Fairoaks Summer Storm CDX

Chloe

Fairoaks Akeeno X Fairoaks Fin Rizell

Words can't adequately express what Chloe meant to us, particularly to Mike. She was our first Aussie and the one who started us down a path that led to a serious passion. This photo was taken on our last full day together, which of course Chloe spent at Mike's side. When exploratory surgery showed no real hope for saving her from cancer, Mike made the decision to let her go peacefully. He said later that in her version of heaven, Chloe would be in his truck, guarding it against all strangers. I said no ... in Chloe's heaven, she will be with you. That's all.

Ch. Trailmasters Diamond Rio

Rio

Ch. Butterfield's Poncho Via X Trailmasters Ultra Xtravaganza

Rio was my first show dog and my first champion. He was 4 years old when he came to live with us, but that didn't affect his bond with me. He never really understood the point of showing but accepted it because I asked him to. We muddled through and he finally finished when he was 7 years old -- in spite of my handling rather than because of it. He would have died defending me, and that's something I'll never forget. We said goodbye to him on a Sunday afternoon when he told me it was time. I still sometimes expect to see him around the house.

Jadecreek Scotch Bonnet

Bonnie

Ch. Lil'Creek's Sure Shot X Timberwood's Dreamsicle

Bonnie was the littlest of the litter, the one I was going to place in a pet home. But we decided to keep her and she grew into a beautiful girl. Bonnie was just 3 years old when I lost her and it's something I'll never really get over. A girl asked to walk her at a dog show and I relented --  it didn't occur to me that she would let Bonnie off lead in an area with a low fence. Bonnie jumped the fence and was gone, lost in the St. Louis metro area. After an extensive two-day search that involved both area newspapers and TV stations, her body was found along the interstate. I am forever grateful to everyone who helped in the search for Bonnie. Shortly after she died, a K9 Amber Alert Yahoo discussion group was launched as a way to help lost dogs find their way back home. I like to think that the publicity over Bonnie had something to do with its formation, so that losing her can make some kind of sense.

I miss her every day. Every single day.