"Ringo," "Teddy Bear," and Prince David of Cork, CKX "Davey Doggie"

All three of my Shelties have crossed Rainbow Bridge and are waiting for me. The first to go was Ringo, who left us in September, 1995. He had reached the grand old age of 20. Then Teddy Bear went across Rainbow Bridge in June of 1997. He was only 11 but his liver stopped functioning and after three weeks of refusing to eat even his most favourite of treats, popcorn, we had to have him 'put to sleep'. He and Ringo are buried in our back yard. We had Teddy since he was 6 weeks old and Ringo since he was about 9 years old when we rescued him from being sent to the shelter and certain death. Prince David of Cork, our Davey Doggie and CKX champion, crossed Rainbow Bridge this past September and we had him cremated so when my time comes, we can both be spread in the ocean. He was the best and I'm not sure we will ever get another Sheltie.

They're all gone now but their spirits remain with us in spite of the fact we now have a German Shepherd named Maddie who would like to "grow up to be a lap dog" and Bonnie, a 13-pound Chihuahua/Pomeranian/Terrier X who is a lap dog. I still think the Shelties are the best breed but don't think I could have another one at the moment. 

Elizabeth Chan, Prince Rupert, British Columbia

Ch September Magic Maiden
"Mandy"

June 2, 1987 - December 14, 1999

I guess you were trying to tell me your time left here with us was short. But I, not wanting to think about losing you, read other things into your actions. "She's getting old, but still beautiful, just going deaf and a little blind." Your slowing down seemed normal to me considering your love of food and the excess pounds. I guess Ebby knew before anyone because you were letting her escort you around the yard. You lost the tolerance you once had for the others being "in your face," except for with her. Ebby had become very protective and close to me these last few months. Is it because you told her you would not be here to comfort me much longer? You were always there, always knowing, I thought you would be here longer. I wanted you to be here longer. The memories seem fresh, I see and hear you in the yard, making your habitual trek, and running with the others when the neighbor drives down along the fence into their backyard. I see and hear you barking that "I don't know what I am barking at, but the others are barking too" bark. I see you following me from room to room and I wonder now if you wished I would settle in one place or another, so you could rest. Your worried look, or was it your tired look, I know it to  be your sweet look. The look with so much love and expression. I know you were trying to tell me and I just didn't understand. Had I known what more could I have done? I would have done anything. But there would have been nothing more to be done. You died close to us, in our room with us, with each of us taking turns laying with you. You knew we were there, you had our loving strokes and I want to think you went peacefully, painlessly and as it seemed... you just went to sleep and took one last gentle breath. You wait at the Bridge now, with Pooh, Bridgett, Scream and Angie. Someday I know I will hold you again and we will be together forever.

Rest in peace until then, my Mandy.

Nancy and Bill Warner
Cascadel Shelties

September The Executive
"Squire"

A noble son of
CH Barwood Cabriole Razor's Edge, ROM

August 7, 1990 to September 19, 1999

It is with great sadness I write to tell of the loss of my beloved Squire.

He was the light of each day for me. I never realized until he was gone how much of my thoughts and actions he occupied. He was my first thought in the morning and the last at night. Even during the night if I awoke to go to the bathroom, he followed to keep me company. I kept him in show groom because he was too beautiful to allow him to look scruffy. He adored us just as we did him. He went almost everywhere with us and grew to love camping during the year of touring in our fifth wheel. He would ride in the boat (we live on the lake), although he preferred not to but he would fuss profusely if we left him on shore. He was never bred due to the hip dysplasia (mild subluxation of right hip diagnosed at 2 years). He did not like showing at all so I retired him at age 2 from the ring rather than cause him displeasure. At age 5 he developed hypothyroidism and had to take a replacement daily for the remainder of his life. It is so hard missing him. A morsel of food left on a plate that he would have loved, the places he liked to lay, the thought of his head in my lap asking for attention, a tuft of his hair caught on a bush - so many things constantly bring him to my mind. His little heart was bigger than his whole body. I look at his beautiful pictures and think of him with love. I want another sheltie, not to replace him - he can never be replaced - but to help fill this huge void that his passing has left in my heart. I want one with as many of the wonderful traits he had as possible. He was our only dog after Governor, our CH Clumber Spaniel, went back to his breeder and like an only child, Squire was pampered, not spoiled - he was too good to spoil. Squire and Governor were such good friends.

Good-bye for now, our sweet baby. We will see you at the Rainbow Bridge someday.

Sadly missed by Joy and Bob Good