developed back trouble
which meant she couldn't compete for the best part of two years and when she finally had her back operated on she immediately took far, far too many judging appointments which robbed Keltie the chance of becoming the obedience champion she so deserved to be.

She leaves us with a multitude of wonderful memories; the little tail that never stopped wagging, particularly on heelwork and distance control; singing her way through several fabulous heelwork to music routines at Ryton-on-Dunsmore in the late 90's, standing in for Annette Greaves Del doing agility for a children's TV series and pleading for titbits constantly in later life.

Rest well little Kelts, hopefully now re-united with the rest of our troop. In our hearts always.

Without a doubt, you told us it was time to go. You had been the trouble-maker, the bully, the organiser, the guard, the goon and mother of the pack. And how we loved you. A "big" dog in every sense, your size was dwarfed by your personality. Lack of control over your back legs was a mere technicality for a dog of your calibre, but when the light in your eyes went out we knew you were suffering, even though you didn't want to let on.

How quiet it is without you. But our loss is Rainbow Bridge's gain. You'll be making the others laugh and barking to your heart's content. Good night, Ellie. God bless.

"If you bury her in this spot, she will come to you when you call.
Come to you over the grim, dim frontiers of death,
and down the well-remembered path to your side again.
And though you call a dozen living dogs to heel,
they shall not growl at her, nor resent her coming, for she belongs there.
People may scoff at you, who see no lightest blade of grass bent by her footfall,
who hear no whimper; people who may never really have had a dog.
Smile at them, for you shall know something that is hidden from them,
and which is well worth the knowing.
The one best place then, to bury a dog, is in the heart of her master...."

CRESTA CAME TO ME AT 6 MONTHS OF AGE FROM THE SAME FARMER I BOUGHT QUITO FROM……. SHE HAD BEEN BOUGHT IN BY HIM BECAUSE OF HER BREEDING & WORKING ABILITY, BUT SHE HAD BEEN MISHANDLED BEFORE SHE ARRIVED AT HIS FARM & WAS VERY FRIGHTENED OF MEN. SHE ALSO HAD A BLUE EYE, WHICH HE WASN’T KEEN ON.

ENTER ME……I SAT IN THE BARN WITH MY BACK TO HER, IGNORING HER FOR AGES UNTIL SHE APPROACHED ME… BY THE TIME I LEFT SHE WAS SITTING ON MY KNEE, QUITE HAPPY TO BE THERE..A FEW DAYS LATER I PHONED ANDY (THE FARMER) TO SEE IF SHE WAS SETTLING. SADLY SHE WASN’T AND ANDY WAS HAPPY FOR BESS, AS SHE WAS KNOWN THEN, TO COME & LIVE WITH ME.. HE TRUSTED ME & KNEW SHE WOULD HAVE HER FOREVER HOME…….

SHE SETTLED INTO LIFE WITH MY DOGS & I, BUT ALWAYS REMAINED WARY OF MEN, ALTHOUGH MOSTLY IT WAS PUT ON FOR ATTENTION… & BOY DID SHE KNOW HOW TO MILK IT FOR ALL IT WAS WORTH….

SHE PRODUCED 2 LITTERS OF BEAUTIFUL PUPS AND WAS ONE OF THE BEST MOTHERS I HAVE EVER KNOWN—
THE FARMER HAD MY PICK FROM THE FIRST LITTER & HE WAS DELIGHTED WITH THE CONFORMATION, THE WANT TO LEARN & THE WILLINGNESS TO WORK THIS DOG HE CALLED CORRIE DEMONSTRATED.

FROM HER SECOND LITTER I KEPT INDI… MY BIG STRONG HANSOME MAN WHO IS NOW 10.5…(SYANNE BLAZING EDITION)

CRESTA WAS A WIND UP MERCHANT. WHEN OUT WITH THE PACK SHE WOULD WIND ALL THE OTHER DOGS UP TO FEVER PITCH.. SHE USED TO DRIVE ME NUTS. I OFTEN SAID SHE WAS MY PUNISHMENT IN LIFE. SOMETIMES I DIDN’T LIKE HER, BUT I ALWAYS LOVED HER—I JUST COULDN’T HELP MYSELF. SHE WAS A SMALL FINE BONED COLLIE, BRED FOR RUNNING ALL DAY AND SHE HAD A HEART AS BIG AS A HOUSE.SHE LIVED TO BE LOVED & SHE WAS…VERY MUCH….

HER OCCASIONAL PET HATE IN LIFE WAS CHADE (MY GSD BITCH)……BY THE TIME CHADE JOINED OUR FAMILY, CRESTA HAD ALREADY REARED HER FIRST LITTER OF PUPS.. WHEN CHADE ARRIVED CRESTA TREATED HER LIKE ONE OF HER BABIES, BUT SHE FORGOT TO DISH OUT THE TOUGH LOVE & DISCIPLINE… CONSEQUENTLY, WHEN CHADE WAS FULLY GROWN SHE MOVED HERSELF UP THE PECKING ORDER… OCCASIONALLY A DISPUTE WOULD ENSUE BETWEEN THEM…. NEITHER WON & NEITHER LOST- BUT THERE WERE ALWAYS INJURIES…FORTUNATELY, NONE TOO SERIOUS.

BECAUSE OF HER TROUBLED PAST, CRESTA WAS UNSUITABLE MATERIAL FOR COMPETITION OBEDIENCE, BUT SHE LOVED ALL THE TRAVELLING & GETTING OUT AND ABOUT… LIKE ALL MY DOGS, SHE WAS HAPPY TO GET IN THE CAR, EVEN IF IT WASN’T GOING ANYWHERE… SHE WAS MY EVER READY / DURACEL GIRL….SHE ALSO LIKED TO PRETEND SHE COULD WORK, BUT THE ONLY EXERCISES SHE EVER MASTERED WERE HEELWORK & RECALLS.

MY WHOLE PACK(5 DOGS) CAME DOWN WITH A REALLY BAD SICKNESS / ENTERITIS VIRUS AT THE BEGINNING OF FEBRUARY THIS YEAR…& THAT’S WHEN PART OF MY WORLD STARTED TO DISAPPEAR…THE OTHER DOGS RECOVERED IN JIG TIME, BUT CRESTA SEEMED TO GET WORSE… DESPITE THE VETS BEST ENDEAVOURS, SHE WAS IN DECLINE & I DECIDED TO GIVE HER SLEEP TO EASE HER SUFFERING…

SHE DIED IN MY ARMS, LOOKING TRUSTINGLY AT ME AS SHE SLIPPED AWAY INTO SLUMBER …

YOUR PAIN IS GONE NOW MY LITTLE CHICKEN WING… RUN FREE & ENJOY THE ETERNAL SUNSHINE UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN AT THE RAINBOW BRIDGE……

MY BEAUTIFUL CHADE CAME INTO MY LIFE AS A LIVELY,CHEEKY BOUNCING, LONG COAT, RED & BLACK PUPPY AT THE AGE OF 7 WEEKS.
I’VE ALWAYS HAD BOTH DOGS & BITCHES- MY PREFERANCE ALWAYS BEING DOGS--- I FIND MY BITCHES ARE MEN LOVERS & WOULD DROP ME LIKE A HOT POTATO IF A MALE WERE AVAILABLE TO SEEK PATS & CUDDLES FROM…. NOT TO DISAPPOINT MY LOVELY CHADY LADY WAS NO EXCEPTION…. BUT IT DIDN’T STOP ME FROM LOVING EVERY INCH OF HER & CHERISHING HER EVERY DAY….

SHE HAD A REALLY BAD HABIT OF HEAD BUTTING THE MEN IN HER LIFE EXACTLY WHERE IT COULD DO THE MOST HARM--- AND EVEN THOUGH THE GUYS KNEW WHAT TO EXPECT, SHE ALWAYS MANAGED TO NEGOTIATE THEIR DEFENSES….BUT JUST LIKE ME THEY LOVED HER REGARDLESS……

I NEVER TRAINED CHADE FOR OBERIENCE. AT A YEAR OLD I DISCOVERED SHE HAD DREADFUL HIP DYSPLASIA & ALREADY HAD ARTHRITIS IN THE JOINTS… WHEN I ASKED MY VET FOR A PROGNOSIS SHE RELUCTANTLY TOLD ME THAT IF THE ARTHRITIS PROGRESSED AT THE SAME RATE AS FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF HER LIFE, SHE COULD BE A CRIPPLE BY THE AGE OF FIVE…

SO WHAT TO DO………
LOVE HER- OF COURSE---- KEEP HER WEIGHT AT A HEALTHY LEVEL, NOT TO PUT ANY UNDUE STRAIN ON HER HIPS…IMMEDIATELY BOOK HER IN TO GET SPAYED, SHE WOULD NEVER PRODUCE THE LONGED FOR LONG COAT, BLACK & RED DOG I HAD SO HOPED TO BREED FOR MYSELF…INFORM THE BREEDER--- THAT WAS THE HARDEST PART—HE WAS DEVASTATED…HE HAD DONE EVERYTHING RIGHT, BUT NATURE HAS A WAY OF SURPRISING US ALL… HE IMMEDIATELY OFFERED ME ANOTHER PUP FROM A FUTURE LITTER –WHENEVER I WANTED ONE -AT NO COST…A TRULY RESPONSIBLE BREEDER WHOM I TRUST TO DO THE RIGHT THING.

TELL HER NOT TO JUMP--- WHO WAS I KIDDING--- IF SHE SAW ME ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GATE SHE WAS LIKE TIGGER… BOUNCY-BOUNCY- BOUNCY… STOP HER FROM RUNNING WITH THE COLLIES….I DON’T THINK SO…. SHE OFTEN OUTRAN THEM…. AND ONLY EVER PULLED UP LAME TWICE—WHERE A PACK OF FROZEN VEG, A HOT WATER BOTTLE & AN ASPRIN HAD HER BACK TO RIGHTS BY THE NEXT DAY….

I CONSIDER MYSELF FORTUNATE TO HAVE HAD HER COMPANY & AFFECTION FOR OVER ELEVEN YEARS & WE SHARED LOTS OF GREAT TIMES TOGETHER—SHE TAUGHT HERSELF BITS & BOBS OF OBEDIENCE, BY WATCHING THE OTHERS & OCCASIONALLY PUSHING HER WAY IN TO PROVE THAT SHE COULD PLAY THIS GAME AS WELL.. ON A FEW OCCASIONS I ENTERED HER AT SHOWS, JUST BECAUSE SHE LIKED TO DO A LITTLE BIT—BUT IT WAS ALWAYS ON HER TERMS… HER HEELWORK WAS ACTUALLY QUITE GOOD…JUDGES WERE ALWAYS DISMAYED WHEN I SAID “OH- WE DON’T DO RETRIEVE,RECALL, STAYS” --- RETRIEVES WERE A HIT OR A MISS DEPENDING ON HER MOOD & AS FOR WAITING IN A RECALL –WELL MAYBEYS SHE WILL & MAYBEYS SHE WONT……HOWEVER, I JUST LOVED TO SEE HER ENJOYING HERSELF & TAKING THE PISS OUT OF ME…

SHE WAS A FABULOUS AMBASSADOR FOR THE BREED. BEAUTIFUL, INTELLIGENT, CALM, GENTLE & PROTECTIVE WHERE NECESSARY BUT NEVER SHOWING ANY AGRESSION..

I ALMOST LOST HER IN AUGUST 2007 TO A TORSION… I WAS THERE WHEN IT HAPPENED & GOT HER TO THE VET WITHIN THIRTY MINUTES… SHE WAS ON THE OPERATING TABLE FOR OVER 3 HOURS & WAS KEPT AT THE VET’S FOR 4 DAYS….SHE FOUGHT LIKE CRAZY TO SURVIVE…THAT WAS THE MEASURE OF MY GIRL… .

ANOTHER YEAR DOWN THE LINE AND TIME HAD TAKEN IT’S TOLL ON MY HEARTS DESIRE & I HAD TO MAKE THE DECISION TO GIVE HER SLEEP..HER IMMUNE SYSTEM HAD PACKED IN & SHE WAS STRUGGLING TO GET TO HER FEET…IT ALL HAPPENED SO QUICKLY—IN 2 DAYS—I WASN’T READY…BUT SHE TOLD ME SHE WAS…..

