We very sadly had to say goodbye to Briar last month, a very difficult decision, but one which was made in her best interests. Old age had finally caught up with her, and it was time for the final, peaceful sleep.

At the age of 13 years 5 months - and after a long retirement from agility - we have had to let Kerry go to be with her longstanding companion Misty.

Sadly Liz and Ian Spreadbury have said farewell to Tri (Kaila Touch of Magic.)

Tri was a very special friend and pet to Liz. Tri gave her all at all times and, sometimes in the ring, she seemed almost psychic. She was able to work on her own in a way few dogs can and people often watched her in amazement. Liz always hoped the dog in front of them went clear as Tri seemed to work the course out by watching them run.

When Tri was not jumping, she was running with the other dogs or curled up on the sofa as close to Liz as she could get.

I would like to share our bad news. On 7 September 2011 we lost our beloved Ice.  She was so playful and very special to us. We are still in shock and can't believe she is no longer here.

As you can see fro her picture, she was a very fit Rottie. She was an amazing agility dog and so many people commented on her speed. She got me to Grade 3. Thank you, babe.

We took her in for a routine x-ray on her shoulder and she had a heart attack on the last x ray. They tried to get her back but she didn't recover.

RIP my angel. You will always be with us .

Maxine & Kev Craig

CRAZYMAESY TEFLON TEGAN
'Tegan'
8 July 1997 - 23 August 2011

Run free at Rainbow Bridge my darling girl.
I miss you so much.

Chris & Andy Kurzfield

WHISPERING WINGNUT
'Summer'

16 August 1995 -22 July 2011

On Friday, 22 July I cradled my beloved Summer in my arms for the last time as she was sent off to sleep, just three weeks short of her 16th birthday.  She really was the gentlest, sweetest natured dog anyone could wish to have - a loyal best friend whom I have adored since she was born. 

She was one of seven7 adorable puppies born to my much missed and beloved Whisper.  Anyone who has loved and lost a much loved pet will know the terrible grief we feel.  Her sister Purdey looks so lost without her. Thankfully she has our two other collies for company.

Summer loved her agility, consistently getting clear rounds although not often fast enough to be placed. That didn't matter. We both had fun and she only retired from Veterans a couple of years ago.  At her great age, she still wanted to carry her favourite ball on our morning walk even two days before she died.  She was always with me at my local stables and would stare out of the window while I was outside, watching my every move. How I miss that adorable face looking for me. I miss the feel of her velvety nose pushing into my hand for a well deserved treat.

There is now an empty space by my feet where she would lay sleeping, as close as she could get. It is humbling to have such devotion and I adored every hair on her body, a real little sweetheart. I am so privileged to have had the unconditional love of this precious girl, and now her happy eager face is missing when I get home, it will be a long time before that deep pain in my heart fades.

I like to picture her at the rainbow bridge with her Mum Whisper and her brothers Sunny, Blue, Widget and Ben. I imagine them all greeting her when she arrived, jumping for joy to see her.  It is a thought that gives me some comfort.

Sleep well my darling Summer -I'll always love you.
Thanks for the years of pleasure you gave us all.

Pawl Sutton

MABERLY MAY BEE
'May'
July 1998 -1June 2011

 On 1 June I made the very sad decision to have my little sheltie x collie , May put to sleep. Her health had been failing gradually over the past few months and when, finally, she was diagnosed with liver failure, I knew that she had reached the end of her life.

May was rescued by Stacey, a friend of mine, when she was a year old. Right from the start, she showed an aptitude for agility and we started to train with Nick Barnes and Ian and Rosemary Stowers at Letchworth. We started competing in the days when measuring wasn't in place and, because I didn't know her true height. I ran her in Standard classes and she cleared 2ft 6in with ease. At this height, she won out of Elementary and Starters but, once she was in Novice, compulsory measuring came in and I was delighted to have her measured into Medium. As it turned out, she could have competed as a 'Midi' all along!

