It is very hard to get breeders to sell show dogs to "newbies." I was  very lucky. I first met Taffy at 6 weeks old, and she came to live with me two weeks later.

Taffy was a show girl from the time I first put the leash on her. She told me what to do no matter how I turned her and tried to out wit her. She knew her job and I never had to correct her. The only thing anyone who had to handle her had to worry about, was to keep their shoes on. She had FUN. She knew what to do and did it with flair. Once she was in the ring her attitude was stuck on, ON. She baited for anyone (watch your fingers.) I will miss those days.

Taffy starting winning from the time she went to her first match when she was 14 weeks old where she took Best in Match. 

She had always moved well. She had a great layback of shoulder, with a front that you didn't see to often. Her body and topline was correct. She had a huge correct coat. Watching her run across the yard when she was out of coat or just after she blew her coat from having a litter was thrilling. 

At five years old Taffy had to be spayed due to breast cancer. I caught it early and she  enriched my life daily for another 10 years.
 
She was my true loving couch potato. She loved to sleep and snuggle and yes EAT and get SNACKS. At 15 she still managed to get a small jump in the air when I went to feed her in the morning.

She was the first one to come and get her face toweled after she and the rest of the dogs came in when it was raining. Getting a massage and a back rub was her passion. She held her alpha postion to the very end.

Taffy gave me a lot of "firsts": show dog, point, conformation champion, Best In Show Specialty.

You know when it is time whether you want to believe it or not. I took my responsibility seriously and cradled her tightly in my arms as she went to the Rainbow Bridge to play with her 6 sisters.

A piece of my heart went with her to the Rainbow Bridge. She will be missed.

Rainbow Bridge Movie
http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

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 had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; 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 quivers. 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...

Shelties do not die!

They only gain their wings and fly.

They play again, I pray,

In those green fields far away

Past the gates of Pearly White

With other loved ones gone from sight,

We will see them once again,

At the Bridge called Rainbows End

With a Wag of a tail and a jump in the air,

we once again become a pair.

So try not to be sad this day my friend,

just look for the bridge called Rainbows end...

And remember, Shelties do not die,

They just gain their wings and learn.

author unknown


This poem was sent to me by my vet. Dr. Thomas Sessa, who took care of Taffy for 14.5 years.

If It Should Be

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep
Then you must do what must be done
For this last battle can't be won

You will be sad, I understand,
Don't let your grief then stay your hand,
For this day, more than all the rest
Your love and friendship stands the test.

We've had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears.
Would you want me to suffer? So
When that time comes, please let me go.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you do for me.
Although my tail its last has waved
From pain and suffering, I've been saved.

Do not grieve it must be you
Who must decide this thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years
Remember the joy among your tears.

Anon.