Happy Saturday All! I’ve taken a break from Nothing But Norman post for a little bit today I am back to share my Tribute To Nellie as she passed away over a week ago on 3/16/17. Nellie was Norman’s daughter. It was such a joy and many memories were made having a father/daughter team at Sand Spring Chesapeakes for the past 13 and 12.5 years. They are our foundation stock that started our kennel Sand Spring Chesapeakes. They have offspring that will carry on their legacy.

Stancer, Nellie

HRCH Sand Spring Hurricane Nellie SH call name “Nellie” , Sand Spring Chesapeakes foundation bitch at age 12.5, ( 75  in doggy years) of Cambria, WI. , born to eternal life March 16 2017 from a heart base tumor. She was born October 7, 2004, her parents were HRCH Sand Spring Norm Of Caroway MH and Aok Ridge Abby. She trained and competed in AKC & UKC hunt tests. She passed her AKC Junior tests, Senior Hunter tests for her titles and one Master Hunter pass before she retired from AKC hunt tests. She also received her UKC Hunting Retriever Champion title. During this time of running hunt tests she continued to be a treasured family companion, dedicated hunter of waterfowl, upland birds and an occasional crane while hunting in Saskatchewan which she loved to do with one of her daughters Pearl and our good friend Mike F. She also hunted many pheasant farms. When not hunting or training you would find her next to her puppies. She was our first breeding bitch, she had three wonderful litters that gave 17 families some really special pups including ours. Her puppies are all over the US. She was the best mom a person could ask for. She taught me how to whelp a litter, how to raise a litter and how to be the best breeder I could be.  You couldn’t miss Nellie with sugar on her face, she was the kindest old soul. Her father Norman preceded her in death, she is survived by her Mother JoAnn, Father John, Daughter Glory, Half Brother Gambler, Grand Daughters Preacher and Guilty. She is also survived by her other 16 children and 17 grandchildren. She will always be remembered by her fainting goat routine and her ability to play dead with my finger gun. A star shines bright each of the nights ahead. In lieu of flowers give your pet a hug and their favorite treat and tell them you love them. If you would like to do more make a donation to the Morris Animal Foundation or The American Chesapeake Club.

I would like to thank each and everyone of you who took the time to sign my facebook page, sent cards, sent flowers, sent memorials. Thanks to Melissa over at Barking from the Bayou for the nice tribute to Nellie on her blog on Monday. You can see it here

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I would also like to extend my deepest sympathies to my friend Jayne who said goodbye to her Milo the day before we said goodbye to Nellie. It was a rough couple of days for the fur ones as we lost a blogging fur friend too Sugar from Golden Woofs passed over the rainbow bridge as well.

I never got to meet Milo but I met Jayne, I bet he was as sweet as Jayne is. I feel for Jayne’s family as Milo was her only dog. Her house which was full of doggie kisses is no more. I wish I could pack up one of mine so her house wasn’t so lonely. My deepest sympathies to you and your family! Milo, Norman, Nellie, Lewis, Georgia, Clipper and May Day are all together chasing the birds all day long.

Sweet Milo

He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. 

You are his life, his love, his leader.

He will be yours, faithful and true,to the last beat of his heart.

You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.

~unknown

“There is a cycle of love and death that shapes the lives of those who choose to travel in the company of animals. It is a cycle unlike any other. To those who have never lived through its turnings and walked its rocky path, our willingness to give our hearts with full knowledge that they will be broken seems incomprehensible. Only we know how small a price we pay for what we receive; our grief, no matter how powerful it may be, is an insufficient measure of the joy we have been given. “

Suzanne Clothier