Poetic Love for his Friend

The poet and literary giant George Gordon, the sixth Lord Byron, was born in London, England on Jan. 22, 1788.   Throughout his short, dynamic and controversial life, one thing remained constant ---  his great love of animals.

Shelley, fellow poet and friend to Byron, once wrote after a visit with his friend, that he counted "ten horses, eight enormous dogs, three monkeys, five cats, an eagle, a crow and a falcon" on his property in Italy.

Byron's most beloved dog, a black and white Newfoundland named Boatswain, died at five years of age after having contracted a painful bout of rabies.   The bereaved poet, who had maintained a constant nursing vigil, buried his pet in a garden tomb at Newstead Abbey (Byron's inherited estate).  Byron requested that when he died, he be laid to rest next to Boatswain.

                                              Byron's Epitaph to Boatswain

Near this spot are deposited the Remains

Of one who possessed Beauty Without Vanity,

Strength Without Ferocity,

And all the Virtues of Man Without his Vices,

This Praise, which would be unmeaning flattery

If inscribed over Human Ashes,

Is but a just tribute to the Memory of 

"Boatswain", a dog,

Who was born at Newfoundland, May, 1803.

And died at Newstead Abbey, Nov. 18, 1808

When some proud son of man returns to earth,

Unknown to glory, but upheld by birth,

The sculptor's art exhausts the pomp of woe,

And storied urns record who rests below;

When all is done, upon the tomb is seen,

Not what he was, but what he should have been;

But the poor dog, in life the firmest friend,

The first to welcome, foremost to defend,

Whose honest heart is still his master's own, 

Who labours, fights, lives, breathes, for him alone,

Unhonoured, falls, unnoticed  all his worth,

Denied in heaven, the soul he held on earth;

While man, vain insect! hopes to be forgiven,

And claims himself a sole exclusive heaven.

Oh man!  thou tenant of an hour 

Debased by slavery, or corrupt by power,

Who knows thee well must quit thee with disgust,

Degraded mass of animated dust!

Thy love is lust, they friendship all a cheat,

Thy smiles hypocrisy, they words deceit

By nature vile, ennobled but by name

Each kindred brute might bid thee blush for shame.

Ye!  who perchance behold this simple urn,

Pass on ---- it honours none you wish to mourn.

To mark a friend's remains these stones arise;

I never knew but one---and here he lies.                        Byron

Lord Byron died of fever on April 19,1824 at Missolonghi, Greece, while fighting for Greek independence from Turkey.

Boatswain's collar cherished and preserved, was found among his meagre possessions.   

Lord Byron was laid to rest in the Byron family vault at Hucknall Torckard, near Newstead, on July 12,1824.

Euthanasia

Sadly, many dog owners must face this option when their faithful companion's health deteriorates due to illness or old age.

They trusted you to take care of their health and well-being all these years.   Now, they are trusting you to  take care of them in their pain and misery.

How can you say good-bye?

They have been your shadow, your welcome-home committee, your sympathiser and your best friend.

The one who alerted you when those thieves tried to steal your car.   The one who laid with you in silent vigil when you were so sick a few years ago.

The veterinarian said it would be the right thing to do, but the decision had to be yours.

One day follows another, whilst blindly thinking, he seems a little better today;  not wanting to face the inevitable solution, not wanting to "let go".

Your worst fear comes true.   Laying at your feet is your beloved who cannot muster the strength to rise up and go with you this time.   Looking at those pain-stricken eyes, you pick up the phone and call the veterinarian.   You hear yourself say  "Can it be done today, soon?"

Gently, you pick up this old bundle of fur you love so much and wrap a blanket snugly around that frail body.

The trip to the veterinarian's office seems to take hours;  your loyal buddy laying limp at your side.  You are afraid to speak as the tears might start and you must not arrive at the veterinarian's office out of control.

Choking back the tears, you enter the waiting room, your best buddy in all the world clutched in your arms.   The veterinarian carefully introduces the drug that will take away the pain and you watch those faithful eyes fade, as the spirit moves towards the Rainbow Bridge.  

Holding for a long last hug, you have decided to have that little body cremated and leave to await his ashes to come back to you soon.

When you arrive back home, the silent emptiness inside is unbearable.   Your baby is gone and you did it.

The guilt and sorrow take over and you break down and weep for a long time.

The grief you suffer over the loss of a dear and loyal furry friend may continue for weeks, months or even years.   Everyone deals with grief differently.

                                                                ..........

Dealing with the pain and loneliness after the loss of a beloved pet is a very real and traumatic experience that only animal lovers can comprehend.

Some grieving owners will obtain a new pet immediately to fill the empty spot in their hearts and homes.   Others may be so stricken by the loss they will never leave themselves open to this kind of pain in the future.  Seeking out other animal lovers and "talking out" these feelings can be therapeutic in itself.

Death is inevitable in this life, but the spirit lives on in our hearts and minds.   Preparing for the death of a dearly loved pet can in some cases assuage the pain felt after the fact.

