Our current furry family consists of four gorgeous Border Collie and Collie X girls.  They have all at some time trained and competed, or are still doing so, at agility which helps to keep their VERY active minds occupied.  Three are rescues, the fourth having had the luxury of being given everything a girl could want .... from birth !!  They are very much part of the family and holidays these days are tailored to suit dog friendly accomodation and their favourite beaches, woodlands, walks etc.    

We also have gerbils and Russian hamsters, amongst many others who we often gracefully give into who are in need of a good home.  These are often cared for by us at home until we can find the perfect family for them to join. 

Sasha's Story ...

On Friday 22nd June 2007 I very sadly had to let my beautiful little girl have her final sleep. She had been quite poorly for a while but had fought against it as hard as she ever has in the past. However the last few days were obviously getting harder for her, and she was very unsettled on Thursday night so I just hugged her tightly all night long.

We went to see our vet on the Friday morning and agreed between us that the kindest thing was to release Sasha from the body that was now failing her so badly.

Sasha was such a brave little trooper, sticking her paws up at numerous ailments which were thrown at her over the last couple of years. I am so grateful for the extra quality time we had together and we certainly made the most of it. I adopted Sasha from Battersea Dogs Home in 1992, we shared 15 yrs of adventure, fun times and laughter together with so many memories I will hold very close forever, and I am so proud and priviliged to have shared in those wonderful years of Sasha's life - she's such a special little girl, we miss her beyond belief. Sasha had the most gorgeous personality imaginable and loved everyone and everything!

She was a huge help with dogs we have fostered in the past and played a massive part in helping us gain the trust of our other rescue dog Pepsi, who, when she arrived, was terrified of her own shadow having suffered both mental and physical abuse for the first 18 months of her life. Sasha became her absolute soul mate and helped us to show her that life can be fun, teaching her how to play and enjoy life in the way that she was so deserving of. I also remeber waking up one morning and looking down to find Sasha lying on the bed snuggled up with a tiny kitten we were looking after, and allowing her to suckle from her. She was wonderful with cats and dogs alike.

Sasha was also my first agility dog. Although we didn't start until she was about 5, she took to it like a duck to water and, although not the fastest, never failed to get a clear round with some very good places. Just watching the enjoyment and excitement on her face was more than enough and she finally retired from the 'Anysize' classes at the grand age of 13, leaving the ring to a huge cheer from her fan club, and a big biscuit and rosette. A friend who helped us and Sasha hugely in the last week sent me the following poem which so summed up the last few days, and I think anyone who has had to make that dreaded decision can relate to.

Without Further Tears:

Those accursed words "its for the best"

Stuck like a knife into my chest,

Set hammers pounding in my head,

Filled my soul with fear and dread,

For my sins, I did agree,

But only out of love, to set you free.

I could not stand by and let you suffer a painful end,

My kindred spirit , my soul mate, my greatest ever friend.

I carried a guilty conscience for a long while,

Now the memory of you can make me smile.

I was so proud of you my heart would swell,

You played your part in my life so well,

The price of having you I now know,

Was that one day I must let you go.

All dogs are sent from Heaven for sure,

First they choose us, captivate us, enchant us and more,

They give us companionship,affection,sometimes fame,

In return for food, drink and a home and a name.

Then one sad day they are called back to Heaven above,

Leaving us with wonderful memories of undying love.

We learn to come to terms over the years,

Then we can cherish them, without further tears.