A Dog's Plea

O.T.Ch. Dickens
(April 14, 1985 - June 13, 1999)

Treat me kindly, my beloved friend,
For no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand
between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach
me the things you would have me learn.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must
know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall upon my ears.

Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated
animal, no longer accustomed to the bitter elements. I ask no greater glory
than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.

Keep my pan filled with water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.

Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your
bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect
you with my life, should your life be in danger.

And my friend, when I am very old, and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing
and good sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having fun.

Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth
knowing with the last breath I draw, that my fate was always safest in your hand.

Author Unknown

Anyone who knew Shivoo knew her as the sweet little yellow dog who accompanied me to trials and matches. Though she never actually got a chance to train for competition, she enjoyed the training she did get, which was rather sporadic but fun just the same.

She loved to prance, and I always said her theme song was "I'm here for the Party" (by Gretchen Wilson for those of you who are not country western fans).
She loved meeting other dogs and people, she loved walks out in the field. She loved the rescue dogs who came to visit and stay for a while - Piper and Shep were her best ever rescue buddies.

She loved Gex and had him twisted around her perfect little paw.
She loved Sierra and on her good days would treat her like her own little baby, playing run and chase games until I had to interrupt (she would grow tired and you could see her trying hard so keep up).

She loved going to visit Brigitte and playing on her equipment. She loved her Auntie Sharon and would squeal when she heard her voice.

She loved Moira, who owns Angel - her sister.

She loved visiting with Nikki's 'Doodles'.

There wasn't much she didn't love, except feeling as awful as she did towards the end.

It's taken me some time to compose myself enough to talk about letting her go, but wanted you all to know that she is now with the very best handler of all. I hope she will finally get a chance to enjoy playing the game she loved so much. I would like to thank all of you who offered suggestions and prayers when she needed help. I would also like to thank Dr. Joan Stewart-Hay for all her care and consultation, and for being there when we needed her. I would like to thank Moira Easton for being such a good friend and for all her support during a very difficult time. I pray Moira's Angel finds the answers that Shivoo couldn't.

Most of all ... thanks for being her friend, and for reaching out to pat her when she approached with her waggy tail. I miss her soft little body and sweet expression. Forever in my heart, in my thoughts and wrapped in our love, until we meet again, Farewell Shivoo.

Love Jo

Trimine's Moxie CDX, Am. CD, HIC, ShdCH, FM, MAD, OAC, NJC, NGC, ADC,
OFA Good (Hips & Elbows) / CERF
(September 17, 1991 to August 8, 2006)

On September 17th, 1991 a very special dog was born in Aldergrove,BC.

Daughter of Can Do Reactor - better known as Dandy (owned by Kevin Hughes) and Nobel's Highland Fling at Sabre(owned by Barbara Brown) was brought home to Manitoba with hopes and dreams of a very bright future.

From the day she was chosen, there was a knowing feeling that she was to be my "once in a lifetime" dog. She was a gift that would take me through years of pleasure, meeting fabulous people, training to a calibre and highs I never thought possible with any dog and leaving me with sweet memories that will last forever.

Her name reflected her spirit, her enthusiasm, her zest for life and love in every page of our lives together. She poured her heart and soul into whatever it was we were doing. She had an uncanny way of understanding a whisper, a blink, a flick of a finger and always knew exactly what was needed. Later in life, the hand gestures and smiles became increasingly important and meaningful, as she used everything she could to comply and obey.

I feel truly honoured and blessed to have shared her time on earth, her brilliance, her love and her quiet moments. Though I struggle with the loss, I take comfort in knowing she is now free from pain and at peace. More meaningful than any title possible ... and she had many , the one that truly encompasses all she was is -"My Once in a Lifetime Dog"

For me, there will never be another like you, Moxie - you were simply the best. Till we meet again . . . .