Once in Medium, she used her speed to win many rosettes, mainly in Jumping as her contacts were terrible!! She was the first winner of the KC International Novice Cup and won both the jumping and agility qualifying rounds amongst other achievements. She won into Grade 6 and had two jumping wins in Grade 6 before her eyesight started to fail and she was retired. At the same time, I developed arthritis which has completely stopped me being able to compete in agility so the two of us retired, very reluctantly together.

May's passing has been especially poignant to me as she represented all the happy times I had at agility shows each week – times that I miss so much now. For a small dog she had a big heart and lived for agility. I miss her so much. There is a very large space in our family where she used to be. R.I.P. Maisie May!

If anyone is interested, I have made a video of May's life on YouTube. It is called: Goodbye My Friend - R.I.P Maisie May

Bridget Jamieson

Henry
Aged 18-19 years

Sadly, last Thursday we had to say goodbye to our beloved Henry. I think everyone who knew Henry would remember him for his gutsy attitude that he took on life and also with him in training and competing in agility. I nicknamed him 'Can weave, won't weave.'  If only I could ever keep up with such a little fella when he was running around the course.  I even had to ask fit friends to run him at times.

He even thought that he could take on boxers. For some unknown reason, he had a complete aversion to them, When he was competing in a class at a Wellingborough show a few years ago, he actually ran out of the ring to have a few words with a very good natured boxer whom he took exception to.  He certainly didn't realise that he was a toy poodle and not a rottweiller!  Eventually we were able to get him to at least tolerate them. 

He's now enjoying life over Rainbow Bridge with all his old pals and Sneazy Weazy, our pet chicken who died in January 2011. Sneazy Weazy always wanted the bed that Henry was in, but he wouldn't dare let her take his bed.

There are now a few laps that are empty. RIP

POPTASTIC POPS
'Poppy'
1996 – 30 May 2011 (15years)

A tribute to a truly wonderful little dog

I found you in a cage at work and it was love at first sight - a sweet, excitable ball of fluff. You came into my life, and we both never looked back from that moment on.

You took to agility as if it was the most natural thing in the world and you made all my dreams come true. You were fun, feisty, fast and, above all, always really happy.

Diagnosed with Addisons disease at three years old, I nearly lost you then, but you were strong and determined and pulled through.

Crufts, Olympia we did it all. The most special moment was the your final run before you retired. You won the Supadog final, aged 11 years. I was so proud of you. I laughed and cried at the prize giving. It was the most moving and memorable moment ever which I will always treasure.

You were the sweetest, happiest, most special girl. I cannot imagine my life without you, but I will do my best, just as you always did.

You died in the same cage I found you in, full circle!

Rest in peace my little angel till we meet again.

Sarah & Leigh, Tee & Stig

LULUBELLE PINKNOSE
'Lulu'
1999-2011

Lulu was my first agility dog. We started when she was five years old. I got her as a rescue on 1 May 2000 when she was about seven months old. She never won a class and she made Grade 2 by virtue of Ollie winning out of Grade 1 but she had consistent clear rounds including one in the Steeeplechase at standard height at the Broadlands Show on 10 April.

She was treated for thyroid cancer in 2009 and had chemotherapy which seemed to have worked. About six weeks ago she had her tail removed because of a lump that turned out to be nothing but I think the operation exacerbated the underlying condition. She died from about a month later.

She passed away quietly and peacefully as she lived in the back of my car on the way to Lincoln Show. Ollie was with her.

Run free Lulu my darling girl, with Patch, Poppy, Scruffy, Rusty and Rudi.

Sandra Barker, Ollie & Hooky

CROSSGUNS THONG SONG
'Tiller'
27 September 2001 - 1 February 2011

Very sadly our adored black Stafford Tiller was PTS on 1st February. She was diagnosed with Cushings Syndrome in February last year and this unfortunately was re-diagnosed in June as a brain tumour. She was treated with radiotherapy and we had another seven months, five which were good.

