2009 Rainbow Bridge

Taken too young after a tragic accident. My heart is broken and I still can't believe that I will never see my handsome big red dog again.

At home he was my best buddy. In agility even with an 'E' he was always my star and together we learnt a huge amount. With a better handler, I am sure he could have excelled but we made it to Grade 6 and had a huge amount of fun along the way. He always seemed to forgive my handling as we walked away from the ring with us both grinning and Fleet playing tug on his lead.

Thank you to everyone for your lovely messages and to the people who have been a great support to me xx

Brillo, the miniature poodle, lived the first half of his life to the maximum. Not only did he collect a wardrobe full of rosettes and trophies in agility but he taught me that nothing in life is safe from a healthy, active poodle with a good appetite. Pockets always had holes and plastic lids were always chewed. I'm sure he could have picked a lock with his teeth. I once came home to find my other dogs sat pow-wow like in a circle round the kitchen bin. Brillo was inside indiscriminately feasting. No surprise when he regurgitated the finger tip of a rubber glove. And the time the adder bit him in the back of his throat? I am sure Brillo mistook the snake for a slithering piece of pepperoni and tried to eat it.

Having survived ingesting a number of things he shouldn't have mistaken for food, Brillo became ill in 2001. I withdrew him from Crufts that year and his last agility run was as a member of the GB team that competed at the Porto FCI World Agility Championships.

His health continued to slowly deteriorate despite a succession of diagnoses and a concoction of pills and potions. He amazed me and the veterinary profession by living as long as he did! He was a difficult invalid and a committed scavenger. Even with one eye, he could still find and eat a wind fall apple in the garden before I could stop him.

Brillo's mental powers, athletic prowess and determination to always get what he wanted (whether that be a tidbit or the wrong fence) turned me into a big-time poodle lover and small dog handler. He stole my heart and there will never be another poodle quite like him.

I am sorry to report that Daisy, my beautiful Irish Red & White Setter, had a major stroke and was put to sleep, with peace and dignity, in my arms. She was nearly 13.

She was a lovely, reliable, graceful - albeit slow - agility dog, a wonderful clever dog - always in division 1 of ABC - and slow flyball dog although she was the first setter to get her Flyball Dog title. She was unique and heaven will now be in total chaos where she has been reunited with Bridie and Ross.

Thanks to everyone for their kind words and my dad for this tribute, a very apt verse from a song from WW2 which he was always singing to Daisy...

So dumb but so beautiful
So dumb it really hurts
I gaze into that lovely dome
And realise there’s no-one home
So dumb but so beautiful

It was a very sad day when we said goodbye to Shaka. He was our first dog companion. He had a lovely temperament, and we couldn't have asked for such a good natured, gentle dog. Even when he managed to catch a rabbit, he would trot back to us triumphantly with the unharmed animal!

He competed in agility for ten years and thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people and dogs. He was a very social dog.

In fact, on his last walk he came across some children feeding the ducks. He ambled up to them and seemed to say, 'Hello there. Yes, make a fuss of me, but could I possibly have a bit of bread?'

I said goodbye to my very special dog Lucy on Thursday morning. Lucy went with me everywhere - like my blonde shadow. My life will not be the same without her.

We got Lucy when she was nearly six from a friend of mine who bred American Cocker Spaniels and wanted Lucy to go where she would have more individual attention. We also took on her half sister Annie whom we still have. They were great together and were very close.

Lucy had the most appealing looks with her blonde locks and dark eyes, very much like a sandy coloured teddy bear. I decided to give agility a go with Lucy. Although she had a fantastic attitude for it, was brave and willing to try anything - this was her typical approach to life - we soon discovered that she had bad hips that stopped her from jumping. We thought it best if Lucy didn't take part in agility because of the pressure on her hips so she retired from her very short agility career.

A little while later we got Molly, a very naughty American Cocker whom I decided to give agility a go with. Molly was followed by Poppy, Grace and Ellie who all take part in agility. Lucy would attend training, and did so right up to last week. With her sister Annie she was what I would call 'cheer leaders.' They would sit and watch us train in the warmer months, soaking up the sun and being given treats for being good! Lucy also attended all the shows with us. Her last show was the Vyne.

