1999 was a sad year for us, with three of our older dogs dying during the year. Salvenik Sea Treasure, Kentwood Lyneth and Beckrow Blue Cedar all left us to cross the rainbow bridge. Elsewhere (The English Influence) we have written about their legacy to us and to the breed through their progeny. Here, let us share with you some of our more personal reflections on each of these dogs.
Salvenik
Sea Treasure (Rupert)
Bred by Teresa Maddox in the UK, Rupert was one of the first dogs we bought and imported. He finished handily in both the US and Canada, and sired a number of litters. Best remembered amongst the Fancy for his three famous sons: Phi-Vestavia Nautilus, Davenitch Sandpiper and Phi-Vestavia Spyglass. Rupert was well-loved and remembered in our house for his irrepressible temperament: his fun-loving nature, and bounciness. His stability made a deep impression on us. This was true Cardigan temperament at its best, and this gave us a new mark to reach for in terms of temperament.
Rupert was a Tigger – he bounced! He would jump up and down when he was excited, and talk to you while he was doing it. His gorgeous head always filled the eye, and was passed on to his many descendents.
In his retirement, Rupert went to live with Connie Davis, who cared for him in his last years. Connie called often to tell us of Rupert’s deeds and antics, and we loved to hear that he was so comfortable in his new home. One of the reasons Rupert went to live with Connie was because of his aggression towards other males in our house – yet he lived with his intact son at Connie’s house with no problems. An article in the CWCCA newsletter about Rupert disappearing and turning up in Connie’s frozen pond was a lesson for all dog people.
Although Rupert lived with Connie for many years, he never forgot Patrick or me. His eyes would light up when he saw us, and he could literally pull Connie off her feet to get to us. His affection towards us was returned in full measure. Rupert was a delight and we feel privileged to have had him in our lives.
Kentwood
Lyneth (Lyneth)
Bred by Sonnica Godden, Lyneth was my first import from the UK. Shown throughout her very brief show career by Cathy or me, she made an impact in the breed ring despite her obvious distaste for the whole thing. Her destiny however, was in the whelping box. Lyneth produced 11 champions in three litters, marking her as one of the top producing bitches of Cardigan history. Many of her children have gone on to be top producers themselves and the number of Lyneth’s grandchildren grows by the day.
Courageous and absolutely devoted to "her" people, she lived out most of her life with Patrick, putting up with puppies, visitors, and all other manner of stuff so that she could be beside him most of the time. Her favorite place was under his feet. Whether working at the desk, reading in a chair, or watching TV, Lyneth could be found curled up close by. Plagued by back pain for the last few years, and by cancer for the last year, she never gave in to pain or discomfort. The only sign she gave was to stay even more closely beside her people. For sheer regal beauty, she had few equals -- yet it is for her sweetness of disposition and her overwhelming motherly instinct that she will be remembered.
Beckrow
Blue Cedar (Woody)
Woody came to live in Virginia with Cathy when he was already a veteran of 7 years. After an extremely successful career in the show ring, Woody seemed to enjoy the slower pace of life in America. Attempts to make him a house dog were never successful – Woody just couldn’t adjust to pack life with lots of other dog. He was, after all, king of all he surveyed and why should he have to put up with PUPPIES!
Although he didn’t get along with the other dogs, he had a wicked sense of humor with his human housemates. He used to run up behind me and try to knock my knees out from under me. He was only successful once, and while I was trying to get up from my hands and knees he kept sticking his nose in my ear. Woody could grin like no other dog I’ve known, and the glint of intelligence in his eyes was uncanny. Never introduced to children, he was wary for a short time, and then seem to understand that kids were made for his own personal entertainment. He would lie next to my 6 year old son and poke him with his nose to get his attention, then cover Phillip with kisses. Playing with the children was Woody’s excuse to revert back to a puppy and discard his proper English gentleman demeanor.
Woody went to visit Don and Susan Lassila at 9 years of age to be shown in Canada and he never came home. Living in the Lassila’s kennel/house made Woody comfortable and he thrived under their attention. There were a few glitches – like the one housesitter than Woody used to growl at because he knew she could be intimidated. I can just imagine how he must have grinned after bullying this poor child!
Woody suffered a mild stroke in June, and died just short of his fourteenth birthday. He is undoubtedly romping with his breeder and first love, Sandra Tonkyn. Woody will be remembered for his unique character, as well as for his beautiful children.
Goodbye dear Lyneth, Rupert and Woody. We are all the richer for having known you.