Tiller was becoming a very good Mini dog, amongst other things, winning the circular knockout at Crufts in 2005 despite being diagnosed with spondolosis the previous month. Unfortunately she was not really able to prove herself as, when the height changed to Medium, she struggled to adapt to the new height but continued to love her agility. She was retired as soon as Cushings was diagnosed. She had lost her projection, not even managing a micro mini jump and we believe her eye sight was already failing at this time.

I idolised Tiller. She was feisty, independent, scheming and a bit of a loner. We had such fun with her name when people mis-heard and used to ask Ian why his dog was called 'Attila' or 'Killer'!

As I type this, there is a puppy at my feet. We have gone over to the hairy-side, a Springer Spaniel for Ian to work with. Totty arrived today - a new era.

Sandra & Ian Mitchell

BLUE JORDAN JOSHUA
' Josh'
1995 - 2011

It is with much sadness that we have to share the sad news that we had to say good bye to Josh. He would have been 15 in May. I think Pat and I can safely say he had a 'fulfilled life' - as much as any dog could hope for. He was loved as a pet and as a great agility dog. I believe there was a sigh of relief from some when he retired.

Some verses in the Bible that are often quoted at a wedding come to my mind.

1 Cor 13v4 -8 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.

As humans how often do we practice  some, if any of the above, yet our dogs can not read yet love and trust us unconditionally. We are all only to aware that far to many owners abuse that love and trust.

I know most, if not all of  you, will know how we must be feeling at the moment, and to those who already know about Josh, we thank you for your kind thoughts and words.

Pat and I am thankful that we have Jesus" and the rest of our 'Gang' to help at this time

We have so many great and happy memories of Josh 

Tony & Pat Butcher

It is with great sadness that I have to tell everyone that my girls  Breeze and Jazz have both gone over the Rainbow Bridge within 5 1/2 months of each other.

Breeze contracted Cellulitis on her leg, which on top of her heart condition, under active thyroid and arthritis caused a massive bleed in her spine, so we sent her over the rainbow bridge to play with her friend Lucky, my first Agility dog (Mummy's Lucky Little Girl 1989 - 8/8/2001). It was three days short of Breeze's 13th birthday when we lost her. Although the highest place Breeze ever got was a 4th in Anysize at the age of 12, she loved agility and obedience and would sulk if she didn't get to compete in at least one class. When she did she was never without a rosette of some sort.

Jazz was called the 'Rubber Dog' by my vet. In 2009 she had at least three strokes, but it wasn't until after the second one that she said that she didn't want to do agility any more, mainly because she couldn't see the jumps. Even at the age of 15, she was still playing ball and chasing after the other dogs. We sent Jazz over the Rainbow Bridge to be with Lucky and Breeze on the 7 December after she collapsed and had a fit on the 6th and kept fitting through the night.

Jazz was the dog who won me out of Starters jumping at Dartmoor in 1998 under Sally Jones and then went on to Cornwall the next week and won Starters Agility under Jeri Omlo. She was always on the go. The moment we got home from a long day at a show she would go and find her ball and say come on mum I want to play.

Apart from Agility, both Jazz and Breeze's favourite pass time was going out with me on the horses over Exmoor. They would just tuck themselves in behind me and off we'd go. No matter what speed I went, they would keep up. They were both so good you could ride through the middle of a flock of sheep and they wouldn't even look at them.

I miss my girls lots, but I know that one day we will be together again.

Amanda Smith 

JOE BOY
'Joe'
6 July 1996 – 7 December 2010

Our special boy Joe made his final journey on 7 December 2010. Well known for his unique deep blue eyes and deep red tricolour, Joe has lit up so many other agility and obedience homes with his offspring.

After suffering a major stroke last February, he had enjoyed his final year attending shows, going for his little walks and, as he had done every day of his life, so looking forward to 7 o'clock feed time! However, old age finally called and we had to make that hardest decision of our lives.