I’VE MISSED HER EVERY DAY SINCE SHE LEFT US, AS HAVE THE OTHER DOGS… THERE’S A BIG HOLE IN OUR WORLD THAT ONLY SHE WAS CAPABLE OF FILLING…

RUN FREE MY CHADY LADY & I’LL SEE YOU AGAIN ONE DAY, WHEN I HOPE YOU'LL BE WAITING AT THE RAINBOW BRIDGE TO LEAD ME ACROSS.…

I just cannot believe that it is now nine months since I had to make the heart breaking decision to give my beautiful boy peace after his health deteriorated suddenly. Jamie had been my best friend and constant shadow for nearly fifteen short years and the hole he has left in my heart will never be filled.

He was very a confident and self willed puppy and became a very handsome and determined adult and would have a go at anything I asked, albeit with his rules applied. He was never an obedience champion but he was MY champion winning my heart and many others too. One of his proudest moments was competing in the 2nd Heelwork to Music Competition at Ryton on Dunsmore in 1997 performing to Neil Diamond's "What a Beautiful Noise". That day he was presented with a lovely Glass Vase for the best performance from a dog not yet to work 'C' which I shall treasure forever. He was such a showman and he thoroughly enjoyed himself.

He had a wonderful temperament playing very gently with children and was my dream dog trying his hardest to please me in everything he did. Sometimes too hard, especially in heelwork when his enthusiasm would take over and he would end up racing me round the ring. This enthusiasm and presence attracted two wives and his spirit will live on in his children and grandchildren. I am so pleased that I kept one of his sons, so at least I have part of him living with me. Now that Quincy has matured he looks more and more like his Dad and I often, momentarily, think it is Jamie.

Jamie lived life to the full and always did things his way. His favourite pastime was to destroy any indestructible toy given to him!!! The house is very empty without him. Jarvis and Quincy are missing him, particularly Jarvis who is lost without his leader and still looks for him in the garden.

I am so proud to have been owned by him and miss him dreadfully.

Sleep well Big J, I will never forget you.

It's been just over a week since you left us and I still can't believe that you are gone. I still come into the lounge and expect to see you on "your" settee telling anyone off who dared to try and sit on it. I was the only one allowed to share it with you and we spent many a night cuddled up together watching the TV.

We never made it out of prebeginner not because you weren't any good but because I didn't realise what I had got as you were my first dog, a real powerhouse who in the right hands would have made it to ticket, but instead you had me.

You were a very loyal dog to your family and you kept the pack in line right up to the end. Your grandchildren, especially Arwen, loved you as you were brilliant with puppies and you were the one she was allowed to walk with after she had her accident which created a strong bond between the two of you.

You had been getting more frail over the last month and although you still came everywhere with me and mugged everyone for titbits, I had no choice that day but to make the decision to let you go as you would have fought to stay as you had each time you had had a stroke but this time it was too much. You slipped away peacefully in my arms as we said goodbye.

I have the comfort that you live on in your sons Bracken, Sweep and Paddy and your daughter Tammy plus more recently your eight grandchildren who nearly all compete in obedience or agility.

Run free my boy and I hope you have found your great dane friend Clara who went to Rainbow Bridge a month earlier.

Till we meet again

Your heartbroken Mum

In the last year I have been dreading this moment, but I owe you everything. Sweetheart, I just wished you could have heard the lovely tributes you were sent, I wished if you could read, to see what was said about you. China, my lovely chinky China, you have now left us, but what a great girlie you were. The nice thing being of course is that you are now back home with us - and when I go to heaven, you and all my other beloved dogs come with me.

China! What can I say? You are so greatly missed and my heart is so broken, but - you gave me everything. Every night I look at the rug in the lounge where you used to lie, and your not there, but, yes you are there in spirit and in my and Dad's heart.

Sweetheart, if I could turn back the clock to have another moment with you I would.

When Dad and I arrived home on 14.7.08, approximately at 11.30a.m. A butterfly came into the garden and fluttered around. I knew it was you to tell me that "all is well and your body is now free of pain and your bones young again" Thank you.

China, you are and were so much loved. I wanted to write so much about you but I think all the tributes to you said it all.
Rest in peace and sleep well old girl. I hope your old bones are now refreshed and you are romping around with Sam and Roley and my other beloveds. I will send a biscuit up to heaven every night for you all and I shall be looking for the brightest stars.
Sleep peacefully and thank you so much China for 15 � years of your love.

God bless and may the Angels keep you warm, my tears are forever falling for you. My arms embrace you and my heart is always open for you.

Run free at Rainbow Bridge and wait for Dad and me.
Sleep peacefully until we are all reunited.
All our love,
Chris, Robin, & Ellie.xxx

When I saw you for the first time in the nest I knew you were the one for me, but I had to wait for one other person to choose their puppy before me. I was over the moon when I was told I could have you. We were able to bring you home in time for Christmas. You got on well with the other dogs, but the poor cat (sheeba) had no peace at all from you. As you began to work, everyone said you were a workaholic so I had to stop working you for a while and teach you how to play.

You began in pre-beginners and went all the way to 'C', but within a short time of getting there you developed a problem. We were told you had 'hip-displacia'. You had the first operation and after 15 weeks you were back on your feet and running round, then you had the other hip done but this did not go so well, they found a bone spilter in the joint and had to operate again to remove it. After you recovered from all this you never seemed strong enough to work so we decided to retire you from competition, and then you became a daddys girl and you turned into a real lap dog.

In 2005 you here poorly again only this time they found a great big tumor in your stomach which was attached to the spleen. They said it was as big as a melon and you were only a little bit, they removed it in the September and told us we would be lucky if we still had you that christmas but you managed to see 3 christmas's. Then you gave us the biggest worry of our lives when you went walk about - you were missing for 5 days, but some kind farmer found you and put you in one of his stables and phoned the police. We hunted everywhere for you then we phoned the police again ten minutes after the farmer had. We went to his farm and there you were all warm and comfy in the straw. Losing you is like the end of an era - we had come such a long way together. Now you can go and chase the cat again and meet up with Ben, Zeta and Sheeba. God bless you Zanni you were a fighter until the end, even when we had the house fire you were stubborn and did not want to leave your bed.

Lots of love from mom, dad and granny margaret, the boys will miss you. As old as you were you still told them off. Maybe one day we all will be together again. Big kisses from Rema nad Ellie
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I was chosen by Louie from the first time I went to see the litter of pups, he could not take his eyes off me and it remained that way all his short life.
He had a chair by the window and when I left the house without him he would sit in his chair with his head on the windowsill awaiting my return, if I was going to be some hours I would ask my Mum to call and let the dogs out during the day but Louie would just sit on his chair as if to say ' you're not my Mum, I will wait here for her return'. On my return he would still be sat there, head on the windowsill, but what a reunion!!
Louie enjoyed all his training especially heelwork because he could be by my side, it always amazed me when he did 'stays' as he hated being away from me. We travelled so far together in the obedience world and I owe him so much, not everyone is lucky enough to be loved by a dog like Louie and I give thanks that he chose me to be his companion in life.
I miss you so much Louie, you were my dog of a lifetime - it is very lonely without you.

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message He Is Dead,
Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.

He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last for ever: I was wrong.

The stars are not wanted now: put out every one;
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood.
For nothing now can ever come to any good.

Jemma was such a loving little girl, full of life and always wanting to meet people and other dogs, especially puppies. Making the decision to let her go was so hard but it was difficult for her to get around and she was getting too tired so we had to make the decision for her as she would never leave us by choice. Jem we have such a huge hole in our lives, and Logan is very quiet and misses you too. Play at the Rainbow Bridge with Rosie and Shadow again and wait for us to find you. We loved you so much.

IF I SHOULD GROW FRAIL
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain does keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done
for this - the last battle -can't be won.
You will be sad I understand
But don't let grief then stay your hand.
For on this day, more than the rest
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end.
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must now be you
Who has to decide this thing to do.
We've been so close - we two -these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

To my dear Fleece - I can never forget the night that we sat with your mother and watched and waited as you and your litter mates were born.
You were my first Border Collie and very strong minded and I made many mistakes along the way. Your greatest achievement in Obedience was to win a run-off for Pre-Beginners at Cefn Coed - I was so proud and kept looking at the red rosette and trophy on the passenger seat - I missed the motorway turn-off and got lost in the middle of Cardiff! The rosette is still there on the board along with your many Beginner places.

You retired gracefully at 5 years of age when Tarn came along and for ten and a half years you came along to shows just for the pleasure of it, you loved camping, loved meeting people and other dogs and were just so excited when we arrived at a venue.

At 15 � you decided enough was enough and the decision was made. You slipped away peacefully in my lounge - your greatest achievement in life was to be my most darling girl, and to help me keep my boys in order which you did to the end.

Little did I think that just over three short months after losing Fleece, my soulmate, my very special white boy, Tarn, would follow. Despite putting me in hospital with a broken ankle, wrist and dislocated elbow at 10 months of age, you took me from Beginners to B. I did not know you were ill until skin secondaries began to appear and even then it wasn't until the biopsy results that we realised just what they signified. Even if we had known earlier, there was no cure, no treatment that could have helped you. Losing you so suddenly has been the very worst thing that has happened to me in my life - you were so vibrant - as a friend wrote - "you lived life in the fast lane" and only 48 hours before you left you were playing hide and seek with me on the airfield. I am so glad that you had that last holiday with me a couple of weeks ago in Oxfordshire - despite the snow and frost you were chasing happily around, with no foreboding of what was to come.

You had some very special friends in your life, Madge, Pat, Hilary, Penny and Rachel, and when you met them you would greet them with squeals of excitement and one of your special "smiles".

You slipped away in the same spot as Fleece, halfway through a mouthful of sardines. I don't sleep properly now - the space where you slept beside me on the bed, head on the pillow, is so empty and I miss you so very much. Sendaway was always your favourite exercise and now you have done the longest sendaway of all - and how I wish I could do the callout, A light has gone out in my life.

I know that you will be with Fleece now and will be happy but it is so hard to be left behind.

My two rescue dogs both passed away within the last 9 months. Both brought me and many others so much pleasure.

Sadie was such a tomboy, wonderful with other dogs and put up with so much from Taffie when we first adopted him. She taught him how to behave like a dog. She always had a smile on her face and never had a days grumpiness!

Taffie the troubled terrier, led a charmed life, led me and others a merry dance but certainly touched the hearts of those that knew him properly.

Both were stalwarts of Clevedon & District DTC league team, in their day and went through a whole season with either of them coming first or second in the Beginner class, when the team won the South West Obedience league. I was so proud of them.

I still can't believe they have gone.......

Digit my great companion left us on Friday 18th April, due to a neurological condition. He had been ill last august with an undiagnosed problem despite being at the vets and then referred to a specialist. The day he came home I was staying round my friend's who lives next door. When I saw the van pull up outside I immediately ran down the stairs and got my shoes on. When I came in he was laying in the living room and when he saw me he tried his best to come to me and greet me like he did every morning. When I came and sat with him he did his funny little grunt, which always made me laugh. He then soon recovered. He had been going off his food lately, we tried him on different foods and different flavours, which he ate for a few meals and then refused to eat it. We tried his favourite foods, spaghetti and lettuce (yes, and odd favourite isn't it?) Despite not eating, his stomach was hard and bloated so we took him to the vet, he was then sick in the night and looked weaker the next day so we took him back. The vet said the food shouldn't be in the stomach for more than a few hours. He was then put on a drip so he wouldn't dehydrate. Later on Mum rang to see how he was doing, the vet said he was standing with his head in the corner pressed up against the bars or he was walking round in circles which concerned him. Roughly half an hour later she rang back and asked if we could go and see him, and the vets said he was glad she was coming. When we arrived there and went up to the kennels Mum burst into tears. He was laying with his head on one side and his leg sticking out the other way. We turned him over so we would be comfortable although he probably could not feel anything. The vet said he was not under any sedation or on any other medication other than the drip. I sat down by him and stroked him. His eyes were glazed and to me, he was already gone and he was beyond the point of no return, quite literally. We came to the decision to let him go. I then went outside into the hallway, Graeme MacGregor and Jenny Holt came in. 5 mins later I went back in to see a blue liquid being injected into his leg. He then took one last gasp of air. I leant over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. We took his collar off and left the room. When we got home I went up into my room and cried. I couldn't believe he had gone. Every time I look at his pictures I burst into tears.