Lucy was a dog in a million and will always be my blonde princess. I feel honoured that I had such a good amount of time with Lucy with such good fond memories. Unfortunately Lucy was not blessed with good health and over the time I had Lucy the vets become my friends as we tried to keep Lucy well. Unfortunately yesterday Lucy was put to sleep as she had let me know over the last few days that it was time for to rest now. Regrettably Lucy died from her cancer that had spread to her chest which was not helped by her bad heart that had become very congestive.

Go and run free now my beautiful 'Princess' from all your health problems and look after Becky for us. Just remember the words 'Hug Mummy' and you will always feel me holding you tight.

We will meet again until then know you are always in our hearts and will never ever be forgotten.

I had to say to goodbye to my special girl this morning. She was diagnosed with kidney failure at the beginning of the year but was so determined to live every minute to the full. Up until the beginning of this week, she was still joining us on our daily outing to the park.

Elly was a true star. She was well known in her youth for her hysterical screaming as she tore around the agility course. She won into Senior within her first six months of competition and loved to work but unfortunately we never achieved the final win that she needed to make her Advanced. She was still competing in 'Any size' classes until the beginning of last year when she was officially retired. She was a regular on TV at Crufts in flyball teams and is fondly remembered by Peter Purves for her antics during one Final when she took a dislike to a handler in the other team and ran across the ring instead of coming back down her line of jumps.

It was the best £25 I ever spent when I went to collect this little collie puppy at seven weeks old. The litter was due to be drowned as the farmer was most upset that the 18 year old deaf and half blind dog on the neighbouring farm got to his best 18 month old working bitch.

She was a once in a lifetime dog and a true friend. Words can't express how much I will miss her. I just thank her for all the wonderful memories she has left me.

I am so sad to report that Buddy has gone to join his friends in pastures green and bluebell woods. He was my first 'puppy' as my first two dogs were rescues. Thank you to Cathy Napper for breeding such a perfect dog!

He was diagnosed with brain tumours on the Saturday, 4 April and it became time to go in the early hours of Wednesday, 8 April. He just looked up at me as he was lying next to me on the bed and gave that look that many of you will have seen in your beloved pets' eyes, and I knew for sure what he was saying.

I spent much time with him in those last days. Thanks to James French, the animal communicator, I was able to keep strong and be there for Bud when he needed me most and not be the emotional wreck I could have remained when told what was wrong with him on the Saturday.

We had such fun together both competing to a high level in agility but also doing other doggy stuff. He enjoyed visiting friends and family, swimming and running on the beaches in Cornwall, annoying our white GSD and goading him to chase him under the caravan and lying quietly with me at home and contemplating life. Bud also enjoyed eating fish, sucking his blanket (sorry Buddy!) barking at nothing in particular while bouncing up and down with his beautiful ' crimped look' ears flouncing up and down of course and sleeping after a walk and dinner. Everything was fun with Bud but, for me, I was probably most proud when we qualified for Crufts in 2006 in the Mini/Maxi with Lisa le Signe and Billy.

I have lots of wonderful memories included a few very precious last few days when he was spoilt rotten with salmon and chicken and had ongoing cuddles morning, noon and night.

The picture of Buddy (above) was taken on his last Sunday with me, trampling my daffodils. Why change a habit of a lifetime, Bud! Sweet dreams handsome chap. We all miss you.

We sadly lost our lovely old boy Jud on Sunday, 19 April - just two weeks off his 13th birthday. Jud soldiered on for five more happy months after being diagnosed with renal failure. He went out with his three mates that morning running around playing his favourite game of watching Miff with the ball and collecting it for her when she couldn’t be bothered. Then sadly he left us later that morning.

Thank you Jud for all the fun you have given us. You were an entire clown full of fun who will be so missed by all your friends. xxxx

Our special girl was given sleep on Tuesday, 14 April 2009. After a very short illness, the vet said there was nothing more he could do for her, and it was obvious she was starting to suffer. Kelsey was our first dog and the most kindest, gentlest, loyal dog you would ever wish to meet, and giving her sleep was the hardest but kindest thing we could do for her.