Joe was a fantastic agility dog who never gave less than 100%. For such a big dog he had a fantastic tight turn. A prolific winner in agility classes, his major honours include the Novice final in '98, several Olympia Semi-final wins and numerous places in Championship finals including a 3^rd.

Joe also has a 'footnote' in UK agility history. In 2000 Joe became the first UK registered agility dog to win a class outside of these shores, winning the Royal Canin qualifier in Belgium. Later that year he was part of a path finding England agility team which competed in Norway.

But above all, he was our boy. Trustworthy, always on the go and looking to please. We cannot yet come to terms that we will never look into those eyes again.

Next year when spring comes around, we will let Joe's ashes return to the earth. He will rest at one of his favourite places. Then we can both be together each week and share in our own happy and personal memories.

Run free, Boy.

Alan & Jackie Gardner

EXORBITANT LADY
'Tilly'
1 January 1996 - 28 October 2010

Till was a typical Field Spaniel - an independent, loving and lively joker. She measured into Midis when they first came about but was capable of doing the 2'6" jumps at the time. When we both got it together at the same time, she was a star and won into Seniors.

Unfortunately when she was around five years old, she was attacked in my local woods and suffered many bites to her body. After that she lost the zest for competing although she still enjoyed training so i retired her at about 6 years. She still enjoyed coming to the shows and just wanted to be with me.

She didn't like cuddles much, but every morning she would jump on my bed and put her front paws around my neck. As she got older, she got naughtier and at times a liability jumping off 6ft sea walls and falling into deep ditches etc. She loved food as all spaniels do - once even opening up a bottle of tartar sauce.

This last year she had constant urine infections which became resistant to normal antibiotics so she had to have injections + blood test every day for two weeks. She was such a good girl, not complaining and still going for lovely walks. Sadly an x-ray showed something going on in her bladder but I didn't feel it right to do further investigations at her age. The infection cleared up but I knew things were not right. A few days later she had a crisis and was in great pain so I let her go. She went to sleep in my arms very peacefully.

The house is very empty now and quiet. The other two dogs are lost. I never realised what a huge personality she was and will never forget her.

Wendy Gray

Last week I lost Buzzbee. He was 15 years on Remembrance Day. I'll always remember him.

He suddenly went downhill. Within two weeks, I decided that enough was enough, and I said goodbye to my dog in a million. He will live on through his children. They are all so like Buzz - beautiful with lovely temperaments. They are just lovely dogs.

Buzz joins my other boy Kacy who died last year. I was too sad to do a tribute then. I think that I am the most lucky person because I've actually had two dogs of a lifetime. But I've always was greedy. Kacy and Buzz both worked ticket Obedience. Buzz was an Advanced agility dog and an advanced HTM dog, earning himself the first score of 10 for his Lord of the Dance routine. What fun! His Pirates of Penzance was truly amazing. He also appeared on the Generation Game with Mary Ray and Kizzy. Even Mister Blobby loved Buzz.

Kacy worked G6 agility. He was never the fastest of dogs and loved his HTM.

I am so proud of my boys. Love them to bits, and I truly hope one day we will walk again together. Till we meet again, boys.

Mum

Bert

Kizzy

Canadian Ag.Ch. LUNARLITES TYPHOON BERT
& Ob.Ch. LUNATELITES LADY IN RED
'Bert' & 'Kizzy'

This weekend we lost two irreplaceable Bolton dogs.

The first was Canadian Ag.Ch. Lunarlites Typhoon Bert. On Saturday Bert was sent home to be with his human daddy, Bill Ginnac.

The second was Ob.Ch. Lunarlites Lady In Red. Kizzy was also an Mary Ray's Advanced Agility dog and a co-performer in Freestyle/Heelwork to Music, having performed in major competitions and in the Main Ring at Crufts Dog Show.

Our hearts go out the both Nan (USA) and Mary and Dave Ray (UK). We have been so lucky to have found such wonderful home for our babies. You gave them all your love and did everything for them. That 's all a breeder could wish for their babies. Thank you.