Mum says that I should remember the good times we had together rather than the end. He was such a good dog to me and he won two pre beginners, three beginners and won out of Starters, Elementary and Graduate in YKC. He also won the YKC at Crufts, and got 2nd the following year. I remember the times at home when we piddled around doing training and whenever he heard a knock at the door he would go ballistic. The times when he romped around with Lulu and making me laugh. The times when I took him on walks and he would dance around me tugging the lead. I just see him everywhere, looking at mum trying to get Millie to play, or sitting there with his ears pricked, or laying with his chin on the ground but desperately trying to look up at the same time, or cheating by putting his head on his paw and waiting for me to chuck the tit bit at him.

I now have a permanent lump in my throat. We have an empty dog bed in the dining room. An empty cage in the van. An empty blanket by the side of my bed or on my bed at night. An empty collar with a lead. An empty space in my eyes where he once was. He was Millie's shadow, and Lulu's best friend. They would sit on the top of the stairs just touching each other.

Run free with your dad Ru and your brother Darcy. Enjoy having full eye sight once again. Your memories are with us until we meet again.

My princess left us this morning, very suddenly and the shock is unbearable.

I know that at 15� years of age I should have expected the end to come soon, but Alice was so fit, active, and bossy right to the last day that I can't believe that she's gone. She was my best friend and life will never be the same without her. At home, at work, on our walks she was always quietly around, always following behind my heels and tripping me up. Her mission in life was to extract sausage; liver etc. from everybody, and she would do whatever it took to achieve her goal.

I could write pages about my special girl but perhaps I should just keep our memories in my heart where they will remain forever.

I hope Alice has found her mom Folly, who passed over 'the Bridge' in December, aged 17� years and all her cherished family too (watch out Jonnie Potipher she'll make 'a bee line' for you, she was such a flirt!).

Thank you Gill and God for blessing me with 15� wonderful, memory packed years with my special angel and thank you to everyone who appreciated how special she was and loved her, for HER, not just her achievements. It meant a lot to us.

I'm sorry my words are clumsy and don't do Alice justice, but I felt that her friends in the obedience world would want to know of her passing.

God Bless sweet Ali, until we meet again, (I hope they're throwing a party for you up there, you did love a party!).

It was cold and dark and wet, the night you stole my heart
Sue carried you into the hall; I loved you from the start
I took you home
Dad wasn't impressed
He said you couldn't stay
You licked his face and wagged your tail
You even made him play
He tried hard not to like you, but it was all in vain
He finally said 'yes' and that's how you got your name
We started with our training and mostly got on fine
The only problems that you had were nearly always mine
You took me through the classes; Not knowing what you'd done
From Prebeginners to Ticket - I hope I made it fun
We never managed to get to Crufts, our chances went astray
But I know if I ever get there, you'll be with me on the day
You always knew if I was down or if things had gone bad
You'd snuggle up and lick my hand and stop me feeling sad
I hope I did things right by you on our final ride
And I hope you weren't too scared, coz I was right there by your side
You know how much I love you and I know that you will wait,
Until I come to meet you outside the Pearly Gate
Now you're not here it feels as if, my world has fallen apart
It was cold and dark and wet last night, when you broke my heart

Dave Bain and Gill Maxwell wish to express their devestation at the loss of their foundation bitch Sarkams Invernesian Dream of Baindream, aged only four.

'Callie' came with us to breed shows, although too big for the breed ring, and enjoyed meeting people when NFC. She was part of our lives fron 5 1/2 weeks of age, and was one of the most intelligent, responsive, trainable dogs we've met.

'Callie' opened our door to border collies, and without her there would be no Baindream or Gilestria Border Collies.Iinitially, she did Obedience, but it didn't light her fire, so she turned to Agility and was both fast and accurate over fences and contacts, her one problem being a love of the dog walk which she just couldn't run past.

A glitch with her health made her give it up competitivly, although she still enjoyed using the equipment in the garden. her much awaited litter proved her a superb brood bitch, passing good nature, intelligence and her superb temperament to her pups. She recently turned back to Obedience with renewed enthusiasm, and only needed to be shown a new skill once.

Her desire to please and play motivated superb performance, and her first shows had been entered. Slight behaviour and temperament changes were the only hints of a problem, but nothing could be found on examination. A huge, overwhelming brain haemorrhage took her from us in minutes, leaving a gaping tricolour hole in our hearts.

She was not just our dog, she was our friend. one of her pups is training with SARDA Southern Scotland, and is expected to pass grade I in January, and we have a son and daughter at home carrying food bowls about as she did.

Jess, today 6th Jan is 2 years since you died.
I cant believe it , its gone so quick and its no easier now .

People say time heals but I cant see that , I miss you terribly and even though I have amber to love , she is diffrent.You were always that special girl , so full of cheekiness and always waiting with that sloppy kiss.

I miss your cuddles , and I know that you were my first dog to work , and one that taught me so much , if it wasn't for you I wouldn't have had the chance to go to crufts three times for the welsh KCJO, that was an achievement with a dog like you , who loved everyone and loved all the crowds watching you, as you did what you liked in the ring and left me walking around doing the round whilst you were noising at everyone!!!
Well jess , we will meet again one day , but for now look after Gus , and keep a space for me ,

Love mum [Beth] and kisses from Amber xxxx

Two months after the vet advised it, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to let Ripple rest in peace.

She was unique; never setting foot in a ring, but worth more than any Champion. One of my favourite photos is of her slumped across a chair sleeping, while on a dog training course. None of that obedience lark for her, she was above it. Oh she loved the shows, wagging her whole body and demanding attention if you had been chosen to be one of her friends. She loved weekend shows and camping out and very often invited herself to a “neighbouring camp” for breakfast or just to be admired. If she went missing at a show we always checked “next door” and she would be there, settled in with her new friends, whether they wanted it or not. Poor discipline on our part you may think, but if you knew Ripple you will be smiling now at the memory.

She was the boss, quite simply. A superb mother, who still recognised and “checked out” her kids right up to the end. She had two superb litters to Carol Clack’s great Toddy, each pup going to seriously vetted homes; each one loved for their character and nearly all competing in obedience at various levels including Ch. C.

Thank you to Jane Masefield for allowing me to take Ripple. She wasn’t ordered and I was simply looking, not buying. Within 10 seconds I had chosen her.

She was a fussy eater all through her life and you had to have the right titbit at the right time otherwise she would walk off and leave you standing there, feeling like a fool. She didn’t “do” tricks. When all the gang lined up and showed off their tricks for treats, Ripple simply raised her left paw and she gained her treat. As her turn came around again and again she would simply raise her paw each time and win her treat.

Ripple fought long and hard against her illness, showing so much strength of character. In May she came down with pneumonia. Already underweight, we feared the worst, but she recovered very well indeed. In October our vet advised sleep as there was nothing else to be done for her. We declined. It wasn’t the right time and she still had light in her eyes. However, she was very ill and we expected to be back at he vets in the following few days. She quite simply got stronger and a month later she was playing football with my brother and the rest of her doggy family on a beach in Wales. Oh how I treasure those photographs.

She turned up for yet another monthly check up, much to my vet’s amazement and ate spaghetti bolognese for another couple of weeks, before deciding one night that enough was enough. We understood and the deed was done later that day. She hadn’t moved all day and was ill and weak. We carried her to the car and lay her on the back seat (she hated the boot). I nursed her all the way to the vets, where she promptly jumped out of the car and trotted in to the surgery with tail wagging, defiant to the end. She went peacefully to sleep in my arms and my heart is broken.

John and Vicky, she adored you, as you know when she always came screaming after you. Did you ever manage a walk without her? It won’t be the same on our next trip.

Dear God, Ripple loves Spaghetti Bolognese and ice cream, a soft bed and some company, but she will probably choose her own friends.

He had retired from competitive obedience early aged only 5 and whilst at the top of his obedience career due to ill health when a deep lung infection and two damaged discs (caused, no doubt, by doing everything at 200mph) threatened his life but due to very careful nursing and much TLC he recovered and lived a full and happy life although competition was no longer an option for him or Kathryn. All those that had the pleasure to watch him work would no doubt agree that he was exceptionally talented and beautifully trained. He leaves some fabulous offspring, many of whom have made their mark in obedience and agility.

Mannie was without doubt one of the sweetest natured dogs I have ever had the privilege to own. He shared my bed, my life and my heart. I can't believe he has gone, I thought he would go on forever. He was the first dog I qualified to work ticket, gaining places in the class. Mannie was just so unassuming, never any trouble, even when he had to leave me he only gave me one day of worry … my vets and I tried so hard to save you, but sadly it was not to be. Bye my bestest boy, I will be waiting for that special star to shine very brightly then I know you will be with me again …

Loving and missing you .. mum xx

We knelt gazing at the litter of lovely chunky black and white puppies when suddenly from behind the cardboard box in the corner, out he came.
A HUGE tri-colour pup, which looked more like a gigantic guinea pig that a border collie! Wow! He was beautiful!
Nigel and I looked at each other.
"I've got to have HIM", Nigel declared.
Danny's breeder protested for a while as Dan was the one she wanted to keep, however she relented and that was the beginning of our relationship with Danny.
The day we brought Danny home a comet was sighted - an unusual occurrence, which we thought was a good sign and boded well for Danny.
From the start he was immensely loyal, hugely possessive of his family and had an enormous personality to match his big handsome frame.
In the early days we misread him, not immediately recognising his sensitivity, which we think was the reason that he could not cope with the Obedience world.
He would panic in stays and either do a runner or eye upthe male next to him - either way he would get himself into trouble. However he did win 3 Novices and gotplaced in Class 'A' a couple of times. He could have been very successful.
Once he had discovered his true make up he was retired from the Obedience ring to take up his role as minder to his Mother and the female members of our human and canine family. In fact any female would immediately be added to his extensive harem.
His life was complete when we introduced his baby half-sister Ruby, to our home and he adored her, ensuring thatno harm came to her.
Danny has left a huge gap in our lives, which will be difficult to fill.
We already miss him head-butting open the kennel door to go for his run and kangarooing up and down at the kitchen counter, worrying that he may be left out at teatime. We miss the daily sparring sessions between himand out cat.

Whenever we go on holiday, our dogs are looked after by Aunty Lou and they delight in racing around the paddock all day when they are with her.
The last time Danny stayed I asked Lou if he had behaved himself this time, as he was always prone to starting a scrap with one or other of her dogs.
Lou assured me that Danny had been 'a very good boy'.
On hearing this, Danny puffed up his chest, a big grin on his clown face.
How pleased he was!
"My Aunty Lou says I am a very good boy!"

Danny was taken ill quite suddenly and after just a few short days he was gone. We are still taking it in as it was totally out of the blue. He was ten and a half but acted like a two year old and we had hoped to share many more years with out big handsome boy.
The next evening we saw a rainbow - we also saw this as a good sign and boded well for Danny - he had crossed over the Rainbow Bridgesafely.
So God, if you hear a commotion at the gate of Rainbow Bridge it will probably be our Danny head-butting it open. He never did have the patience to wait until it was opened.
Oh and can you please add this to the bottom of his cv:

I remember so well the day we brought you home, a small, lively bundle of fun. You grew into a wonderful family dog, who loved to play.

Obedience wasn't really your thing, you were too interested in the smells from the Catering Van!

However you shone at exemption shows, never leaving without a rosette for Handsomest Dog or Best Rescue and in your later years, Best Veteran.

It was after much heartsearching that I made the decision to let you go, but I know that the time was right.

"Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll always stay.

I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
...a young dog once again."

I was standing on a hillside,
In a field of blowing wheat,
And the spirit of a japanese akita dog,
Was lying a my feet.

He looked at me with kind dark eyes,
An ancient wisdom shining through,
And in the essence of his being,
I saw love there too.

His mind did lock upon my heart,
As I stood there on that day,
And he told me of this story,
About a place so far away.

I stood upon a hillside,
In a field of blowing wheat,
And in a twinkling of a second,
His spirit left my feet.

His tale did put my heart at ease,
My fears did fade away,
About what lay ahead of me,
On another distant day.

" I live among god's creatures now,
In the heavens of your mind,
So do not grieve for me, my friend
As I am with my kind.

My collar is a rainbows hue,
My leash a shooting star,
My boundaries are the milky way,
Where I sparkle from afar.

There are no pens or kennels here,
For I am not confined,
But free to roam god's heavens,
Among my akita kind.

I nap the day on a snowy cloud,
Gentle breezes rocking me,
And dream the dreams of earthlings,
And how it used to be.

The trees are full of liver treats,
And tennis balls abound,
And milkbones line the walkways,
Just waiting too be found.

