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 In this section:     On Agilitynet:                 
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Over the Rainbow Bridge
< MAY 2008 >JACKIE O'LEGS
When she wasn't chasing trains - only the intercity 125s were worth it - across three fields until they were gone, she would be hogging the fireplace! When it came to agility, she was so relaxed in the queue that most people thought she wasn't bothered. That was, however, until I took her lead off. Wait... what wait! It was while queuing that some people may remember her. She was an unassuming dog full of character. If people asked me to give them space, I gave them space. Then two minutes later, she had their dogs playing. I gave up trying to count the number of people saying to me that their dog was nasty and didn't play with other dogs whilst queuing. Whichever one instigated it, she would play by nudging them in the neck very gently to test the ground. She was dealt a cruel blow in March / April 2005 when she was struck down by SARDS and went totally blind within three days, nearly drowning in the Derwent on Darley Park in the process, but managing to cling on to tree root till I found her. She was definitely a fighter. Even though she was nine years old, there was plenty of life left in her.
She also became periodically aggressive but this was purely down to the blindness and survival instinct taking over. But after about six months we turned full circle and the aggression was gone, I had my happy go lucky friend back. At the beginning of this year - about February time - I noticed that her hearing was deteriorating. She was starting the get confused around the house and wouldn't settle. Then the last month her hearing went completely, and she was getting totally disorientated. She wouldn't settle unless it was in her cage and then, not even finding her way out of her cage in the morning, not even hearing her food bowl. I took her to the vet to have her checked over and he confirmed my worst fears. She was completely deaf. So I had to make the hardest decision I think I will ever have to make and gave her the peace and comfort of chasing trains all over again. Quality of life was much more important. Having to have an otherwise healthy dog pts breaks my heart, but at least she is now free to play happily again. Rae Blythe A Message from Jayne & Alan Bray at Upanova TigersJayne and Alan Bray are devastated to have to announce that both Alan's beloved Skylar (Sky's the Limit at Upanova) and Jayne's beloved Raeven (Special Edition at Upanova) had to be put to sleep after fighting on Friday, 9 May 2008. Tigg looks to be making a full recovery after the vets took 8 hours to get back on her feet after spending two days in intensive care following being left for dead by the other two – which perversely saved her life. Jayne had returned home after leaving them for only 40 minutes. Sky, Raeven and Tiggy were separated as normal and in addition Sky was muzzled as normal as she always had to be at home however for whatever reason the kennel run door must have not been closed properly and they were able to get together and to compound things Skylar's muzzle had snapped at the clip joint which was presumably bit through in the fight by one of the others. We are not going to go into details it is too distressing but the amount of blood loss on the garden slabs was an awful sight. This situation was not an isolated case. It is something that had got progressively worse over the last five years but having said that – this situation should never had happened – but it did and we have to live with the thought that we have let our dogs down and have lost two of them in the prime of their lives. We have put this note out in order to ensure people know the facts as clearly we are too upset to stop and discuss it at shows which hopefully people will understand. < APRIL 2008 >
BRIDESDALE LADY Bride you were the first in everything. Our first dog, my first agility dog. My 1st clear round, etc. etc. You were never any easy dog, I nearly gave up agility with you. But in the end you were a star, we went to Crufts year in year out, Olympia semis six times, three times reaching Olympia. You got the 1st Reserve Mini Champ ticket that was issued in England, aged 10. We had countless highs and many lows. But even though the past three years with you have been a struggle, your beautiful face was always a push over with us. In the end we had to let you go, again a first for us. After a night of fits, you were so tired, going to the vets didn't bother you. Even though you leave behind the other three dogs, the house seems empty and very quiet without you. Our special girl, Daddy's girl, Behave for Granna and enjoy playing with your two daughters who got there just before you and don't chase Wooster. Gone but never forgotten. Love always
It is with very heavy hearts that we let everyone know that Emily's little Panda lost her fight for life. Many may not even remember her – she never completed a full
seasons competing. Then last May she contracted IMHA. She went to sleep peacefully in our arms. The Busby family, human & canine
<MARCH 2008>
MYSTICAL MISTY DAWN A typical blue merle, Misty was misunderstood by some people, but loved very much by us. She loved her agility, and tried her best for me and my sister
Dawn. She became very poorly in the last four to five weeks with
lymphoma. So sadly, Misty we held you in our arms as you gently went to
sleep. You have left an empty space in our hearts. The rest of the gang will miss you and Chance really misses his lifelong companion. Rest and play free, with Peppar, Penny, Tammy & all your new friends DUNNSLAYNE WHISPER Lynne Shore sadly lost Dunnslayne Whisper suddenly on Sunday morning. She will be missed greatly not in the least for her naughtiness which continued right to the end - so much so that it seems so quiet without her. Whisp was one of the only Senior dogs who could complete a round then either run away to the exercise area especially if water or a trough was around, or continue on the course and not be caught. Whisp was food mad but, during the early Supa Dogs shows, she would totally ignore the sausage traps. However, once over the finishing line would charge back on the course and eat them all! She had been known to raid the ring party boxes at the end of a course too and steal celebration cakes from the table when training at Watford. I hope you now have all the water, tennis balls and food to steal that your heart desires Whisper. Till we meet again, I love you. Lynne LANG TOON LAD With