Chris & Jeff Bolton + family

---

SCATMAN CHAS
'Chas'
1 March 1996 - 30 October 2010

We lost Chas just over a week ago at the age of 14 1/2. He had problems and had been diagnosed with cancer a couple of months ago but was coping fine with life, eating playing and still loved his walks still. It all happened so quick in the end.

We miss him loads. He was our big friendly bear.

Run free with Floss and Jed.

Always in our thoughts

Mum & Dad

---

LUNARLITES GOLDEN FOLLY

'Ozzy'
2000-2010

It is with sadness that we report that Hillary Meyer has just lost her companion and agility buddy, Ozzy.

He was Hillary's first Bolton baby and what a cracker he turned out to be! We feel deeply for Hillary and share her loss. We would also like to say a big thank you to her for giving this special boy a very special home, filled with so much love. He helped you through hard times and gave you so much love in return it was clear for all to see.

We are so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you, Hillary

Chris, Jeff & all the Bolton family

---

MACH NEVER HAD BRACES UD
Katie
17 May 1998 - 21 October 2010

I am sad to report that Katie passed away on Tuesday, 21 November. We confirmed with x-rays that her extreme pain was due to bone cancer in her femur. Up until Tuesday, she was a silly and active 12 year old. I could not ask for more.

I met Katie nearly ten years ago. At the time, I was picking out my first greyhound specifically with agility and obedience in mind. I had competed two other greyhounds and had learned it might be nice to have a greyhound with more drive, motivation and energy. I hit the jackpot with Katie. She could not have been more perfect. 

Katie was high drive and so very food motivated. Even in the end, she was eating cream cheese and scrambled eggs as the sedation took effect. She never missed a meal. Katie worked so hard, best work ethic ever. One of those few hounds you could train with countless repetitions. She didn't mind as long as food was involved.

Katie was so cool and confident. Each new destination, Katie immediately owned it. Her social skills were flawless. She was an excellent dog to call on when working with another dog that was afraid or defensive of other dogs. Initially, she was very aloof, but once she bonded with me, she never took her eyes off of me.

Katie is the first greyhound to ever earn a Master Agility Championship and she did so in just over three years from her last greyhound race. She held the #1 greyhound ranking for lifetime achievement until her brother, Travis, secured the spot, but she is still ranked #2 today. Katie was very easy to run in agility. Free of any issues, completely focused, and super responsive. Unfortunately, Katie developed some physical problems that forced her to retire from agility and we switched gears to obedience.

Katie had already earned her Open obedience title (CDX), so I decided to give Utility level a try. Its truly the hardest thing I have ever done. Katie and I worked very hard and after 25 attempts, we secured our third qualifying score in Utility. In Utility, one of the exercises requires the dog to find a metal and a leather article that you have scented amongst a pile of other articles. Katie found the exercise very difficult to learn until I blind folded her and would hold an article up to her nose. If it was a correct article, I clicked and treated when I saw her nostrils quiver. If it was a wrong article, I would give her a gentle 'it's not right' cue as she sniffed it. It worked!

Three years ago, Katie suffered a neurological injury and was partially paralyzed. She worked hard at rehab and regained her strength.  Even yesterday, she tried to lead me to her cavaletti jumps, an exercise we continued on a daily basis. Despite her permanent limitations, we got a big kick out of watching her twirl and spin around the yard everyday. Such a silly girl.

I am going to miss her terribly. Thank you for letting me brag about MACH Never Had Braces UD one last time.

Jennifer Bachelor - Never Say Never Greyhounds
Read more about Greyhounds in agility

---

NOBLE BILLY OTTAMAN
'Billy'
July 1996 - October 2010

Crufts, camping, canoeing and bin raiding were amongst Billy's talents and many will remember him for his go faster stripe he sported whilst making his way to Grade 6 in Small agility during the early noughties.

He made it with us to Canada where he succumbed to an auto immune disease.