There even is a ring set up,
The grass all lush and green,
And everyone who gaits around,
Becomes the best of breed.

For we're all winners in this place,
We have no faults you see,
And god passes out those ribbons,
To each one, even me.

I drink from waters laced with gold,
My world a beauty to behold,
And wise old dogs do form my pride,
To amble at my very side.

At night I sleep in angels arms,
Her wings protecting me,
And moonbeams dance about us,
As stardust falls on thee.

So when your life on earth is done,
And you stand at heavens gate,
Have no fear of loneliness,
For here you know I wait".

Oskha was a 'Wonderful' ambassador of his breed, he was given sleep with
Steve and I by his side.

Jess, its one year today that you snatched away from us so suddenly , I miss you so much Jess , and think about you every day.
Today Jess, Gus [the cat] , your mate has come up to be with you, he wasn't well and we thought it best that we give him the peace he deserved.
Amber, Jade , Poppy and Holly miss you and your funny ways , Jade has taken over your duty of top dog and is keeping the pack in order , well Jess I hope you and Gus know that we will always remember and miss you both , run free and help Gus to catch mice , until we meet again.

Mummy [Beth ] , mum , dad , Michael , Gareth , canines Amber , Jade ,and Poppy and cat Hollyxxxx

Our Dear Sonny bun you never let us down, a great ambassador for the aussies we miss you little man, and Bobby now gone to join his dad he will also be very sadly missed.

If it should be that I grow weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep
Then you must do what must be done
For this last battle can't be won

You will be sad, I understand
Dont let your grief then stay your hand
For this day more than all the rest
Your love for me must stand the test

We've had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears
You would not want me to suffer so
The time has come please let me go

Take me to where my needs they will tend
And stay with me to the end
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see

Please do not grieve it must be you
Who has this painful thing to do
Weve been so close ,we two these years
Dont let your heart hold back the tears.

Our dearest old boy Travis has left us. So reliable, such a gentleman, never a moment's bother, you hardly knew he was there, but how massive is the hole he's left now he's gone.

He ruled the roost without even a curl of his lip, gaining the respect of the other dogs in some unspoken way. And how he enjoyed doing something for you, endlessly bringing a toy just so he could bring it again. He loved obedience, before he had to be retired due to the onset of arthritis. He'd take anyone in the ring and work them, steering them round, laughing all over his face.

He loved everyone, especially small children, although picnic sandwiches were at risk if he and Tam launched a two pronged attack! Usually bringing up the rear on a walk but joining in if there was a game, in spite of his fragility, getting back to his feet every time he got knocked over. We had to help him stand towards the end and when his kidneys failed, the difficult, but inevitable decision had to be made to give him rest.

Run free of pain, Jack. Reunited with Tam at Rainbow Bridge. We will miss you, bobble head...

"If you bury him in this spot, he will come to you when you call.
Come to you over the grim, dim frontiers of death,
and down the well-remembered path to your side again.
And though you call a dozen living dogs to heel, they shall
not growl at him, nor resent his coming, for he belongs there.
People may scoff at you, who see no lightest blade of grass
bent by his footfall, who hear no whimper; people who may never really
have had a dog. Smile at them, for you shall know something that is
hidden from them, and which is well worth the knowing. The one best
place then, to bury a dog, is in the heart of his master...."

Last week we celebrated her 11th birthday, this week little Fidget gave up the fight against cancer. It took all my will power not to back out, but I didn't and she left without fuss this afternoon two days after Chance's 1st anniversary. I can't believe how quiet our house is right now. For such a small dog, she has left such a big, big hole.

She was without a doubt the most unassuming dog I've ever lived with, and so very gentle with it. All her life she'd stand at the door and wait to be invited in while the other dogs rushed past her regardless, she sought eye contact for confirmation that she was doing something correctly, if she found a toy before the others she'd dance around it to attract attention then back off, laughing all over her furry little face when they realised what she had. The only thing she stood her ground over was her food dish, and NO ONE dared challenge her over that.

I can't believe my oldies are all gone, but with luck they are reunited again - China, Chance and Fidget, the three Muskateers, doing what they did best - chasing each other around like loonies and enjoying each others company.

Run free from pain Fidgey Woo, until we see you again.

Jackie & Ethan BABY.

Well our beautiful boy, you are now free of all the pain that you borne with such dignity, we are very proud to say Banjo you were our special boy. When you was born you was deaf, but you never let that stop you from doing lots of things.

We had a special bond you and I, we started out doing sign language but we didn’t need that did we, we knew what each other wanted and that is the bond we had. You could talk the hind leg off a donkey and give people whip lash with your wagging tail that ever stopped still, Even when the pain was so hard for you to bare your tail still wagged, not as fast as it used to but it still wagged.

At least all of your pain is gone now and also your poorly heart will be mended ,but mine and your dads will take a bit longer to heal we didn’t want to let you go .but we could see that you were very tired and deserved to rest your weary head. We have planted a tree in your honour up were you spent a lot of time and were you loved to be. Drummer says hello he cannot understand why you are not here to play tic-tac-toe with him, the game you always played until the pain took over.

The house is so quite without you I have no one to back chat me anymore, but one day we will all be together again and play all the games we used to, So goodnight sweet prince, god bless and keep you safe until we can play in the green fields over in rainbow bridge remember Banjo you are in a special corner of my heart which is for you alone.

Her greatest achievement was having a litter, she truly found her niche in life in that and was such a devoted Mum she would have made herself ill caring for her babies.

She ruled all of my dogs with a rod of iron but was always fair and was often seen trying to get them to play with her. Loved all people and was such a great comforter to me in times of trouble, not sure what I’ll do now. She loved to run around in circles and bark and even learnt later in life what fun swimming was.

Fizz was diagnosed just 6 weeks ago with Lymphoma and I never realized her time would be up so quickly. Even after 14 � years making the decision to let her go was just so difficult even though I know it was the right choice and she left me while she still had her dignity.

Gone now to be with her two daughters who went before, one at just a few hours old and her first born Jarna (Byru Dancer OW). Still here and grieving are another two of her puppies Wenoki Woody and Aasta Risk and not forgetting her number one son Tri Clans Magical Addition OW (Mary Prentices Bertie).

Gone but will NEVER be forgotten, my darling Fizzy. Saying goodbye was so damned hard.

From your heartbroken Mum Rose and the other dogs you ruled at home Woody, Aasta, Phoenix and that Kelpie, Inca

We have a secret, you and I,
That no-one else shall know.
For who but I shall see you lie,
Each night in fireglow?

And who but I can reach my hand
Before we go to bed,
And feel the living warmth of you
And touch your silken head?

And only I walk woodland paths,
And see, ahead of me,
Your small form racing with the wind,
So young again, and free.

And only I can see you swim
In every brook I pass.
And when I call, no-one but I
Can see the bending grass.

Over 16 years ago I saw you in the pound, brought in by the dog warden with bleeding pads, filthy dirty, cowering and shaking with fear.

For over 16 years you were the most devoted and eager companion, trusting and gentle with an overwhelming zest for life.

At 17 despite your body's failings you still wanted to run and play and when you fell over you clambered to your feet and carried on. On that last day when I tried to wake you, you looked up and the spark had gone, I could tell that the time had come to give you sleep. You didn't have the will to run any more.

Though you never competed, you will always be the greatest winner I have ever known and I hope I did right by you little man!

Sleep well angel, run and play and be free of pain and we will come for you again one day. Missing you every second!

Crumble was my first competition dog and we've certainly come a long way together in nearly 17 years. She was a great character and there was nothing she couldn't do if SHE wanted to although doing it because I wanted her to, now that was a different matter! We have had a most amazing journey together, from the very naughty young Labrador to the very elderly dog and the house will certainly seem very empty without her.

She was always a "Champion" at getting people to empty their pockets of any titbits through her "I'm a starving Labrador" eyes. Once the sparkle started leaving those eyes, it was time to say goodbye.

Your breeder gave me you because she would not be able to sell you as you had a half white face. BUT you qualified for Crufts in breed. She said you would not work BUT you got to 'B' in Obedience and got to 'WD' in trials. You were such a character, loved by all that met you. You loved your skateboard and all the Mary Ray tricks. You were my fun dog. I miss you so much. It broke my heart to have to let you go when your kidneys would not work. I will never forget you.

Owned and loved by Helen Rajska

Life became such a struggle and I couldn’t see this grand old lady go on. It broke my heart to say goodbye, playing god isn’t easy. Gilda was from Deckers first litter and she was also the start of my Retcoll affix. She had two lovely litters of which I am so proud, they all made wonderful obedience, agility and working trials dogs but most of all lovely to live with. Obedience she loved but the stays, well let’s not mention them. She loved everyone and most of all puppies, she would even leave the ring if there was a puppy around. Her love in life was to carry bun buns (soft toys) around and she even gave birth to a litter while suckling on her ‘bun bun’.

Sleep well my ‘puppy dog’ those aching bones are no more. Hope you meet up with your son Copper at Rainbow Bridge and you can go and play with the rest of our ‘family’.The angels had better have lots of ‘bun buns’ for you to carry. Dave and I will miss you terribly and Kedi well who’d have ever thought she would miss you but you’ve both grown old together and now she’s wondering where you are.

Your heartbroken Mum and Dad Sue and Dave Ellis and Kedi (the last of our doggy family)

For fourteen years you've shared my life and how quickly they've flown by,
I'm just so glad I held you as you took your final sigh.
You weren't well known for heelwork, retrieves or recalls,
You were just happy to be chasing round and running after balls.
You were the leader of our gang and kept everyone in their place.
You didn't need to snap or growl, they knew just by your face.
You started to get weary, your legs started to give way,
I wished I could make you young again.
I just wanted you to play.
You defied the vets and lived, for many extra years, but that doesn't ease the heartbreak or wipe away the tears.
Time waits for no one, not even the best.
You looked so very tired and I knew you wanted Rest.
I hope you're running through the clouds to go and get your wings,
But before you cross the bridge I've got to tell you one last thing.
I'm proud to have known you and I'm really glad you see, that fourteen years ago, you chose to live with me.

You were just 7 weeks old and all alone with no-one to guide you when i first saw you in that big cold kennel. I remember picking you up and cradling you in my arms and the first thing you did was to lick my face. I knew then that you were the one for me. All you wanted was alot of love and care. With no experience of how to look after you, i took you home and we learnt together. You was my first dog who i learnt everything from. You took me into a world i never thought existed. Obedience, agility and now heelwork to music.

You finally lost your fight, after 6 years of kidney failure, but you put up a fight to the very end.

I thank you for all the things you taught me and all the good times we had together. I thank you for keeping peoples feet clean and sitting on my lap everytime i mentioned putting you in the bath. I thank you for taking up all the bed so i got to sleep on the edge, but i didn't want to wake you. I thank you for making me chase you until you wanted to come back, but you knew i needed the exercise. Thank you for taking me into the world of fun dog shows and making me a better dog owner.

I never thought this day would come, but you are now free from pain and i am sure you are back running about with your sister Jess causing havoc over rainbow bridge. Say hello to her for me and remember you will never be forgotten (either of you). You have left a legacy of memories in this life, not just for me but to all that knew you.

Taz, Bertie and Tia are missing you already, but i will look after them the way you taught me to do.

Sleep well, and keep each other company until we can all be re-united once more.

mum xxx

Bryn came to us as a sixteen month old 'rescue' after his two previous homes did not work out for him.

We were told that Bryn was a 'Half Sealight' so we fully expected to see a tri-colour boy at least - but no!, our Bryn was a traditional black and white with five naughty spots on his nose!

For the first two days with us he refused to come into the house and opted to sleep in the yard. However, on the third evening, a little face with five naughty spots peered around the door. "Come on then, mate" said Nigel. Bryn entered the room, jumped onto Nigel's lap and a partnership was formed. From then on, all Bryn asked was a warm bed, a full belly and lots of love.

Bryn took well to his training, and being a quick learner he often left Nigel behind. He proved to be a very willing little dog who won through his classes fairly quickly. The zenith of his career was when he was awarded the Reserve CC at Wolverhampton in 2000 by Charles Allcock.

We were so proud of our little rescue or "Mr Bim" as my young niece called him - His nickname stuck for life!

Bryn was retired from obedience shortly following this, due to Nigel's work commitments and proved to be a wonderful pet and companion. He was clean, quiet (he almost never barked), polite and well mannered - "A proper little gentleman".

You could take Bryn anywhere - his behaviour was impeccable.

