Here is a little bit of my past and a few of the dogs that shared my life 
Candy, Shane, Jake, Cookie and Sly...
in my heart and not forgotten.
Until we meet again my friends...


Jake was my first competition dog - we started in obedience in the early 1990s and then played a bit in agility.  He loved it.  Jake earned his CD, CDX, and UD.  He died of osteosarcoma in 2000 and at the time of his death, he had earned 2 OTCH points.  He loved to work and would do everything with enthusiasm.  He was a big clown and a crowd pleaser.   I miss him dearly.

Cookie was a rescue dog.  She spent the first 5 months of her life chained to a tree.  She was my "first agility dog" - in 1996 she was ranked the #1 Rottweiler in agility by the AKC and the American Rottweiler Club.  Cookie was retired shortly thereafter - she had trouble working around other dogs and she had to have cataract surgery.  She was eventually rehomed in a non-show home.

Sly was a "gift" to me from Jacque Humphries after I lost my Jake.  He was the most precious gift anyone has ever given me.  My home and life was so empty without Jake and Sly made me and Pauli feel safe again.  He was the sweetest boy ever.  I so miss him.  Sly died earlier this year, 2007.

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Growing up, my father was an avid hunter and we had many hunting dogs - beagles, redbone hounds and bluetick hounds.  When I was in elementary school, I got my first dog - a miniature chocolate poodle named Candy.  She was the smartest dog I've ever owned.  **UPDATE**  my mom found a picture of Candy!  Her picture is below with me and my sister, Cheryl. 
In high school, I got Shane, a Belgian Sheepdog.  She was an amazing dog.  Her picture is also below.


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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.