Run free Billy so very fondly remembered by so many and deeply missed by a special few.

Thank you for the wonderful memories and unquestioning companionship over the last 14 years.

Lisa LeSigne

---

MADDIE'S HOPE FOR CLYBONN
'Maddie'
1994 - 2010

On 9 September I lost a very good friend. In fact, she was my soul mate. I had known her for 16 years. In that time, she never ceased to amaze me despite the fact that she went deaf 12 years ago. Then, as if that wasn't enough, her sight failed her three years ago.

Her tenacity and joy for every moment taught me so much. Unfortunately her career in the sport she loved was cut short as the deafness affected her confidence.

Many of you won't remember Maddie as it has been a long time since she competed. She was a workaholic and took her chosen job (agility) very seriously. She won through to Senior level by the time she was nearly four years old. Then deafness struck with apparently no cause. As many of you might know, I don't run that well so all my dogs are handled from a distance, which is why she lost confidence. She would keep going into the distance and then wonder why I wasn't where she expected me to be? This led to Maddie's retirement. She was so much the perfectionist and hated to get things wrong.

A mini stoke affected her at the beginning of the week and, although she had gone some way towards recovering - and still managed to find her beloved ball and give it a good telling off and a shake - she then had a fit. I made the decision that the only thing left for me to give her was the peace and tranquillity she deserved and I let her go to her new life.

She owed me nothing, I owed her so much
Peace be with you, Maddie

Helen Saunders

---

Little Ozone
'Ozzie'
22 February - 10 September 2010

I lost my beloved Ozzie on Friday, 10 September 2010. After being a strong healthy little chap for most of his life, in the last few months he developed an infection, then an allergy which turned into an immune disorder and finally renal failure.

I am desolate at the moment. All of you will know the pain I am in, but I would like to tell you a bit about this extraordinary little dog.

I got him from the local pound rescue at eight weeks old and was a Jack Russell X. His dad was a Jack and his mum was a little crossbreed.

When he was old enough to go to agility training, he took to it with such excitement. I was never able to run very well and often he decided to do his own thing anyway! We gradually got it together, but really he needed a better handler than me! We enjoyed minor success in his later years but then Mike Fairlamb ran him for me and got him to the Pedigree Chum Semis, only to be thwarted by Oz's excitement and missed his weave entry. Then Keith Williams was kind enough to take him on, and he qualified him for the Mini Classic Finals at Dogs in Need one year. Thank you both for all your patience with an old lady!

We got into the world of Advertising, Film and Television and that is where we made our mark as a team! His just loved to work and his boundless enthusiasm and talent was formidable! In our years he completed over 80 assignments of all descriptions. He was the Hero dog in the Dogs Trust Commercial twice amongst so many. I suppose the pinnacle of his career was in 2007 when he appeared at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden in L'elisir d'amore. He had to act in two scenes and got the biggest laughs! He got rave reviews in the National Press, and I was so proud. He was asked to perform the same role in 2009 and did it brilliantly once again!

His loss is unbearable and is the end of a wonderful era for me. We have been places and done things lots of people do not have the chance to do, and I owe it all to a unique little dog and his boundless love of life and clever little brain!

His companion and devoted fan little Twiggy and I will miss him every day of our lives, but I thank the fates for giving me such a gift as him. Rest now my darling boy.

Kay Westgate, her husband Ron & little Twiggy

---

SANROGUE CANDY MAN (AWB)
'Toffee'
2000-2010

Missed by all who knew and loved him.
Now you can meet up with Pickle again and run free at rainbow bridge.

Brigette Palmer

---

FOXTWIST FEELING BLUE
'Lace'
1996-2010

At nearly 15 years of age, Lace's heart condition which she lived with for nine years finally got the better of her, and it was time to say goodbye.

Small of stature, Lace had a tremendous heart and always tried so hard at everything she did. She was less than 1/4 inch over Midi height, but was competing in the days of 30in jumps, but she did her best and gained many trophies over the years.