As he grew older, Bryn developed a heart condition and arthritis in his spine but until a week before he died, Bryn enjoyed life - daily walks in the Sandwell Valley with his pals, wheedling sweeties from all the dog walking ladies he met in the park.

Shortly into the New Year, Bryn suffered a stroke from which he was never to recover.

Thankfully he was ill for just one week before our vet informed us that Bryn's internal organs were failing.

There was no other choice, Bryn would have been sixteen in May and although our vet is brilliant, he is no magician. Bryn left us at lunchtime on Sunday, with his family by his side. - And do you know what? - he never did get to use those bloomin' naughty spots!

So, God - if you are reading this, please take note - if a little face with five naughty spots peers around the door, please take care of him 'cos he is no trouble, he doesn't bark and is very polite. All he asks is a warm bed, a full belly and lots of love.

Jess, you were a special dog , who made her way into everyone's heart , you had a special stubborn streak in you which made you even more lovable .
You were taken from us so suddenly Jess and its so very hard , but I know once I am over the initial shock I will remember all the good times we had together.
You competed at Crufts in the KCJO for Wales four times and I am very proud of you Jess, I know you are out of pain and suffering now and with your best friend Sadie.

Jade tried to help you in your time of need , by donating her blood for you but this was not enough and there was no way out , other than for the vet to send you on your journey.
Jess , auntie Rach, held you and cuddled you whilst you were given the final injection as we did not want to put any more stress on you by waking you up from your sedative , we came to you soon after to give you our final farewells.

Jess I will always think of you and you will always be our special girl

lots of love and hugs

from

Mummy [Beth] , Mum , Dad , Michael , Gareth.
Your canine sisters Jade , Poppy and Amber and those who knew and loved you.
xxxxxxx

Her journeys just begun

Don't think of her as gone away
Her journey has just begun
Life holds many facets
The earth is only one

Just think of her as resting
From the sorrow and the tears
In a place of warmth and comfort
Where there are no days or years

Think how she must be wishing
That we could know today
How nothing but our sadness
Can really pass away

And think of her as living
In the hearts of those she touched
For nothing loved is ever lost
And she was loved so much.

Nutty had her fair share of rosettes but was retired after a back operation for a slipped disc caused too many slow sits in her work.

She enjoyed obedience and took my daughter, Amber, to Crufts in the KCJO competition.

She also did flyball and had a staring roll in a Disney Club production one Saturday showing a day in the life of a young girl (Amber) and her flyball dog. She did some other film and TV work but I suppose her main claim to
fame was about 30 seconds in the film 'Shakespeare in Love'.

She had a superb temperament and, together with 'hubby' Bamboozle Fleet, had 2 litters with 8 puppies in each. She was a true matriarch and taught puppies wonderfully.

I shall miss her so much, I can�t believe she�s gone just 12 weeks after my beloved Tofee.

After big sister (Rema) lost her puppies,Janet Aldridge (the breeder), came to me and said she had repeated the mateing, if I would like a puppy, it would be a full sister instead of a daughter, I jumped at the chance, then one night the phone rang, it was Janet to say you were born, she called you Odd Job because you had one black front leg, I said o.k. I would have a look. When you were 3 weeks old I went to see you, and what did you do when I walked in the room, you came over and bit me on the
ankle, I knew you were the one for me, and all though your short life you were still biting me. You caused havoc in the house you were so bossy, but I was always proud of you, you had style and you were so beautiful although you were small and slim, but in the ring I never knew what you were going to throw at me, but I never stoppped loving you. I could never have guessed hao short your little life was going to be, you always had something in you mouth,and chewing plastic bottles I was always having to
take things from you, but this time it was one thing to many,and I was to late to safe you within an hour you were gone from us for ever. Everywhere we look there are things with teeth marks in so you made sure that we would never forget you. You have left a very large hole in our lifes, but like Mavis said maybe one day the pain will stop and we will only remember the good timesGod bless you Freya I hope oneday we can meet again and have fun together again. Thank you very much for all the phone calls and cards
they ment so much it just goes to show how much people do care and understand thank you everyone. Angie and keith and big sister Rema (who know gets to hold the ball all the time)

CHANCE came to live with us when he was just turned a year. He came from a rescue kennel in Gateshead, Newcastle. I was told that the family who left him said the kids were allergic to him, but it soon became clear there was probably more to it than that. He'd empty bins faster than I could fill them, pull wallpaper off, and steal anything he could get his teeth into.

HIS best asset was his endless patience and love of all things young. He was the welcome wagon for every kitten and puppy that came his way. One of the favourite games shared between himself and Kamen the moggy was `Get that cat!` I'd say out of the blue, `get that cat` and Kamen would race up the stairs with Chance on his heels. He'd eventually get `caught` and would end up on his back legs in the air with Chance nibbling his belly. They'd lie like that for a while, then when he'd had enough, Kamen would belt Chance on the nose and the game would be over. Fletcher and Danny, the other cats, didn't `get` the game at all, but I think Kamen thought he was a dog and enjoyed the rough and tumble.

EVERY now and again Chance would try to pretend he was a tough nut and stand up to a dog, thinking he was `all that`. He got the shock of his life one day when a GSD came back at him with `What did you say?` Chance turned tail and ran screaming all the way back to the house. I nearly wet myself, and he never tried it again. :)

HE was a natural retriever, willing to carry or drag anything he took a shine to when we were out on walks. They ranged from ordinary to the ridulous. I can still see him the day he decided he wanted to bring home a car seat.....and I mean a WHOLE car seat. After many minutes and many laughs he gave up on the seat and had to be content with the head rest!

HE loved his toys more than anything and would often be seen with up to five squeakies, balls and ropes in his mouth at one time. I couldn't persuade him that heelwork was a good thing. When he didn't want to do something, he took on the personality of a mule and there was no shifting him. So he was `retired` at an early age, happy to potter around the place with his gob-full of toys.

CHANCE was a law unto himself - ignoring me regularly, much to my frustration at times. The big ginger b****r! However, I have absolutely no regrets about taking him on, he was a pleasure to own and to have around. It was their loss when his previous owners dumped him at the rescue kennel.

HE was Fidget's hero and Ethan's guide, but he was always, always China's best friend. Hopefully they will have met up again, and they can play their race games again till their hearts content.

See you later, `George`. The pleasure was all mine.

Jackie

Jet came to me as a 10 week puppy courtesy of Kay Lawrence and my daughter, he was an adorable bundle of black fluff with one white leg, people often thought he had a bandage on. Unfortunately he was diagnosed with quite severe HD at 5 months, but he never let it restrict his life, He was a very gentle dog friendly with all creatures, human or otherwise.
He did not like obedience, he just made it into A & B but i decided to retire him at about 4,
He was quite a loner, and only came alive when you played or when he rounded up Tango on walks, and would often take himself up to the top of the garden and lie by himself., but I am sure he was quite content with his life.
Run free my lovely gentle boy, find our other departed companions, give them my love, we will all meet again some day.

I look out of the window and see you lying there by the gate, nose pointing up the path., nothing unusual in this, it is becoming more and more the norm with you, but again I wonder, why? What makes you always prefer to be on your own, whether it’s lying in the porch when I bring you indoors, or as now, in the garden?

What are you thinking of my boy? Do you wish for the hills and valleys of your home in Wales where you were born, do you feel the confines of a domestic home too claustrophobic, perhaps you dream of the sheep that you could have rounded up, the streams to be forded, the dykes to be jumped? Instead you have been asked to do my bidding which is so alien to your instincts, having to learn the commands of heel, watch, find, that we use in competition obedience. The timeless commands of your birthright, ‘way to me’ ‘come bye’ nothing but a misty memory. If you do remember them, my Jet, and mourn the loss, I am so sorry

I wrote this to my boy on the 30th June 2005, how was I to know that not so long after you would be gone from me…….back to the Welsh hills and valleys perhaps?

How very lucky I have been to spend nearly 13 years with such a very special dog. Bosun loved people, was my very special friend and was my little shadow at home. I was devastated when he was diagnosed with cancer but luckily he never knew he was ill.

It was hard to believe that my lovely boy who was so full of bounce and life wasn't going to be around for long, but how lucky that I had some warning and had a chance to make his last few weeks so special.

Bosun will be misssed by Crumble and Frankie. He will certainly leave a big gap but I do have so many very special memories of him. Gone but certainly never forgotten.

You bounced into our lives,
a puppy just right,
So full of loving energy,
a light so very bright,
A lady of saftness you were,
so full of living,
Gentle yet energetic, bold yet sensitive,
always loving, very giving,
Siezing obedience but not as a pet,
strutting you stuff so proud,
In the competitive ring doing well,
ensuring you pulled a crowd.
Your loves in life were many,
with gusto thrown in all,
Leaping for bubbles, chasing reflections,
anything up the wall,
You lived life to the absolute max,
doing it at fast pace,
Didn't want to rest and miss things,
living to you was a race,
As long as we were going somewhere,
or doing something good,
You were by my side with a smile,
doing everything you should.
Joanne's life was built around you,
24 - 7 bonded strong,
She and Mark had no idea,
you weren't to be here long,
Now grieved as a daughter lost,
we try to recall above,
Try to smile through all the tears,
Remember our deep love.

Amber - you touched many hearts - right now they're all broken,
Love Always,
Your Joanne and Mark Stanley xxx

The six week old pup was carried into the manage by Rowena. It was a red tri and had so many spots on its nose that they became one smudge and looked as though all the stable crud was smeared onto it. I fell in love with that pup and knew that I had to have one just like it.

Three year later I went to see the litter, a repeat mating, I wanted a bitch but had first choice of the dogs and second of the bitches. I was drawn to the big handsome dog but when Anne said that she had a possible home for the dog if I didn�t have him, I went with my original idea of a bitch. The dog became Ob Ch. Dalemain Red Rascal and achieved his full potential with Carol Clack. Being a big strong boy and me being a novice handler he would never have done that with me.

I brought Toffee home at 6 weeks, a big bundle of fluff with china blue eyes. She grew up to be my perfect idea of a collie. Big, heavy coated and beautiful. We had a special relationship, she gave 100% in everything I asked her to do but was sensitive and just wanted to please. She was my ideal companion. Despite having been asked time and time again for a pup by her I chose not to breed. Her one failing was her temperament with other dogs. I didn�t want to pass that on.

The first couple of seasons in obedience were frustrating as she would put in a stunning round only to spook at some invisible ghost in the far distant corner of the field. This happened in every round and so I knew it would take a great deal of work to sort her out but with the help of friends we did it. She went from strength to strength, qualifying ticket on 4 wins and a second. During this time she also became the Tornadoes flyball team�s lead dog and was, for a while, the fastest flyball dog in the country. She really loved her flyball and would have done it all day every day.

Our first season in ticket was very much a learning curve. At the start of our second season Toffee began to bark unhappily in fast pace and stop. Eventually I realised that she was becoming reluctant to play with her tuggie (her favourite toy) and checked her teeth. She had a broken tooth which was subsequently removed and she was back to her old self. I rebuilt her confidence slowly and she started working happily again. Unfortunately she broke another tooth, and at that time, the veterinary profession were not convinced that dogs suffered pain with broken teeth, so my vet refused to remove it. Her tooth seemed painful when she ran with her mouth open as she did in fast pace, presumably it was the cold air hitting an exposed nerve(we�ve all been there).These days I�d have asked for a second opinion
but then, rather than allow her to be uncomfortable, I retired her from obedience.

In her younger days she had done some agility but as she was phenomenally fast I couldn�t keep up with her, so I didn�t go back to that. The adrenaline buzz that she got from flyball made her oblivious to toothache so we concentrated on that. Her flyball career lasted well into old age, she was still putting in amazingly fast times at 12 years old beating most of the younger dogs hands down.

During her lifetime Toffee took part in the prestigious Superdogs event managing to come 7th even though I wouldn�t let her do some of the equipment as I wasn�t happy with it and felt it may put her at risk. She was also in the other Superdogs, the TV version, winning at flyball and racing. Anything that involved speed she excelled at , some people may remember her scent exercise!!!! She always treated scent as a time trial. She was on pop video tapes, the David Letterman show and she even took me over to Ireland to appear in a film (Toffee, not me). That was the epitome of pleasure for me, doing nothing but working with her for 5 days and she just loved being the centre of attention with no other dogs around. The added bonus of being paid to do something we both enjoyed so much was icing on the cake.

