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My Beloved Borzoi

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 that as I evolve as a breeder, I can live up to the example they set for me. Pictured below in the gallery are a few of my photos from that period. 

 

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 challenges 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! I got her first AKC point, then stalled as many new exhibitors do. Kim Spring showed her to her first major and the rest of her singles, and Peter San Paolo handled her for her final major, going BOS over a special. She had a unique approch to obedience, usually doing the second half of an "L" heeling pattern on the right side... She certainly gave the obedience judges a chuckle! Tory was 13 when we said goodbye.

 

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...

 

 

Ch Vancrest DR Naturel

DJ was my first owner-handled AKC champion. I talked Bonnie Nagel into letting me have him; he was the first dog I took into a Group ring. A sweet, sweet boy, DJ left me suddenly at age eight and a half, much too soon, due to hemangiosarcoma.

 

 

Desi and Sally

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.

 

 

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​

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