Just this side of Heaven, there is a place called Rainbow Bridge.  A place where all our dogs are restored to health and vigour.  There will be a day when you cross ths hill and you and your friend will meet in joyous reunion.  There will be happy kisses on your face.  You will once more look into those trusting eyes.  So long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.

Gypsy 1980 - 1991 Gypsy was my first dog - a Lab/Chesapeake cross.  I got her as an orphaned 3 week old puppy, and she was the only one in her litter to live past a year.  She is what hooked me on the Labrador, and on obedience training.  She was absolutely the BEST dog!  Gypsy is pictured here with my Mom, who babysat her often.

Gemma 1993 - 2002 U-CD SR Dennmoney Black Gemma CDX WC SHDCH CGC Gemma was my first purebred Lab, and she taught me a lot, mostly how I did NOT want to train a dog.  She was a field bred Lab, very high-strung and energetic, and initially very difficult to live with.  She was also the smartest dog I've ever had, I was constantly working on how to out-think her!  Gemma died much too soon, I still miss her every single day.  She was my "once in a lifetime" dog.

Dodger 1996 - 2005 GB Artful Dodger CDX SHDCH CGN Am CD CGC Dodger was my foray into training a non-sporting breed.  He turned out to be as much a sporting dog as the Labs were!  Probably because when I got him, I had a roommate, and between us we had five Labs!  I don't think he ever knew he was a small dog.  Dodger was a lot of fun to train and compete with, and earned placings in Dogs In Canada's Top 5 obedience Cavaliers in 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002.  He was also the 10th top Toy Dog for obedience in 1999.  Dodger died of MVD, a genetic heart defect rampant in Cavaliers, but he had a terrific life, and everyone who met him loved him.

Rocky 2001 - 2008 Ch. St. Jon We Will Rock You AG.I AG.IJ Rocky came to live with me when he was 15 months old, and we never looked back.  He was the first dog I handled in the show ring, and did we ever have fun!  His show career spoiled me - I finished him fast, and with big wins - two Group 3 and one Group 4 placing.  We started agility because I thought it would settle him down for obedience.  It didn't, but my love for agility was born, and he was the first dog I titled in agility.  I will miss his exuberance, and the white flag that was his tail.