As I write this Toffee is 17, and she will still chase a ball or frisby. She is deaf now but if I show her a toy and put it in my left hand she still enjoys heelwork albeit somewhat wobbly. She has had two strokes and is senile but still happy. Her health is now deteriorating quite fast and I know that, when the time comes, I won�t be able to write anything so I�ve put pen to paper today.

People say that you have one special dog in a lifetime. Dalemain Toffee Nose Trouble of Wumblibumbly OW was mine.

Losing two dogs in 6 months is very hard to cope with and it never gets any easier and neither should it if you love them.

DOLLAR was put to sleep to save his dignity when life became a struggle. One word describes him - PERFECT, he was in every way. 2 � years ago he had a stroke and we nearly had him pts then but our vet said give him 3 days and see if he improves and typical of DOLLARs strength and willpower he got another 2 � years.

He was big, handsome and loved everybody and everything. His obedience career was cut short because he hated out of sight stays and even to the end he would be looking where I was. Everyone who met him loved him and he used to smile just like his mum. He adored playing football to the extent of making his legs sore and camping was his dream, it meant he could get as many cups of tea as possible.

Rest in peace now son, your mum Tanna and Copper, Carla, Loki and Sam will be waiting. Don’t look round for me this time DOLLAR because I’m not there with you - not just yet, just wait at Rainbow Bridge for me. The house seems so quiet now we’ve gone from six dogs to two, we miss them all so much. I must admit we are finding it very hard at the moment but I know time and memories will help. Sleep tight my handsome boy.

From your loving Mum and Dad Sue and Dave Ellis and Gilda who is missing you terribly and Kedi.

My darling 'Little Angel' I miss you so much
Your happy wagging tail and your tender touch
You left me so suddenly before you were seven
To join your dear Father Visa in that lovely Heaven
A wonderful PAT dog, all the people who
You met and comforted, they all loved you!
My precious Malaika always in my heart
Until the day we are no longer apart.
You'll always be remembered if through my tears
But thankyou my darling for those wonderful years.

With all our love
Mummy,Daddy & Harvey

Darling Visa, the love of my life. I cannot bear to be parted
from you, my brave beautiful boy. You tried so hard to stay with
me but it was not meant to be.
My heart, my soul, together forever - one day I will see you
again.

Lay down your sweet and weary head
Night is falling you have come to journeys end.
Sleep now, and dream - of the ones who came before
They are calling from across a distant shore.
Why do you weep, what are those tears upon your face?
Soon you will see all of your fears will pass away.
Safe in my arms you're only sleeping
What can you see on the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea a pale moon rises
The ships have come to carry you home.
Hope fades into the world of night
Through shadows falling out of memory and time.
Don't say we have come now to the end
White shores are calling, you and I we will meet again.

I would also like to mention

Brijack Mighty Quinn
G.S.D (JESTER)
19.5.92 to 19.12.04

Hope you are with your brother Visa and getting up to all things
naughty.

Sadly I lost Toyah and part of me died with her. She has left a void that can never be filled. I could not replace her and never want to "she was one in a million".

I was with her when she took her first breath and I was there when she drew her last, we had a really good time along the journey.

Her heart was as big as her ears and as you can see they were great. Her nick- name was Big Ears, she was a loyal and devoted friend and I miss her so very much. I hope she is playing with her mother "Corrie" who was another great girl and is also sadly missed.

We worked together in obedience for 12� years, and she really loved it, her tail was swinging and ears were up. For the remainder she just dabbled, she would join in when she felt like it, which was quite often. When I was training the other two, she'd be there waiting her turn, and could get quite vocal if I didn't work her.

Elsa was my first GSD she was a wonderful dog very loyal and protective she came to all the shows with me and loved it in the caravan. I did work her in obedience and she won a novice but I retired her at 6 from open shows due to ill health. She still worked in the league and did a few companion shows, which she enjoyed.
She was a very vocal dog and the house is so quiet without her she couldn't even yawn quietly, she always sang for her dinner or yum yums as she called it!

She was a lovely tempered dog - unless crossed, she did not like dogs in her face and told them so in no uncertain terms. She was brilliant with people unless they had a go at me then she was lethal.

Elsa had cancer of the blood vessels of the heart Sunday she was poorly and I took her to the vets Monday she was PTS that quick, at least she didn't suffer.

I miss her more than words can say and just before Christmas last year Coco left me to join her. Coco was 16 still going out for walks right up to the end but everything packed up, her liver kidneys and she wasn't eating very unlike Coco. I remember going on holiday in September and we wanted to go for a walk, too far for Coco but she was determined to come so we took her I had to carry her up a steep hill which nearly killed me but she had her walk with the other dogs. Coco was my first obedience dog she never got to the dizzy heights of obedience Coco won a beginners and had stacks of other rosettes but the elusive 2nd beginners was not hers Elsa won it which put me out.

Coco was always in the way and at 16 I had to do so much for her she had her routine and did not waver from it she was always in the way lying across the door way, she also slept on the settee we sat on the floor!

I miss you both very much hope there are plenty of squeaky toys for you Elsa and balls or balloons for you Coco.

Bunji was given his well deserved sleep, after bravely fighting the cruel cancer for so long.

Bunji introduced me to the world of Obedience. I decided I wanted a dog to train. I was so na�ve back then, that I went down to the local RSPCA and choose a 12 month old, loony, short-coated dog that paid no attention to me what-so- ever, wouldn’t play, already had 4 previous homes and was named Bunji because all he did all day was jump to look through the window of his kennel but as long as it was a Collie it would be alright….wouldn’t it?

Bunji was very hard work, and I’ve got the scars to prove it. He would never be affectionate to anybody in public but he did enjoy ‘giving five’ to anyone to had food. But behind closed doors, when there were just us two, there was a special secret side to Bunji that only we knew about. The bond between us was so strong and I will miss him so, so much. He was my shadow and I don’t know how I am going to cope without him.

Bunji growled and protested all the way through from Pre-Beginners to 2 ‘B’ wins earlier this year, amusing many judges and stewards as he could all his heelwork showing his teeth and growling all the way out to the sendaway box. He never really wanted to do obedience, but he was so loyal that he just went through the motions to please me; he was always getting placed because although not at all stylish, he was so accurate.

Bunji would not play with toys at all and his greatest loves in life was travelling in the car, fireworks, thunderstorms, kites, lorries and hot air balloons. Everything that ‘normal’ dogs hate. That is what made Bunji so very special.

My world was torn apart in May when, after a tooth extraction, I was told they had found a lump. I had to be strong for Bunji’s sake for 8 months and he was so brave until a week before when the cancer started to win the tug-of-war with his soul, and he told me enough was enough.

The house seems so quiet now. No growling, no barking at the others or thundering down the stairs to attack the TV when he heard any gunfire on the news. The car seems so quiet, no whining or throwing himself at the window when a big lorry goes past.

Sleep well my handsome white boy. I hope there are plenty of fireworks where-ever you are. I miss you so much.

My pride and joy, my big black boy has gone. He was taken from me so suddenly I haven’t had time to come to terms with it. COPPER was my dog of a lifetime. I know we shouldn’t have our favourites but he was that extra special dog. I bought him into the world and right from then I felt a bond which lasted 11 � yrs. He was my helper at home when I couldn’t pick things up and he would help me up from the floor by standing at the side of me. He was everything you’d want in a dog, not always gentle because everything had to be done NOW but he loved people and dogs especially puppies. He loved his obedience work and became ‘C’only thanks to my friend Wendy winning his last ‘B’ with him. These words from a friend describe him totally - ‘Across the rings a wagging tail, a huge personality, a clown who oused drive and pleasure from trying so hard for his mum, he was handsome and optimized everything I wanted in a dog, I had fallen in love, I had met COPPER’.

There are lots of Coppers around now and he has left a legacy for me to see, it will be hard to begin with but I know in time I will watch them all with pride, they have inherited his attitude and style and most of all his loving ways.

There are no more fireworks or thunderstorms were you are now son and the suffering is over. You never reached the top in obedience but you will always be my star and you touched so many hearts on your way up that a lot of people will remember you. Rest in peace ‘Bumble’ and wait for me at Rainbow Bridge when you can give me a ‘Big Kiss’. We’ll love you forever.

It has taken me over six months to attempt to put pen to paper about my very special little man. The only reason I had Darcy was that Fleet (Snowhite Mystery) was in his pedigree some seven generations back. I brought him home not knowing that I had such a golden little sweetheart. He gave me the "oomph" back into training and also the confidence that I had lacked for several years.
I train my dogs through a lot of play and motivation and he was a natural, always "popping" about with a toy in his mouth. Everything was done at 100 mph and he very rarely "walked" anywhere as he was always too busy. He was so eager to learn like a little sponge absorbing anything new and he only had to be shown something a couple of times and he had got it. My youngest son came home from university one weekend and was playing "footie" in the garden with the dogs. Darcy would immediately drop the ball on the command "enough". No problem but the first show (exemption) I entered him in he did a brilliant retrieve and then threw the dumb bell at my feet with the expression of " Go on then - kick it". From that day on I realised even more how clever this little dog was and needless to say nothing was ever kicked for him again!! Yes you could pick up a toy and throw it but not kick it. He loved sendaways and would run the length of a football pitch. He just loved life to the full and although sensitive was up for anything new. He loved everybody and didn't just wag his tail when he met you but wriggled his whole body from head to tail.

I entered about eight shows with him at the latter part of last season and he won four novices and was placed in all the others and I felt fully confident he would come out this season and cope quite easily with A and B.

Through the winter I normally give my dogs a complete "chill out" and only occasionally ask them to do a bit of work and demo at pet club. I decided to pack up working full time in March this year and not long after I was in the garden with the dogs and thought I'd do a retrieve with them. Darcy again excelled himself and did a perfect retrieve and that was to be the last time I ever worked him. Little did I know that three weeks later this poor little boy would be so ill.
He was at Bristol University for two weeks and they couldn't find out what was wrong with him, but basically his bone marrow packed up - no red or white cells or platelets being produced and severely anaemic. He was tested for everything including a bone marrow biopsy but no results to work on. This I find the hardest part as I don't feel I can put a final closure to his untimely death. He was sent home from Bristol after a blood transfusion with the instructions to keep him quiet and he could live another month - no way- he could do what the hell he liked. Thirteen days later he started to haemorrhage and we had to take that final visit. As his veins were so poor (blood tests every day at Bristol) he had to have three injections and it took about 10 minutes (not that he knew anything about it after the first jab) but still traumatic.

I have never felt this heartache and grief over anything in my life and I miss him so much, he was my soul mate and my best friend and I just miss his little antics, like talking to me if I was on the phone and bringing me a toy and trying to push it in my hand and then when I went to take it he would quickly pull away with a smile on his face. I would do anything to have my precious little man back and it just seems so unfair that this honest little dog had to leave at such a tender age with his whole life in front of him.

People say remember the good times but there were never any bad times with Darcy. Once in a lifetime dogs come in your life if you are lucky - well he was definitely one and I feel honoured and privileged to have been in part of his life. I don't think I will ever get over his untimely demise and I miss him so very much. I just hope he points me in the right direction if and when I ever have another dog.

God bless you Darcy I will love you till the day I die and I can be with you again at Rainbow Bridge.

Rainbow Bridge … two very separate words summing up how I feel about my Jarna, she was my Rainbow and now there is this uncrossable Bridge between us.

Rose Barham brought Jarna, her Fizzy's first born, into the world, and I must thank her for allowing 'Princess Pushy' to come and share her life with me. Jarna was so easy to pick from the litter … I arrived to see this lovely tri bitch trying to stretch over the edge of the playpen towards me … the bond was immediate. Jarna was such a 'miss goody two shoes', she was like a little schoolmistress, my other dogs were never allowed to be 'naughty'! I was so lucky, she was easy to train and only had eyes for me. She had an amazing ability to wiggle and squiggle her whole body upon greeting me, she was my constant shadow, everywhere I went so did she … how I miss all that now.
Jarna raced through the classes to ticket (C only in your first season and in ticket in her 2nd year competing), joining my Mannie in ticket, not because of my training I just feel sure she was not going to be outdone by the only 'bloke' in my household! She gained several places in ticket and I was so very proud of her achievements. Jarna was often rather proud of herself too, and managed to let most of the showground know she was around and competing by barking her head off between exercises. The showgrounds will be much quieter now without you my little excited one.