We rescued Kelsey at 18 months. Kelsey never competed in agility. She didn’t see the point of jumping those hurdles. But she is the reason why we have four border collies as she started our love of the breed.

She has left a huge void in our lives and has taken a piece of our hearts with her. Run free Kelsey, Kels until we meet again.

My very special girl unexpectedly died yesterday. She was on her way out for her evening walk, running and bouncing down the garden chasing Zada when she collapsed and passed away within about 30 seconds.

Deefer was my first agility dog. When we started to compete, It took her a little while to get to grips with actually doing the equipment rather than doing laps of the ring - and every neighbouring ring - but she always came running back to me looking very pleased with herself in true lurcher style.

As the years went by, she turned into my beautiful clear round dog - except those damn up contacts! However, in 2006 ‘up contacts’ were no longer to be a problem. After having an accident whilst running in the field, she had to have her hind leg amputated. We didn’t think she would ever do agility again, but, as usual, Deefer proved us wrong.

You can see from the picture how much she still loved jumping on three legs - even at full height - and how she used her beautiful, long tail for balance. Yes, that is her tail and not a extra hairy leg.

We have lots of very happy memories that will always stay with us. She was very fit and happy right up to the end and never once looked nor acted her age.

Coppa went to sleep in her bed in my bedroom in the early hours of last Thursday morning. She woke me up as she was coughing as she had been doing for the last 4/5 weeks. She tried to get up but collapsed and I sat there with her for a short while, stroking her as the life in her slowly ebbed peacefully away. Her health had been deteriorating over the last year. In December last year she had a large cancerous growth removed from her left groin. Unfortunately the cancer spread to her lungs, which was the cause of the cough, which she had had for 4-5 weeks, but I didn't know this. She appeared reasonably fit and well for a dog of 16 years going for her usual walks (3/4 hr) Monday and Tuesday of last week!

I first met Coppa when she was a few hours old. I was the only one who could hold her without her crying! Little did I know that she was going to be the one that Jan would decide was right for me. Coppa wasn't well known in the agility world as she was badly frightened by a large dog while queueing for Mini/Maxi Pairs when she was 2 and she never really felt at home competing at a show, which was a shame as she was beginning to show potential.

Coppa had two litters and she was extremely proud of her daughter from her first litter. Harvest Geld for Aprika - otherwise known as POrtia the Posh poodle, owned by Jayne Bray - became a prolific winner and champion. We were proud of all her grandchildren and great grandchildren who have done - and are still doing - exceptionally well in agility. They will be a constant reminder of her whenever I see them competing.

You had a good life and you didn't look your age! You were determined to the end that you were not going to be left at home when we went out for a walk or out in the car, or left out if you thought there was a titbit to have!

With very heavy heart I had to say goodbye to my dear beloved Tilly. She spent 15 years with me and Vikki and what a huge hole this has left. In August 2008 we were told she had heart failure and would only last two weeks. The eight months extra we had with her made every day a magic day. She was always a fast thinking collie and never had a days illness. She even walked her last walk into the vets. Vikki came in early morning before going to work and sat with her and said her goodbyes as we all knew that the time had arrived.

I got Tilly when she was a pup of eight weeks from Sara Boxall. I remember the day well. It was the Mid Downs Agility Show and Sara brought three brown and white pups to the show. In the car park, Sara asked me which one would I like. Bearing in mind that I was not wanting another dog as I was just going through my marriage break-up and felt low, I just replied that if I liked one it would be that one (Tilly). With that she was put into my arms and the rest is now a wonderful history.

I came home with a pup and yes, she lived up to her colour Red - flame temper, hot headed and a terror on four legs - but I loved her. She was home to stay with me and Vikki. It gave me something else to think about. Little did I realise what an adventure I would have in being her mum!

Her first two years we did not do very much. I played a bit at Nancy Hudson's agility school, but my heart was not into competing at that time, but time went by and Vikki and I started to train her in our field. Next thing Vikki was competing and then qualified Tilly for the Crufts Juniors. She eventually ended up taking Tilly to Crufts four or five times. Their best place was 2nd. She competed around the shows with me and eventually became a Senior at five years old.

