Thank you, Thank you!
This gives me the opportunity to tell the story that takes us to where we are.
Megan was doing junior showmanship at age 11. Struggling to excell with our bitches, that were either in season (can't show), or totally indifferent.
She was given a little dog that had just finished his CH before he turned 2. With his breeders/owners he was destined to just run the back yard and occasionally be used at stud. His breeders were approached by our friends, and handlers, Tom and Nioma Coen. They had finished the little dog, and knew of Megan's struggles. Through their interjection, it was decided that little Markie (CH Cindahope Trade Mark, ROMC, TD) would stay with Megan for one year to be her new juniors dog. To say it was love at first sight is truly an understatement. Being an only child, Megan was given the one thing to love and confide in. He never left.
Over the next few years, it was decided by the Hildreths, that there was no other place for Mark to be, and he was truly Megan's dog.( A side note, with him by her side, she was the #4 herding group jr. for several years, and #1 sheltie junior for 5 years, winning Best Junior at the National for 2 years in a row).
As good as he was as a partner for Megan, he was an incredible stud dog, passing on his soft expression, and happy, happy temperment. He stamped the look that is now Rabbit Run.....in Annie, Gemmy, Checkers, Robbie and now Tansy.
The parts were in place, on these lovely puppies. But, it was always Megan, ALWAYS, Megan, who they performed for and loved. Her soft hand and kind voice trained them to be happy competitors. I just fed them, bathed and trimmed them. Along with Karen Henley, our dear friend and co-breeder, we made the decisions that produced the puppies. But they were just puppies in a box, until Megan took over.
So, really, it is hats off to Tofu Pup, for taking them all the way to be the best they could be...happily. You will always be my "Breeder of Merit".
Congratulations!! What a fantastic achievement to be recognised in this way
