Good-bye to a champion

NAFC AFC Triple Ridges Best Bet

2/16/1996 – 6/12/2012

Bessie had a long, happy life.  She had a very successful trial career, and produced some terrific progeny including FC AFC Birchbluff’s Capricorn (Caper).  Condolences to our friends George and Arlene Reichert for the loss of such a special dog.  I hope the wonderful memories will comfort them.  I can still remember George beaming at Bessie’s National win.

I love this poem by David Harkins:

You can shed tears that she is gone,

or you can smile because she has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back,

or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left.

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her,

or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,

or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her only that she is gone,

or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind,

be empty and turn your back.

Or you can do what she’d want:

smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Safe passage, Bess.