Tilly was not one of the greatest dogs to have amongst other bitches. We had many a fight with me getting her off the other dogs. She took this temperament from her dad 'Jack the Bastard', as Sara called him. The biggest fight we had was when Tilly attacked my lovely white collie Tessa after which I had to have Tessa put to sleep. I did not speak or look at Tilly for weeks. I hated her.

But time heals and Tilly took up being the boss in our household of dogs and that is where she stayed right up till the end. Tilly taught me a lot. She was my saviour during my bad days. She showed Vikki how to get eliminated at shows. She taught me that being Red in colour she did have that naughty way about her and I had to be on my toes with her around other dogs, but I never gave up on her. She was my partner, my friend, and Vikki's best mate as well.

Keith, my partner, has known Tilly for five years and he was so upset when he came to the vets with me yesterday that I ended up consoling him more than thinking about how upset I was. Bless him.

Reflecting Tilly's life, she had a wonderful time and, when the time was right, I allowed her to fall asleep with dignity in my arms. Slowly and peacefully she went to Rainbow Bridge.

Thank you, Sara for giving Tilly to me. I had the most wonderful time with her. She was my special girl. Tilly, you will be running with your friends now and terrorising them. Say hi to Tom, Tessa, Abby, George, Meg and Cree - all my dogs that I have loved and lost - but my heart is always with them. Nite, nite my Tilly the Terror. I will love you for ever.

Two weeks ago our beautiful boy, Rupert, was put to sleep after a very sudden, short illness, aged only eight. He had been diagnosed with a liver tumour and a golf ball sized tumour inside his heart. Two weeks before he died he was his normal, mad self and we had no idea that he was so ill.

Rupert came from Wood Green Animal Shelter at Godmanchester. When we went to see him he was bouncing off the walls of his kennel but, once at home, he was more relaxed and soon settled in to his new life. I started training him at Letchworth DTC, and he was a challenge to say the least. If I got it wrong, he would nip me and ruined countless pairs of trousers with his teeth. Although he was fast and had fantastic contacts, we never progressed beyond Grade 3. He would run for anyone, but particularly loved running with James Greenhow. He would spot James in the distance, if I was walking him, and almost pull me off my feet to get to him!

Rupert was picked to represent Wood Green in the Rescue Dog Agility at the Wag & Bone Show, Discover Dogs and twice at Crufts. He always behaved impeccably in crowded paces. Children could run up to him, and he would take it all in his stride.

He was also a TV star as he appeared in a Dogs' Trust advert where he played the part of poor, sad Arthur for their Valentine's Day Sponsor Dog Appeal.

I still can't believe that Rupert has gone. He was a larger than life character who lived life to the full. A natural clown, he had the ability to cheer me up no matter how I was feeling. Everybody loved him, and he loved everybody human and canine.

Run free, Rupert. Di-dog and Molly will be waiting for you over the Rainbow Bridge. The house is so empty without you.

Bridget, David, May, Tom, Evan, Bailey, Brodie, Shadow, Minnie and Queenie. xx

We had to have our dear old girl put to sleep this week because of a tumour on her kidney and was struggling to stay the spirited dog we loved so much. She had been diagnosed with Cushings disease last August and seemed to be coping well, but she deteriorated quickly. Tests showed nothing could be done, so we let her go peacefully with us holding her at the end.

13 years ago we saw a litter of black crossbreeds at the Blue Cross and we took home a cheeky, feisty ‘little black dog’. She was frustratingly too fast at agility for Pete or me, but when we eventually got it together she was a true star. She won many trophies over the years and quickly became a Senior dog, qualifying for five ABC finals, but my poor handling always let her down. Pepper regularly took part in the Rescue Dog Agility displays at Crufts, before retiring from competition at 12. She still enjoyed 'having a go' in the garden, showing the youngsters how it should be done.