heavy hearts; and a tear in our eyes
I'm sitting right here; gently rub your ears
One last hug; and one last kiss
Close your eyes now Chase; and go to sleep
Dream of that special day and time
Your memory will live on; in each one of us So with heavy
hearts; and tears in our eyes
Love and miss you forever XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
PETER COPPERSORRELL FOX
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| The tears are flowing as I write this. My special boy of
13 years has gone. Sparky was the most amazing dog there every was. I got him from Rosemary Ayris (Ibstock) after he was returned from a few homes. I know Rosemary did not want him to go to another home after all he has been through but, when I saw him, we clicked instantly especially after he wee'd on my sister. Bless him. He was head strong, bossy, stubborn as a mule but sweet. He always knew what he wanted and nothing would stop him. Of course, when he met me, we shared much in common. He'd finally found his forever home. He was meant for me. He came home for just a weekend visit initially to see how he would fit in, I still had a few months left of uni at the time and after five minutes he had won the hearts of my parents who said. 'Well he can't go back now. Call Rosemary and tell her we love him,' With that he made himself comfy and he stayed. I came home three hours trip most weekends to see him but he knew, as he did till the end he was always mine and he only ever listened to me over anyone. Unlike his brothers who were shown and all Champions, he did his own thing and had other callings in life. He was sound as a bell physically and mentally but he was extra special in that he was a Ch. of hearts. The amazing things he did in his short life will never be forgotten by those he touched. He gave many hours of his time to being a wonderful PAT dog. It was not something I had thought of previously but he was drawn to it and dutifully I followed his wishes. He brought much love to those adults and children who needed him when no one else could get though to them. He had his own vices after being attacked and from whatever had happened to him before I had him but when working in his little yellow coat nothing would stop him doing his job. I shall never forget the people he helped learn to speak, the children and adults whom he helped get over their fear of dogs. I don't think there was ever a dry eye when he was there, letting himself be cuddled and walked etc. He loved to be with me whereever I was, especially when we use to go along and promote PAT/Pro dogs at exhibitions where being small and sweet he drew lots of attention which he loved. He was even nominated for PAT dog of the year once which I was so proud of but most of all he just knew who needed him and nothing you could do when his mind was set could stop him. Six years ago he became very ill and was not expected to live. Thanks to our amazing vet, Cathy who operated and looked after for him for three weeks till he recovered well. Once on regular meds, he went from strength to strength and other than having to give up PAT dog work as he could no longer take the knocks it often brought with it, he was as happy as ever and amazed us all with his spark for life. When he first walked through the door once home, he ran straight up to my new addition - 2 legged Jamie-Leeanne - and never left her side for days. He loved my kids. In August 2004 our hearts were ripped out when - at aged 9 - he was stolen from my mom's garden by some travellers. Due to the fact he could not take his meds and eat the special food we had for him, we did not expect him to live too long . After months and months of trying everything, we finally resided ourselves that he would not be coming home as we had always hoped and dreamed as he could not have survived. In August 2005 we got a call saying that he was still alive and he had saved a woman's life. They took to him a vet to be checked over as he had helped them and due to them checking for microchips they found me. They said he was very ill and we had to come and get him to our vets straight away. It was amazing that he was still alive let alone aged 10 he was coming back home. It was a reunion I will never forget. I would not have cared if we only had five minutes with him but we had him back. He was so happy to see me initially he went mad. He stopped and point blank refused to talk to me for an hour or so as he was annoyed at me. I guess he blamed me for him being taken. Once at the vets I don't think there was a dry eye in the waiting room while we waited to see Cathy. Everyone was amazed to hear his story. Within weeks, he was back home and well and back to normal as if he had never gone. He was an amazing dog. He always had that extra knowing sense. You could not put anything past him. He did some wonderful tricks and won a Millennium competition with a wonderful array of tricks he did from shooting him and playing dead, Then there were his money tricks. He had a thing for £20 notes and he always had to have the last word, even today as we let him go bless him. He not only saved the ladies life who took him in after he was stolen and had been passed about but he also tried to help my Grandmother when she had a bad fall and broke her hip. On that occasion my neighbours ignored his barking at them for help and so he sat with Gran until help arrived. Everyone was amazed at him. In Jun, my Gran became ill and Sparky knew this. He would spend a lot of time with her and, if worried something was not right, he would wake her up by pawing her leg or barking at her to wake up. He knew her heart was not good and could sense when she needed him. Just after she died, I also became ill and I became the object of his attentions. After nearly dying, II recovered and he went back to his usual you don't need me any more self. He'd sit back and watch the world go by until he was needed again. He was even on SKY TV in July when they came to interview him and me about the wonderful things he/dogs were able to do. He was a dog in a million. I am grateful to still have his brother Ch. & Ir. Ch. Ibstock Bright Spark for Spinillons SH CM who shares many of the same characteristics. Hence the Spark bit in his name and why I also fell for him. I