Once your dear one reaches a certain age and you begin to notice a slowing, think about what life will be like without them.  Think about euthanasia, natural death at home, burial or cremation, typically the final step for all living creatures.

Burial serves the psychological needs of those left behind as a kind of "going away" ceremony and, no matter how difficult it may be to accomplish, it is the beginning of the healing process. 

A grave-site should be considered ahead of time.  Perhaps their favourite spot in the garden where they patiently take in the sunshine whilst you work in the garden.   A gathering of their friends and family to wish them a safe journey perhaps.   Others who feel embarrassed showing their emotions, may choose a solo affair or a cremation and a memorial set up in their living room.

Whatever you choose, think it out well ahead of time.   Your dearest little mate deserves a suitable resting place with a loving "send-off".   There is a lot of comfort in believing in the Rainbow Bridge where you will meet again and go together into Heaven.

Writing an epitaph, a story expressing your feelings of loneliness and heartbreak you are experiencing  

or if you are on the internet, getting involved with Groups such as one provided by American Kennel Club Pet Loss Support Group, where you can talk with members who themselves, are feeling so much heartache.    

There is no worse pain one has to endure than the loss of a beloved pet.

In loving memory of  Aus. Ch Nantiki Hop Topic (Tootsie)  (12-6-2003 - 5-7-2017)  and my first born Silky Terrier US Ch Centella Lil Fellah ROM (Fellah)  (circa 1973 - March 1980), who perished when my house and kennel burnt to the ground in my absence.   The love of my life and still loved and adored and not forgotten.   And to US Ch Centella Senorita Chica (Chica)  who perished in the same fire.

 A Christmas Story

Once upon a time there lived a charming little girl named Carla.    Her best and closest friend was named Digby.   He was an adorable bit of silky fluff with four legs, a wagging tail and black intelligent eyes.

Carla and Digby shared a bond without parallel.  Digby was pampered to say the least and enjoyed all the comfort and care a loving owner could bestow.   He slept on Carla's pillow and was bathed and brushed each week.   He ate the best of dog foods and special treats.

One Christmas Eve, Digby was playing with his ball in his shaded fenced garden when a big strong hand reached over the fence and snatched him away from his happy home.  Digby could see Carla calling him earnestly through the back window as the car sped away.

She did not hear his desperate barks.   Carla's continual search for Digby was in vain, but she never forgot her friend and never stopped looking for him.

Digby barked and barked;  he could not control himself.  The man yelled at him to be quiet.  Stunned by the man's gruffness, yet still true to his teachings, he lay motionless.

What had happened?   Digby just did not understand.  The car had travelled many miles; it seemed like a lifetime to Digby.   He now could not control his body from quivering.

Finally the car stopped.   Digby tried to hide under the seat, but that big hand searched him out.   Two young unkempt children ran squealing and yelling to greet them.   They pulled and tugged and pinched Digby.   The man made it clear to the children that the dog could not come in the house.

This was their Christmas present.

The children were very rough with Digby, but delighted in their own way to have a pet.

Darkness soon covered the landscape like a shroud, enveloping everything, including Digby.  He missed his home and Carla desperately.   He spent a tortured tearful night, shivering from cold and hunger.

The children soon tired of their new pet and Digby was virtually left to himself.   They fed him scraps in a dirty foil pan almost every day.

His beautiful silky coat was now dull and knotted and he itched all over.   There was a tiny space in the back of his mind where he faithfully kept his memory of Carla. 

Many months passed by and he was deeply depressed, thin and covered with fleas and sores.

One day he noticed a big fuss going on next door.  People hustling about, some were sobbing and they were all dressed in black.   After a few hours, all became quiet, except for a loud meowing noise.  Digby decided to investigate.   There on the porch of the house next door, he met Mischka.    She was lonely too;  abandoned through the death of her mistress.

Mischka was a master hunter and she taught Digby very well.   Life was taking a change for the better, now that he had a friend and plenty to eat.   Digby had more or less moved in with Mischka and they had a nice warm spot arranged on her porch.

Then it was Christmas Eve, and as they snuggled for warmth and comfort, Digby heard tiny bells ringing.   He jumped up and ran to the edge of the porch.   He looked upward as he heard someone calling his name.   A large and jolly man in a red suit, sporting a long white beard, sitting in a sleigh that was tethered to some sparkling reindeer, magically reached down and pulled Digby into his arms.

"I'm taking you home to Carla" he pronounced, "it is her Christmas wish."

HOME TO CARLA  !!   WAS THIS A DREAM ??

How could he leave without Mischka ?   The man understood and reached down to her.   She scrambled into his arms and away they flew.

Carla was awakened by a very dirty bedraggled but elated Digby.   Carla held him close and squeezed him until he could not breathe !!

The past year was now only a memory to Digby and Carla, and with Mischka they all lived happily ever after.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL !!!

The ANKC official Standard for the Australian Silky Terrier.