Jarna was ill in January of 2004, one evening I just knew she was poorly, she was quiet and out of character. I immediately phoned the vets, they examined her and could find nothing wrong. 24 hours later I took her back when her urine was like liquid blood. She was suddenly so poorly, and she was in the vets on various medication and drips for such a long time, all the various tests, x-rays, scans and examinations found nothing conclusive, after massive antibiotic treatment she seemed back to normal about 4 weeks later. She was home, happy and back to her bouncing self.

On 10th April, 2004 I went to Oxhey show, she was her normal self on leaving the house, first to the van demanding to be let in before the other riff raff. When I arrived at Oxhey I immediately knew something was drastically wrong. Not knowing what to do, I raced back home to my vet, where I heard the dreadful words 'I am so sorry, she has liver cancer and there is absolutely nothing we can do for her'. I was distraught, she was only 7 years old, this could not be happening. It seemed incredible that 2 months earlier nothing had shown on her x-raysor scans, and now a huge tumour had invaded 90% of her liver, the tumour had bled at Oxhey which made her so ill. The vet gave her one week to live.

I was devastated, I took time off work to be with her 24/7. She recovered from the tumour bleed within 24 hours and was honestly back to her normal self, it was so strange to she her knowing what was going on inside her. She raced around, playing bally, walking miles with me. The weeks went past, I took 3 1/2 weeks off work to be with her, I then thought she was invincible and went back to work. They were wonderful and let me bring her in with me … so from diagnosis to her leaving me I think we probably only spent a few hours apart. The 'one week to live' turned into a wonderful whole summer (8 months in total) of fun and games together. People at work brought in her favourite treats each day. I went to very few shows in 2004, as I was paranoid about travelling her too far after Oxhey. At those we went to she adored walking around the venue, she barked her way around the showgrounds and stole
food from anyone who was mug enough to carry a treat within a yard of her. She did just what she liked when she liked and she had such a good time. I was so glad she made her 8th birthday, she even got more birthday cards than I do! Even in her last weeks coping with Liver Cancer she tried so hard not lose her special sparkle. She was so very brave.

It was so hard to let Jarna go, my lovely girl has left such a huge hole in my heart that I wonder if it will mend. I just wish she were still here with me now. God I will miss her, rest in peace by beloved Jarna until we can shadow each other again.

'The Sun can't be shining today, as I have no shadow,
My constant companion isn't here,
She is not beside me,
My lovely happy, noisy, bouncy friend has left me,
Not there to touch if I move my hand,
Too young to leave, life's choices are too hard,
My shadow has left me'.

You were our Special Girl and the love of my life.
You were always there to give a helping hand,
whether it was to pick up something that someone dropped or fetch Mums slippers
You spent hours in the paddock doing Sendaways by yourself and you never forgot how to do your DC,
even though you did in the last few years forget lots of other things.
I hope there are lots of Sendaway markers set out for you at Rainbow Bridge.
Until we meet again my little 'T', we will always miss you.
Luv Mum

He died early morning from heart failure. It was completely unexpected. The end of an era of my Newfies as the line is finished now.
Dripping was given to me by the breeder, Jo, to whom I shall be eternally grateful for allowing me to spend 9 years of my life with such a terrific dog. He was the nephew of Lumpa who was the first and only Newfi to qualify for ticket and with whom I was determined to prove that obedience could be for ALL people and dogs (the so called other breeds).
I had such fun with Dripping, a very intelligent dog learning how to unzip his titbit purse at six months. He was nicknamed "The Lager Lout" when young as he was so naughty and he remained true to his registered name. He was also my carer pulling me up from the floor when I fell down
I had hoped to go on further with Drip but what with all the delays from my stroke, a long period of Drip's lameness, and numerous problems with my van it was sadly not meant to be.
I have lots of lovely wonderful memories though, of my big, handsome, brown and white boy, always rolling upside down just before going in the ring. He loved showing off his work. I had often been told how beautiful and stylish his heelwork was. I shall always remember how high he carried his tail, waving it about like a huge flag, to be seen by all at the other end of the show ground
He remains immortal from his TV appearances in 2 point 4 Children and The Last Detective.
Lots of hugs always my slobberdog Drippydrawers.

I got Tim off good trialling lines to work obedience when my old spaniel Fred was getting old. He was always laid back and easy going but trained up well. He will be recognised throughout the world as the puppy at the start of Sylvia Bishop's heelwork video. He started to work well and gain places in obedience when an X-ray revealed serious heart problems when he was 3 years old. On medication he was initially no longer laid back but completely over he top. However I never worked him competitively again as I was frightened to stress him in any way, especially as he enjoyed it so much. The last class he worked was B at Tunbridge Wells 1994.
I then obtained his nephew Gus. He was never laid back and gave everything his all. We always said 'Gus could have been a contender' He competed in 4 shows and gained 1 write up. (Thank you Sharon we will always treasure that) I then realised that he might have the same problem as his uncle. Unfortunately this was confirmed by ultrasound and he retired at 18 months old.
Since then Tim has had a lazy life lying about and Gus has still lived life at high speed although no longer training. Gus was the only dog I know who could do a rollover on the run from the stand into the stand and then continue to run.
Tim's heart gradually deteriorated over the last year and he became less and less active until it became obvious he had to be helped on his way. Gus continued to enjoy flushing pheasants and partridge at full pelt. The last pheasant he raised was 23rd Sept when in his cheeky way he squeezed under the dog proof, but not Gus proof, fence into our other field. 1am on 24th he was trying to steal tissue paper, which was one of his tricks. At 5 am one of the dogs had obviously had an accident and my youngest dog was fussing and we found Gus collapsed. despite intensive treatment he died in my arms at 6.30am. Gus died as he lived at full pace and high speed.
I found it difficult to cope with Tim's death but I have this image of him competing at the gods field trial - fit, well and able to do everything. ( Cerberus usually wins having 3 heads to mark the game), What I never realised was that they needed Gus as well for the brace class.

Well the day finally came when I had to make that dreaded decision to have my beautiful border collie put to sleep to save any further suffering, we didn't think it would be so soon.
Tarik started having fits at 18 months old and it plagued his life and ours, I had already lost my lovely collie Keebo at 4 years old to epilepsy 3 years ago and now dear Tarik.
Tarik was a true ambassador of his breed with a wonderful temperament a dog with such feeling and was friends with everyone.
He was always happy and so brave and strong even through the worst times of the epilepsy, over the last year or so you could see small changes in Tarik and his illness was starting to take his strength out of him.
Tarik in the beginning only did about 7 shows and won 2 novices and had 5 placings and could of gone on to greater things in the ring but as the fits became worst I decided to retire Tarik as I felt it was to much of a risk for him being at shows .
Tarik seemed to enjoy his retirement and having our young pup around Jaz, Tarik I thank you for all the times we have shared and I will miss all the funny things you did and also our special cuddles.
We miss you so much and you know we love you with all our hearts you are free from that horrible illness ,now and you are with Keebo.
One day we can all cross the rainbow bridge together and be a happy family again, until then sleep tight . I owe you so much, you owe me nothing.
God bless

love

Mum and Dad and Jaz

You lost your fight against a two and a half year battle with liver disease, and although we only had the pleasure of your company for three and a half years, that time was very special to us. It was so unfair that you should be dealt with such an illness after the start in life that led you to a rescue centre, but from the moment we saw you, we knew you were the dog for us. I'm sorry I had to let you go, but I could not bear to see you suffering anymore and although it broke my heart I knew it was the best thing for you. You were my little girl and you were entitled to have the life that all dogs deserve. Life is so quiet without you but Jumble, Taz and Bertie have you in their thoughts everyday and I will never forget you.

It is with great sadness and a very heavy heart and months of agonising I had to finally make that dreadful decision to have my wonderful Kelly put to sleep.

She would have reached the grand old age of 17 years old in 3 weeks time. She had been suffering from arthritis for some years, but the last 12 months had become almost impossible for her to walk very far, her body was ravaged with old age but she tried so hard to join in with family life.

With very careful nursing and the occasional short walk, I had managed to keep you going. Your undying love for me was evident and your struggle to keep living had been relentless. You were my dog of a lifetime - you will never be replaced.

Those 9 years of competing in the obedience world together were the happiest of my life, and I feel so very honoured to have owned you, my beautiful dog - my constant companion, for so many years.

Kelly has now gone to Rainbow Bridge running free with Janet Oliver's Jessie where they will be practising "SENDAWAYS" together - Kelly's favourite excercise.

My tears will flow and she will know that I was always there for her.

"Although it's hard, there has to be
a time to say GOODBYE
but memories which are dear to me
will never ever die"

Until we meet again my precious Kelly - Broken hearted - Heather Woodford.

She fought auto-immune disease for the last four years of her life, but sadly could not beat it.

Loved and sorely missed by
Jackie, Chance, Fidget and Ethan

Bestest clever collie, and a very special girly pal.

Forgive me, my beautiful `Chizzy`. I didn't know what else to do.

"I am standing on the shore as a great ship gently glides from the harbor and sails toward the horizon. She is beautiful. Sails billowing; and shining bright as sunlight sparkling on distant waters. She grows smaller and smaller until at last, her white sails shine as ribbons out where the sky and water mingle as one.

And as I watch, a voice behind me says, "Well, she's gone." She's gone. Gone? "No," I tell myself. No, she is not really gone. Not really. She is gone only in the sense that I can no longer see her.

In reality, she is the same as ever; just as beautiful; just as shining. And deep in my heart I know, that on another shore someone is crying out, "Look! Look everyone! Here she comes!"

She had epilepsy but we managed though it took its toll on her. She developed DM and we had to let her go.

You came into my life with many thanks to Fiona for letting me have you and Sylvia & Rolly for letting me take Quincie home to persuade my parents.
I picked you from day one as you looked like your dad and thank goodness I did, as a farmer wanted you as well. On Saturday 3rd march 1990 I took you home a little bundle of tan, black and white and full of the joys of spring little did I know what was in store for us. At a very early age you had a new name thanks to Rolly who called you drag, as when I finished work you had no energy left to walk to the car as you had been playing ALL day.
I did explain to people that I would have liked a little collie but you just seemed to grow and grow perhaps my theory was right and Fiona fed you phostrogen instead of bone meal, but that did not matter because your heart was as big as you and you were always willing to please even if I got things wrong.
After graduating through the classes at dog club you and I were put forward to compete in the pet plan competition representing the club which meant many hours of training with Rolly after work, but as you know it paid off as you made me really proud by winning. We never got as far a crufts but that was the next best thing.
We didn't do many obedience shows but those that we did and received a rosette many people commented on the handsome dog that had gained a place, and Tali you were handsome to everyone that knew and saw you and you got rosettes to prove it, altogether you managed to get in you thirteen years 41 rosettes
1st 18
2nd 10
3rd 8
4th 3
5th 4
6th 1
You have always been there for me in good in good times and bad you know all my problems but never comment just give me a loving smile and a lick.
Your passing was quick for you and not to painful even though it was for me and everybody who loved you watching you go in the last few days but now my man you are at rest, you were the best thing that happened to me and you will never be forgotten my lovely man my handsome man Tali

Our darling brave boy has gone. We never thought that this dreadful day would come.
Jamie was a little livewire when he was a youngster. A vibrant, honest and courageous little dog who during the first twelve months of his life was attacked by a dog, hit by a car and to top it all, fell 20ft from a balcony onto a concrete car park, severely injuring his leg and almost dying from shock. What a start!
Tom, our vet, managed to pin the leg but the mental scars never really healed.
Needless to say, Jamie's obedience career was put on hold whilst he recovered.
Although Jamie's working life was not as distinguished as some, he won two Beginner classes, making his Mom's dream come true. We were so proud of him!
Jamie was a wonderful companion and pet with a character as big as a bus. He was good at home and welcomed each new addition to our canine family with enthusiasm.
Dear Shelagh and Roy - we can never thank you enough for allowing Jamie to be ours and for entrusting us with his care. We had him for fifteen and a half years and would not have missed one second of it.
Unfortunately for Jamie as he got older his arthritis made him extremely lame and he was experiencing great difficulty in walking. Running was certainly out of the question.
A Border Collie is born to run and we could no longer bear to see this once agile and fit little dog shambling about in that old body. We tried and tried to put it off but we knew that it was his time. Jamie also suffered a slight stroke a few weeks ago, which didn't help.
On the day he died, Jamie had his Mom with him all morning. He enjoyed a dish of eggs and milk for his breakfast, had a ride in the van followed by a little walk with his Mom and our Bryn. It was a lovely day, just showing the first signs of autumn with the leaves just beginning to turn from green to russet and gold but the sun warmed the morning. We had a good time.
When we got home he had kisses and hugs from his Mom, and then his Dad arrived home.

