This page is dedicated to the memory of my "heart dog"
AJ.'s The King's Courrier CD
affectionely known as "K.C.".
"K.C." was a tri-belton English Setter, half field bred and half bench bred. He came into my life as a 10wk. old puppy on Father's Day 1974. Ever since I was a child I had wanted an English Setter because of their grace, beauty, and gentle nature. Of course I committed the ultimate "doggie" sin when I got "K.C.". I purchased him for $50 from what I now know was a backyard breeder but it would not have made any difference to me if "K.C." had come from the best English Setter show breeder in the country since he won my heart from the first time I laid eyes on him. "K.C." remains in my heart and my memories to this day.
Although my "K.C." was not much to look at, he carried many, many breed faults not the least of which was hip dysplasia, he had brains and a true English temperment. We soon discovered together the fun and excitment of obedience training and showing. "K.C." was a great obedience dog. We spent many, many weekends going to classes, exhibitions, matches, and shows and "K.C."loved every minute of it. He got his CD in just three shows with scores all above 195 but because of his hips, I never even tried to train him for his CDX, although I'm sure he would have received it as easily as he had his CD.
"K.C." left my side in September of 1989. He ended his struggle with pancreatic cancer on a beautiful Indian Summer morning cradled in my arms with my tears soaking his softly feathered ears...
"I have sent you on a journey to a land free from pain, not because I did not love you, but because I loved you too much to force you to stay." |