We had some wonderful holidays together from Cornwall to Scotland, enjoying lovely long walks especially those which included pub lunches and picnics. She would settle anywhere as long as she was fed and had a warm bed to sleep in. We have many lovely photos to treasure.

She loved her toys almost as much as she loved her food and was happiest when she had a toy in her mouth. Every new toy was like the 'best toy in the world' and the other dogs where never allowed to keep them for long before she claimed them as her own.

My proud handsome boy was sadly taken from us following a seven week battle against lymphoma.

He remained my consistent, reliable Novice/Intermediate dog and the day he came 3rd in the Supa Dog Novice Finals was the proudest moment of his agility career. The pride in his face said it all.

Aside from his agility, Taff had climbed the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales. This was his passion along with water, of course! He was a fantastic mountain guide, leading us in the right direction by refusing to move when we had taken the wrong route. We would follow his direction and always ended up back on the right path. To this day, I still don’t know how he did it, but we always felt safe with our map, compass and of course our guide Taff.

During our holiday last year in Scotland, we walked 160 miles in just under two weeks and that included climbing mountains. For an 11 year old dog, who’d had both his shoulders operated on for OCD in the first year of his life, he certainly out paced my two younger dogs!

Our walking holidays will never be the same without our beautiful Taff. We all miss him so much and he has left a huge hole in our hearts.

Until we meet again, dear Taff stay with Kia and look after each other. Enjoy the hills and mountains over the rainbow bridge and make sure you search out some good walks for us!

Hugs from Bae who is missing you dreadfully, hugs from Ella and of course licks from Grace who can’t quite understand where you have disappeared to. We love you so much. XXX

Cadi was the lurcher that brought me to Agility, introduced me to so many lasting friends and changed my life completely. Sorry, no digital picture - brown and white, medium-sized bitch.

Two months after bringing Cadi home, I found out she had been born with a serious problem with her bladder which by now affected many of her organs. Her breeder would have had her back and given me another pup, but I realised what that would mean for Cadi so I kept her, opted for what my vet called a mega mega operation and was told she would probably have problems as a result of all this ‘later on’.

In the meantime, she won many trophies at lurcher shows, simulated coursing, speed jump, long jump and brought me into the world of Agility, a life changing situation. Little did I realise this when I first joined the Pontllyfni Agility Club (North Wales).

Cadi herself was quite laid back about agility. No rabbits, no lure, the jumps were easy. There might be a rabbit somewhere outside the ring, off the showground even. If she stayed in the ring, she became a guaranteed (slow) clear round, collected some place rosettes when the faster dogs made mistakes. But, above all, we loved each other and I miss her enormously.

Thank you to everyone who helped me catch her when she decided her skills and undoubted speed would be better employed outside the ring.

We wish to say an enormous thank you to our friends, and Whirlwind Agility Club members - all of whom have been so supportive in the loss of Rowan, our lovely Lurcher, on 13 February 2009.

She reached the good old age of fourteen and a half. We miss having her around - her cheeky little face and her forever wagging tail. We have so many, many happy memories of a wonderful little dog who only retired from agility in August last year.

A special thank you to Whirlwind Agility Club for their lovely card and for the Rowan tree they gave us to plant in her memory.

On 25 February I lost little Skye. She had been diagnosed with a tumour just after Christmas, and it all became too much for her. Sadly on Wednesday, we had to say goodbye. She never lost her Jack Russell spirit. Looking at her, you would never know the horror going on inside her.

Skye didn't compete at agility, but she was always came along to shows and usually she could be heard before she was seen. Also she was the biggest hussy going. If a gaggle of dogs came our way on a walk, wee Skye was in the middle tarting with everyone!

She was a super little dog with huge personality which kept her spirit strong in the last few weeks and we all miss her loads. She's now with Ike and no doubt keeping him in check! Miss you, sweetheart.

Bob was never an easy dog. Found on the streets of North London, he looked like a colie but had no herding instinct and was afraid of sheep, preferring to swim and retrieve things. He found lost tennis balls, beer cans, and once even a snorkel kit but saw no reason to give them up. He preferred to be outside even when it was pouring with rain. He was notorious for his early morning scavenges around the camp site at shows, breaking into other dogs' food, and once at a show, he ate the cakes for the judges in the show Secretary's tent - except for the lemon drizzle one.