Our grateful thanks must go to our wonderful compassionate vet and friend, Tom Bingham, who made Jamie's last big adventure a comfortable, calm and serene one.
Jamie died at home with his Mom and Dad with him, knowing he was loved and his strong spirit remained with him until the moment he died.
Be very patient little soldier, till we meet again one day.

Love always, Mom and Dad and your kennel mates, Bryn, Danny, Maisie, Sian-Louise and Ruby.

If you are the breeze, ruffle my hair,
If you are in the rain, soak me through,
If you are a star in the night sky, shine brightest,
If you are the sun, warm my face,
If you are in my mind, be a brilliant thought,
If you are a fragrant rose, scatter your petals at my feet,
If you are an August swallow, swoop around my head,
If you are a memory, never let me forget you,
If you are in my heart, be gentle and don't break it,
If you are at the Rainbow Bridge, come running when I call you
And walk beside me till the end of time.

Taken very suddenly from us. He will be very sadly missed by everyone that knew him and the puppies that he put at ease at dog training. Fifteen years can seem a long time to some but not long enough to me. See you soon my lovely.

Our darling boy, you almost reached 16 years. Sam, you were my bright light and guiding star in the world of dogs. Through you I learnt so much and met and made many friends. You started me off in the obedience world and although you did not get higher than Novice you taught me so much.

Rescued from a dreadful start in your life you repaid me a 1001 times with your love and devotion. You can never be replaced. You have taken a piece of my heart with you and my tears are on my face never to be licked again by you. But Sammy, you will always be with me. I cannot touch you anymore but I can feel your love with both Dad and I. You went very peacefully and you knew didn’t you boy? You were very tired at the end and such a brave boy. You went with the dignity you deserved my friend. Enjoy the squirrels and bunnies at Rainbow Bridge and be sure to be there for a cuddle when we meet again that will then last forever. Sleep tight my darling dog. You will never be forgotten and today 23.6.03 I bought your ashes home so you are now with us again in your wonderful spirit.

Love and kisses from Mum and Dad and woofs from China (who is missing you dreadfully) and little Ellie.

My darling Jessie,where have 14 years gone , you took me along the byways and highways, meeting new friends along that pathway, how honest loving and kind you where, my soul mate.
Rainbow bridge will be wonderful for you nothing to fear you will meet Corrie your mother and guide young Coriecollies Jezabel who was stolen and killed at the age of seven months this year, you are so wise and wonderful you will show them all how to have fun and play in the sunshine and near that wonderful cascading waterfull, I expect you will go dipping as you loved to swim , you will have lots of friends because you loved everything and everybody, there will be lots of your chums that you met along the competing pathway, and I expect you will all be laughing and chatting about the IF ONLY'S, you will be in paradise my PRINCESS and remember always always I loved you beyond and thank you for letting me into your life it was indeed an honour.

Save a place for me when we see and hug and walk together at Rainbows bridge I know you will be waiting for me the other side watch for my arms stretched out open wide.

Goodnight my wonderful princess, love you millions Janet xx

Oh Twiggy, I have been dreading the day that I would have to write this, and didn't imagine it would be for months and months.

How can I possibly convey in a few meagre words all the things that made you so special. I feel so inadequate in trying to express the very essence that was you, the you we all loved so much.

You were always so cheerful, always jolly, only ever wanting to please, and so very very honest. What you saw was what you got. I know not every judge in the Country appreciated these qualities, but that was their loss.

Your great love and zest for life was in doing, you didn't mind what and could turn your hand to anything. Agility, you were very successful and thought it was great. Obedience, you dragged a very reluctant Audrey to Crufts in 1997, and had a ball with Deborah at HWTM in 1998. Even on sheep just once, your brilliance shone through, but you were equally happy helping Barry out at home, as long as doing was involved.

You won many prizes in your life Wigwog, but none more so than the heart of my sister. She was besotted by you, but I think you knew that. It was only just over a year ago that you won your last open C, aged 12, but you were never going to be an old dog, not in the true sense. No creaking gate for you, you were always so well and only looked half your age.

Bad days, you didn't believe in them did you. Not until Jan 26th. That was a terrible day, even though it was all over in a matter of hours. We shouldn’t have been surprised, you did every thing quickly, and never wanted to be a bother.

Lord, if you are up there and listening, I understand Audrey was granted a huge privilege in being allowed to have Twiggy on loan, as it were, but did you have to snatch her back so damned quickly.

Trudie had been dumped from a car and left to die. She had wandered around looking for her for several days when she was picked up by the Dog Warden and taken to the stray Pound. After the 7 days were up and no one had claimed Trudie, as they now called her, they gave her another precious few days to see if someone would take her in. Every rescue told them they were either full or she was to old to take on. Then Valgrays BC Rescue heard about her and went to fetch her. No one wanted to adopt Trudie. I saw her mentioned in a small article that appeared in Dog World and rang Valgrays and told them I would like to give Trudie a home. She came home with me in September 2000.

She was a chocolate and white, prick eared Border Collie who, in her youth, must have been very beautiful, but when she came to me she was old, about 14-15 years of age, could only walk a few wobbly steps then would keel over and .

Her rusty metal collar had to be cut and removed from around her neck and her claws that had grown very long and were growing into her pads had to be cut. She only weighed about 10 kgs when she was found, and her coat was so matted and unkempt it took Valgrays quite a while to get her coat presentable. I took her immediately to my vet who informed me she had Congestive Heart Failure, Kidney and liver problems, was as deaf as a doorpost, had tunnel vision, a mouthful of rotten, rocking teeth, fleas and the Mange!!! I found out later she hadn't been spayed, but thank goodness had not been taken advantage of by any local

I bathed her every week with the Mange shampoo, clipped her coat all over to treat the scabs and fleas, gave her 3 - 4 good meals a day, medication that would her to stop so much and a big duvet next to my bed with lots of TLC.

Trudie integrated into my of 9 other Border Collies and immediately became number 4 in the pecking order. She finally worked her way up to number 2, as, not wishing to upset my Head dog she decided she would remain Vice President of the pack! She was so obedient. I only had to show her something once and she would obey from then on. The rest of my dogs could have taken lessons from her. She was affectionate and so gentle. She loved everyone and every dog was a potential best friend. From trundling a few steps and swooning she started around the garden with my other dogs and she even managed to jump over the puppy gate with lots of panache. 7 times out of 10 she managed to jump in my van by herself, the other 3 times she would miss and fall over and I would have to help her. She loved coming in the van when I did my shopping and went to shows.

On Monday 1st January 2001 she didn't want to eat her breakfast then later in the day I tried to lift her to put her in the van and she growled just a little. She was hurting somewhere. Evening came and she refused her dinner. She was drinking too much water and showing signs of being unwell. Trudie had always had a ferocious appetite and this was not a good sign. I made an appointment to see the vet the next day. After full examination he discovered she had multiple tumours and a very big one in her liver.

He gave her sleep that would last forever and Trudie journeyed to Rainbow Bridge.

Four months she was with me. For four months she gave me her trust, love and loyalty in spite of what she had gone through before she came to me. Four months is such a short time, but she had touched so many peoples' hearts and has left a great big gap in my life. My other dogs miss her, becoming quiet and going to look in the bedroom for the duvet that is now empty of her presence. None of my dogs will sleep on that duvet. It was Trudies. She is waiting for me at Rainbow Bridge because that is where I shall be going when the time comes, to see Cindy and all my other past departed four legged friends.

My beloved Beastie left us of his own accord on his 12th birthday. His dad Kel found him in the hall when he got home from work ( he was fine at dinner time),

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separate

TOPAZ Mascani Diva

Your Huge Presence and Personality is going to be missed by so many All Our Love Always Joanne & Mark Stanley And yor lttle sausages Frankiefurter & Pipparami XXX

Ellie

Taz

MOONRAKER BAND OF GOLD

( MEKA )

5-8-2003 - 11-10-2014

Frankie

Waiting for a Miracle

Ob Ch Forever Magic Miracle ex Carly Of Xandras

CHANCE

OB CH Zakanja Bitter 'N' Twisted

Bred, owned and loved by Jenny Gould

STORM

(WHITE SAVIOUR)

CHERIKEE CHIEF

(JARVIS)

6.12.96 – 17.1.2012

SABRE

TOSARI BARDONECCHIA

TOPSWAY OUT OF THE BLUE

(Spot)

24.11.97-12.3.12

Trajan Magic Drummer

12/10/2001 to 6/11/2011

Loved and Owned by Yvonne Turner

Foster

OWELYM SYMPLY RED

07/03/2003/ 04/02/2012

Owned and loved by Janice Owen

NYRVANA LORD OF THE RINGS LOGAN

6.5 2003 - 6.2 2012

Springclip Biffa

(Ob.Ch.Foldans Alice Springs / Sealight Clipper O.W.) Owned, bred and adored by Lou Jackson. 25.10.95 - 23.4.11

FEROAMA KRISTABELL Border Collie 17-11-96 - 9-4-2011

DANCER Myline Make My Day. Born 3rd October 1992. Died 12th August. 2010

Wienbridge Amphitrite - Shadow. FCR. 1998-2011 Owned and loved by Caroline Eley and David Harper

RED SKYE LIZZIE

(LIZZIE)

23rd March, 1996 - 4th Jan, 2011

Feroama Wonsun

17-11-96 - 06-12-10

MR KACY SORREL DALEMAIN OW

23/01/93 - 24/08/09

BEEFER BUZZ OW AGW 11/11/95 - 20/11/10

OB. CH. LUNARLITE LADY IN RED (KIZZY)

9/1/1995 - 14/11/2010

DOTTI

(Everyone's Friend) Much loved and missed by Barbara Short

DASH

(21.12.98 TO 4.10.10)

(Everyone's Friend) Much loved and missed by Barbara Short

Kajo Causing Chaos

27.12.98 - 14.06.10

DIZZIE

19 September 1997 - June 9th 2010

Jess-Messie Jessie

1995- 2006

Fancy Feather Duster

05.12.1996 – 30.06.2010

MY SOLO

Approx 1996 - 21 May 2010

AASTA RISK

19-11-1996 TO 15-4-2010

Forevermagic Ru X Bytchek Dancer

DIESEL

Born 19th October 2008 died 27th March 2010

17 Months old German shepherd dog.

TIA 9th July 1998 - 11 January 2010

FOLLDANS FEMME FATALE

(MAISIE)

3.10.92 - 13.11.09

OB.CH. TAF'SONLLWYD AT GOLDLAWNS

05.04.99 - 24.12.09

OF THIS WORLD HE WAS JUST A PART BUT TO ME HE WAS THE WHOLE WORLD

GOLDLAWNS TRIBUTE TO BRACKEN 28.02.93 - 06.10.08

TAFFY

KAMARRIS FOLLOW YOUR DREAM STANDARD POODLE LIBBEE

25.08.96 - 5.10.09

TOPAZ

Mascani Diva

Your Huge Presence and Personality
is going to be missed by so many
All Our Love Always
Joanne & Mark Stanley
And yor lttle sausages Frankiefurter & Pipparami
XXX

NYRVANA LORD OF THE RINGS
LOGAN

(Ob.Ch.Foldans Alice Springs / Sealight Clipper O.W.)

Owned, bred and adored by Lou Jackson.
25.10.95 - 23.4.11

FEROAMA KRISTABELL
Border Collie
17-11-96 - 9-4-2011

DANCER
Myline Make My Day.
Born 3rd October 1992. Died 12th August. 2010

Wienbridge Amphitrite - Shadow. FCR.
1998-2011
Owned and loved by Caroline Eley and David Harper

BEEFER BUZZ OW AGW
11/11/95 - 20/11/10

(Everyone's Friend)
Much loved and missed by Barbara Short

(Everyone's Friend)
Much loved and missed by Barbara Short

TIA

9th July 1998 - 11 January 2010

GOLDLAWNS TRIBUTE TO BRACKEN
28.02.93 - 06.10.08

KAMARRIS FOLLOW YOUR DREAM
STANDARD POODLE
LIBBEE

Detania Albany Nites.
Border Collie.
Born 10th Aug 1992 - Died 12th March 2009

BAMBOOZLE SIMPLY RED

Fidget
21.9.1993 to 22.4.2009