think Sparky was, however, the first Ch. Ibstock Mark of Distinction Son. He sure has done his dad and his breeder Rosemary - not to mention me - very proud. Thank you Rosemary for this wonderful boy, the joy he gave me and many others has been priceless, you never asked for much for him but you gave us more than we could ever pay you for. Thank you, Cathy for giving him those extra years with us and being there for him when he needed you again last night and this morning. I am glad it was quick for him. He did not deserve to suffer. Thank you to all of you who supported us when he went missing, especially Pat, who now has his nephew. RIP Ibstock Distinctly Sparky for Spinillons, sweet Sparky. My heart will always be with you. Everyone who knew you loved you without a doubt. I thought you would be with me next week and during my recovery by my side as usually, I never expected you to go so soon and so quickly but I guess someone else needed you more. Look after Gran and the others for me. Keep them in their place as you always did and remember that we all know who the kidda was - and it was definately you, kidda! Life will never be the same without you, hon. Jo |
A day in the life of Sparky |
Ticker was a larger than life brown Miniature Poodle, bred for us by Yvette Dumont and Angela Gadenne for which we will be eternally grateful. Ticker came in to our lives and totally took over. She was the sort of dog you can only dream of owning – and now she's gone for which Alan will feel eternally guilty for all because of a stupid little latex toy just the size of Alan's thumbnail. As strange as it may sound with still eight other dogs around the place, the house is empty without Ticker Angelica Bray.
Angela Carter did warn us bless her than brown miniatures were totally different and all are - as she so delicately puts it - little ba**ards! She was absolutely right as Ticker totally turned our world upside down, behaved more like a collie and was never still. She was into everything, doing the wall of death around the house. She'd rather bite your nose than kiss you!
In no time at all, she had become the focal point in the house! She was absolutely brilliant at agility as well – a natural. She loved it. Just watch our DVD and see her training. That's how she turned out. Her all too brief agility career covered just ten runs including two when she was not well, having already unbeknown to us, swallowed the toy. In that time, she had three wins and three 2nd places, being nip and tuck with Dawn Weaver's little Pap called Puzzle and Mandi Sue Sarti's youngster.
A summary of her life and achievements is as follows: -
We feel so robbed for her as well as us as she was obviously going to do well in agility, but this is about more than just agility. Ticker was Alan's little companion. She went everywhere with him even a trip down the chip shop sitting on the front seat of the car and sharing a fishcake on the way back. Alright when we say 'sharing' it was really everyone for themselves with Ticker around. She also loved her lager as well but then look where she was bred from!
We want to thank Yvette and Angela for guiding us through those dreadful days at the KC Festival and Dogs in Need (DIN) and being there with us at the end. Ticker waited for us to get there before dying on that awful night. We cut a lock of her lovely hair and the girls arranged for Ticker to be cremated while we were at DIN so we could take her back home with us where she is now, alongside Alan which is where she should still be.
Thanks to Gerry and the DIN committee who gave us outstanding support and were totally right about staying on as we wanted to go home, but Gerry and the team said stay within the agility fraternity who are your friends and people who will understand and offer support. It was also a bad time with both Jayne's and our grandson Joseph's cancer treatments going on as well so it was the right decision.
We will never get over her sad loss. Writing this some four months later when we can still cannot come to terms with the fact that she has gone.
Goodbye for now little Ticker, but we will see you again and play agility together!
Alan & Jayne Bray
| When an animal dies that has been especially close to
someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our
special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and
sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable
All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigour; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet. You cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together... Author Unknown |
Petloss.com, Grief is the normal response to any important loss in life. Psychologists have long recognized that the grief suffered by pet owners after their pet dies is the same as that experienced after the death of a person. The death of a pet means the loss of a non-judgmental love source. Given time, healing will occur, but in the meantime give yourself permission to grieve - only you know what your pet meant to you - and surround yourself with people who understand your loss. If you've recently lost your 'best friend.' you can express your feelings with a tribute on Agilitynet. You are not alone.
More
about the The Pet Bereavement Support Service
PBSS is available from The Blue Cross website
and via the Society of Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) website
where they have a memorial site. You can download leaflets for adults and children. The
children's leaflet is very good and practical and I have handed it out to teachers and parents
of children at the school I work in (Special Needs). The help line no. is tel. 0800 096 6606.
The service is also supported by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, so
it is a 'professional' setup. There is a course that one can do to become a bereavement
counsellor too. Fiona Thompson
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Taz
was my second agility dog and got me thoroughly hooked on the hobby. I always wondered if I had
had the correct training from the start whether her contacts would have been any better!
She
coped amazingly well with the blindness and was still allowed off lead to roam in safe places.
Most people who saw her wandering probably didn't even realise she couldn't see. She was always
running around. She still managed to find the food and steal it! 
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