It is with a heavy, but hopeful heart, that I said goodbye to, my heart
dog, Ch Homesteader's Summertime Reign. Just shy of eleven, Maddie could not
quite make it further. Her Sire was Ch Imagine's Heir Apparent, JH and her
dam, Ch Homesteader's Grace Under Fire, JH and a lot of other titles.
Maddie finished her championship at eight months going breed over 13
specials, including mine, handled by Mark. She went on to a group second behind
the best in show Golden. She had already won a number of Sweeps, and made
waves wherever she went.
I have Brian Still and Rebecca Carner to thank for their constancy to
Maddie and to me over the two years she was specialed. She was number one GSP
all systems and number two Sporting Dog for 2001. It was a wild ride. One
weekend in Vermont, she just kept going best in show, day after day.A good
reason to drink Champaign and play golf.
She won fifteen all breed best in shows, eight group firsts and endless
other group placements, including one at Westminster.
All of this said, what needs to be said more is that she was my companion,
my team mate, my support in times of trial, and a constant across the
twists and turns of life. Brian used to say that she knew when I entered the
show grounds to watch her in group, and she would start whining. Not that he
liked that much.
So my friends, when you call me, or I call you, there will be no more
barking dog behind the conversation. Her pillow is empty. Her rosettes in boxes
moldering in the barn, her trophies gathering dust and tarnish in the
cupboard. All just memories, as now, so is she. A really good, once in a
lifetime girl. God blessed me with her presence in my life. Thank you, Maddie, for
taking the time to spend your life with me.
Take some time with your dogs today. Maddie's nephew, Ramsey, leans on my
arm, wondering if he can keep me from crying, and his daughter lays on my
feet. Be good to one another, too. At the end of the day, dogs come and go,
and so do people. It's how you make it shine. Rest in Peace, my dear, and
join the other great ones where you have softly gone. With unimaginable love,
Nancy Campbell, Homesteader GSPs
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