She was a wonderful companion, and probably the most accomplished thief I have ever owned! Her biggest achievement, as far as she was concerned, was when I moved into a new house, and she introduced herself to the neighbours by sneaking into their kitchen and eating an entire Indian takeaway for four people including the foil cartons. And no, she didn't even have a touch of diarrhoea the next day!

She always adored her mother, my Peg (Foxtwist Friday Feeing) and grieved terribly when Peg died a couple of years ago. Lace's ashes have been scattered in the same place as Peg's, so they are hopefully reunited and waiting with the other Foxtwists who have gone to Rainbow Bridge.

Rest in peace my little fluffy blue girl. We all miss you.

Jackie Bromwich

---

BUZZ BY NAME BUZZ BY NATURE AT UPANOVA CC 
'Buzz'
29 October 1996 - 9 August 2010

Today I had to make one of the hardest decisions of my life and have my beloved Buzzy Bad Boy put to rest. He had been losing weight rapidly and was off his back legs, He started to get incontinent and, by the end, he was laying in his own mess. I couldn't let it carry on any more.

I first saw Buzz when I went with Frances Poulter to look at a litter of pups. They were four weeks old and she wanted a black and tan GSD X. I only went for a cuddle with them never intending to have one. A week later I lost my Standard Poodle and fate stepped in. I went back with Frances while she picked her puppy and I came home with Buzz. People said ' he was an 'impulse buy' but I have never been sorry. He totally had my heart strings from that very first day and that never waivered.

He was always a handful, never letting dogs near me and, if he could get to them, it usually ended with a vet bill. I always said in the wrong hands he would have been destroyed. We always had to be aware of dogs getting in his face.

Buzzy had always been my guardian angel, never leaving my side on a walk if I was on my own and letting the other dogs run on without him. He always thought it was his place to protect me.

When we first went training it was with Lisa Gantly and she used to laugh when I would say to her 'Buzzy will make a good Novice dog.' How wrong I was. He not only got to Advanced but he also won the following:-

• Went to Olympia and won Pairs with Alan Clements and his dog Buzz
• Won the last ever Pedigree Chum Advanced Power & Speed Final - I think he was the only crossbreed to do so - with a storming run in 100 degree heat
• Was the first crossbreed Championship Certificate winner achieving this at Vyne in 2003 on the same day that Portia won the Small CC.
• Qualified for 40 finals, winning seven in all

The list of his achievements goes on and on but, to me, the greatest thing he gave to me was his loyalty and total devotion to me, Alan and Hayley. He was a 'presence' dog who has left a massive hole that no other dog could ever fill.

You will always be the most special man in my life. Run free, Buzz until we come to collect you with the others on our way through

Jayne, Alan & Hayley

---

BOOGIE ZIDAN
'Boogie'
1995 - 2010

My gorgeous blue eyed boy has been given peace, after six months of worsening heart trouble, fitting, and loosing the use of his hind legs. How lucky I am to have had Boogie in my life. He really lived life to the full, and made the most of every situation. He was a full-on happy and playful boy. He loved to rip up cardboard boxes - the bigger the better! He loved to run, and loved any type of ball in particular footballs! Although any ball would do, he was rarely without one. He was amazing at finding lost balls. If we went out without one, he would nearly always find one somewhere!. His motto was 'Let's Play'!'

He came to live with me when he was about a year old, and was a hooligan! I decided to take him to obedience classes, but it was not long before we were asked to wait outside the hall for a while as he was being 'disruptive'. I waited outside for someone to call us back in, but no one did.... I was so embarrassed that we never went back.

Luckily someone told us about agility, so we gave that a try instead. Boogie took to that like a duck to water! So Boogie's bad behaviour is completely responsible for getting me into the sport, and changing my life's direction.