I have owned and bred Australian Silky Terriers since 1972 and have studied the Standard and how it defines the Silky. Many breeders and judges have become removed from what the Standard requires and  breed and judge  more to their personal likes and dislikes.

I will endeavour to explain the Standard and hope breeders and judges will pay attention to the Standard and not what is winning at shows. Many times the top winners do not meet the Standard as written, which is now noticeably becoming more and more evident. 

Excuses range from, but he is so showy or I love the silver coat; and the long neck and legs make them look so elegant; or I like the tiny ones; and love the bouncy movement, he looks so happy; or I don't worry about the pug tail, none of them are perfect!

None of the above is in the Standard and in some cases are listed as unacceptable or "must nots".

This is the Australian National Kennel Council approved  Standard of the Australian Silky Terrier as revised in 2009. 

New Babies

Been awhile since I blogged.   
Breeding, whelping and raising babies takes up a lot of time.

The Australian National Kennel Association refused my American Prefix of Centella, but accepted
my second choice of DABNE pronounced dabnee.

My Stella, Ch Allannette Stellar Dream had three babies, a girl and two boys on the 6th June 2019.
Ch Nantiki Mr. Darcy is the Sire and is such a good Daddy.
The girl is named Dabne Miss Georgiana Darcy and has gone to her new home recently.
The boys are named Dabne Mr. Wickham and Dabne Mr. Bingley in keeping with the 'Pride and Prejudice' theme.

I showed them at the Brighton Kennel Club show, just making it at 3 months and one day.  Being their first time out having not left my yard and with little contact with other humans or dogs, I didn't expect too much.
I showed Mr. Wickham in the Baby Sweepstakes on a very cold, windy and rainy day, and Mr Bingley and Mr. Wickham along with their Daddy in the Toy Group later in the day.
Mr. Bingley was Best Baby Puppy and Mr. Darcy was Best of Breed.

The photos from the
Brighton Show are on my
iphone and need to be
downloaded later on.

Mr. Darcy

I once again contacted Jan Boyce, and she had a litter coming, but had promised a bitch and was keeping a bitch for herself, so I said well would she keep me in mind.   

The litter arrived and only two girls and two boys.   I didn't want another boy, but she said I will send you a photo and you can make up your mind.

As soon as I saw his picture, I said I will have him. 

  Here he is all grown up and winning lots of  ribbons and is not only an Australian Champion, but is well on his way to becoming a Grand Champion.   The most adorable little dog with a personality to be envied.   He just turned four years old and we are looking forward to some of his get in the near future.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

USA

I have been absent from my Blog for a long time.   Had a new computer installed and had a lot of
trouble getting my head around all the new functions and spending way too much time searching for
this and that.
Got very frustrating and I " kicked it to the kerb " for a good long time.

I arrived in the USA in February of 1972 and got my first silkys in December of that year.
I imported a male Ch Waitink Tiny Tink (Waiton line) and a female Grajule Sparklet (Lylac line)
from June Chivers of Sydney NSW. 
I named them Tinky and Precious.   They were mated several years later and they had one male.
Ch Centella Lil Fellah ROM.
I later brought into the family Grajule Claudine and she had 4 babies with Tinky.
Centella Sweet Roll ROM was one and  after producing some lovely pups in 3 litters total, was bitten
by a Copperhead snake and died several hours later.   A little bit of me died with her.
She was a very special silky.
Claudine also produced Ch Centella Senorita Chica out of the same litter, who was a big winner.

I travelled throughout the USA in my 28 foot motor home and began a career as a professional
handler and dog show groomer, while at the same time showing my silkys.

I also studied several years at the Texas A&M Veterinary School, in Nutrition, Genetics and
hereditary diseases.   I worked with a veterinarian at the same time, and learned so much from
him.   It was an invaluable experience.

Sadly, my house and kennel burned to the ground in 1980 while I was away and I lost my dearest
Champions Lil Fellah and Senorita Chica.   I lost all my records, books, study notes, and had no
Insurance.   So I was not only homeless, but nowhere to keep my 22 dogs that were left.
A friend kindly ran an ad in the Houston Chronicle and I homed 11 of the dogs that were left.

We lived in a tent on our property for around 6 months, until I sold the land to a neighbor
and built a house in another area. 

I was so traumatised, I pretty much did nothing for another year.   It took 2 years to retrieve most of the dog's registrations.   I had to rely on friends who had show catalogues and thankfully returned
many pictures I had sent them.

I obtained Championships on 13 of my Silkys whilst living in the USA.

I spent 26 years in Texas, before moving back to Tasmania, Australia

I had two girls and an ex-husband and 4 silkys.    The girls and my silkys I brought with me.

When 3 out of my 4 silkys died of old age, I contacted Jan Boyce in NSW and she sent me
a dear little silky CH Nantiki Hot Topic (Tootsie)  and when she reached 12 years, I knew it
was time to get another silky, as the thought of being without a silky at my side was not negotiable.

Next time I will catch up to the present, and now all is working again, I can hopefully make
more entries.