Agility was the thread which tied him to people. Early on, Steff King told me that he would be a hard schoolmaster but that I would be a better handler for it. And she was right! I learned so much from him.

Running him was like walking on the edge of a cliff - you had to be in the right place at the right time or fall off. What he lacked in speed he made up for in drive and determination. He was always exciting to run but he could be exasperating, too. We finally worked out our partnership and I was looking forward to one last season before he retired.

But it was not to be. The cancer took him quickly. I would have hated to see him struggle and fade.

Daz suffered with immune mediated problems throughout his life. His physical symptoms baffled vets and specialists across the country but never stopped him from getting the best out of each day. As he got older, it was more and more of a struggle to go for a walk but I never expected him to stop trying. When he did, I had to tell him I loved him one last time and say good bye.

Daz was a Portia puppy, bred by Jayne Bray who never really understood how such a big dog emerged from her little girl. When it came to agility, size didn't matter to Daz. He was flexible. As there were no qualifiers at that time for Midis/Medium dogs, he happily competed in the big dog classes. He was invited to run as the fun dog at Olympia and went on to place 3rd in the ABC Crufts final. He also qualified as the big dog in the Eukanuba Mini/Maxi Crufts finals two years in a row. The highlight of his agility career was as a Medium dog in the Team GB that competed at the World Agility Championships in Germany 2002 and France 2003.

I don't think Daz was too big or too small. He was just right, the perfect size for my heart and I shall always keep him safe there. And don't worry, Daz. I won't let the other dogs touch your favourite little pink bone. I'm looking after it for you.

In December 2008, my little 'Asbo' rescue dog Ike - or 'Asbo Ike' as he was generally known - was, with great sadness, put to sleep. Even now it pains me to write this, so I am not going into great detail. To all the people - you know who you are - who gave this dog some love and understanding, thank you so much. He'd not had much in his early years.

In his short 2 years with us, he found a bit of peace, made friends, chased deer {annoyingly!}, trashed toys and beds and made himself heard with his bark especially when arriving at an agility show!

I miss him terribly. He had gone through a traumatic time just before his passing, but he is now at peace at my parents farm in Galloway. Next time the horses are throwing a hoolie round the fields, I expect to see a little black collie with a hoodie on not far behind them!

To all of you who remember Pebbles, especially in Devon and Cornwall, with great sadness I have to tell you that we lost our beautiful girl on Christmas Day. She was 15, and had lived a full and active life.

Pebbles was rescued from a totally unsuitable 'pet home' when she was four-and-a-half months old. She was a complete natural for agility. She had her first win at the Dartmoor Show in Okehampton - her first show - in what was then known as Novice Jumping in May 1995. From then on, she never looked back, and went on to Senior status, and then to Advanced (now Grade 7) by the time she was five. After a break of about three years when we moved to Derbyshire, she came back at the age of ten, and competed for another three years in veteran classes, finally retiring in August 2007 at the age of 13.

Pebbles was a joy to own, and I am so grateful to have had her with me for so long. In August 2008, she had a minor stroke, but her enthusiasm and zest for life stayed with her almost to the end, and she taught me so much about training and handling a fast agility dog!

Jack was a much loved rescue dog who gave us seven and a half years of his ten before succumbing to the venom from a Snake Bite incurred on a New Year walk in the Hatta Mountains. Even to his last day, he was protecting those who loved him. The two girls walking with me could so easily have been bitten, but Jack took the bite without any of us knowing the snake was there. He succumbed within 12 hours of the bite, peacefully in my arms, at home.

He will be loved for ever and missed for ever
My angel sent to me and taken back to his friends over the Rainbow Bridge
At peace forever.
Goodbye, my shadow.
A light has gone out in our home but shined so brightly for us all.

*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.

Over the Rainbow Bridge

If you would like to commemorate your agility dog whether it be a Crufts winner or family pet, send your tribute along with a photo of your friend to Agilitynet.

*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/

Rainbow Bridge: Donald Vann