He was a truly great dog, and he had to suffer all my mistakes and ignorance, despite which he very quickly won through the ranks from Elementary to Senior, taking me to many finals and teaching me many lessons on the way. Whilst competing, he took me around the country to hills, beaches, forests and fields and got me addicted to agility. He taught me such a lot. Such a smart little thing, he used to make out there was someone at the door and when the other dogs rushed up to the front door he would steal their bones and take them all to his own bed. What a dog!

To know him was to love him. My mum fell for him too, and after his retirement from agility, she looked after him while I was away at shows. A couple of years ago her own dog sadly died and Boogie was such good company that I didn't get him back! He kept my mum company and they were rarely apart for his last years. He had a lovely retirement walking over the Surrey Hills three times a day and being thoroughly spoilt! She is bereft and desolate without him now.  It was very hard to bear the day that he stopped wanting to play. I hope there are many balls for Boogie to find at Rainbow Bridge.

We miss you Boog.

Hannah Banks

---

TIGGER THE DIGGER
'Tigger'
25 April 1997 - 20 July 2010

PTS 20 July 2010 after a scan showed a cancer on her liver. Only in the last five days had she gone down hill, brave as ever. Thanks to all her friends at Thames and to Terry Condra whose fault it is I am doing agility anyway for all the fun we had with her.

May your spirit run free on the hills you where bred for. Now you can work sheep for ever - or take your own line over any course if you do not agree with the judge. Maybe we can have a smooth lawn.

Peggy Sidewater

---

LEIGHBRIDGE BEST YET
'Barnaby'
9 December 1996 - 19 July 2010

It is with a heavy heart that I write this. On Monday, 19 July I had to have my chocolate Standard Poodle Barnaby (Leighbridge Best Yet) put to sleep after a very short illness. Not many people will remember us doing agility together as he had not competed for four years but, if you have any old video footage of agility, then he may be on it as he had a very loud and funny bark.

I had him from a puppy at eight weeks old and he was my first agility dog. He was always very keen to please me and got the weaves in just a week. He competed for about seven years and we never left a show without a placed rosette.

 Although he never made it out of Novice (Grade 3) he gave me and all my family years of love and affection which we will carry with us in our memories for always 

Chris, Shelley, Mam, Cheryl & the Boys

---

NORBRIDGE PATSY
'Patsy'
20 April 1994 - 12 July 2010

Patsy's life with us started aged 17 months on a dark wet night on the M50 services where we picked her up . She came with a long list of bad habits. We took her home and she proceeded to cause mayhem for the next nine month until she started agility which she loved.

She did very well at agility until problems with her hips put an end to it at the age of seven. For the next two years she competed successfully at Veterans and Any Size Jumping.

She also took up horse and other creature watching. We once put an empty gerbil cage on the floor and waggled our fingers through the sawdust every now and then. That amused her all evening. She would sit out for hours, watching the horses in the field.

Those are just some of the things we loved about her and she is really missed. There is a big gap in our lives.

Ian, Liz & all the dogs

---

Quiz

This is hard to write, but I am sure there are still many people back in England who remember me with Quiz, our wonderful little Cavalier who made the 2003 World team along with his brother Nicson. Yesterday Quiz lost his battle with heart disease, and we let him go to sleep so that he would not suffer. Quiz remained a lively, happy dog right until a couple of months ago when it became increasingly difficult for him to breathe.

Despite that, he still would have tried to run for me if he could. He won many competitions and made many friends here in the USA, barking all the way as usual - and competed at both USDAA and AKC Nationals - so he flew the British flag with pride. Wanted to let his friends know. I know some of you who knew him well would want to know.

We will miss him forever. He was a one in a million - a very, very special dog.

Lynne & Pete Stephens

*Just This Side of Heaven is a Place Called Rainbow Bridge

Petloss.com, is a gentle and compassionate website for pet lovers who are grieving over the death of a pet or an ill pet. Here you will find personal support, thoughtful advice, The Pets Candle Ceremony, Tribute Pages, healing poetry like Rainbow Bridge and much more.

 http://www.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.

Rainbow Bridge: Donald Vann