ASHCROFT BEDLINGTONS

01/29/12

		My Borzoi were an integral part of my life for almost 20 years. I learned a lot about responsible dog ownership, and had great mentors who are my friends to this day. I hope as I evolve as a breeder, that I can live up to the example they set for me. Pictured below are a few of my photos from that period. God's Garden God looked around his Garden And saw an empty place He then looked down upon the earth And saw your splendid face He put His arms around you And lifted you to rest God's Garden must be beautiful He always takes the best... Foxcroft Mikhail Wotanovich, CD TT Misha was my "heart dog". His death at age 10 left a huge hole in my life. His sister Missy was also with me for three and a half short years. She taught me about having "great heart" and dealing with whatever life throws your way. Do not stand by my grave and weep, for I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond's glint on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn's rain. Do not stand by my grave and cry. I am not there. I did not die. -Native American poem Ch Foxcroft Pyrrhic Victory, CD TT Tory was my first conformation champion, and taught me what bitches could be like! Tory was 13 when we said goodbye. Ch Vancrest DR Naturel DJ was my first owner-handled champion, a sweet, sweet boy who left me suddenly at age eight and a half, much too soon. Desi Desi with Murphy the Westie Desi and her half sister Sally came to me as adults from Bonnie Nagel of Vancrest, and were my shadows. Bonnie died not long after, and they were constant reminders to me of her friendship. They each lived into their early teens, a tribute to Bonnie's breeding program. photos from the past, from the sublime, to the ridiculous.... striking...... natural...... elegant......... silly........... downright embarrassed BIS, BISS Ch Majenkir Wotan of Foxcroft Not mine, but the dog I admired and wanted my dogs to be like.... Sire of Foxcroft Mikhail Wotanovich CD TT Grandsire of Ch Foxcroft Pyrrhic Victory CD TT and Ch Vancrest DR Naturel Foxcroft Mikhail Wotanovich CD Ch Vancrest DR Naturel This also touched me when I read it... Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words: Dear God, Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick. I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her, You will know that she is my dog. I really miss her. Love, Meredith We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had. Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith , ' in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note: Dear Meredith, Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away. Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by. Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much. By the way, I' m easy to find, I am wherever there is love. Love, God Contact Information