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July 24, 1998....Today I laid a great
dog to sleep. Misty came into my life 26 years ago, the great-granddaughter of my
first Eskimo, Laika, granddaughter of Woof, daughter of Johnny. Her
great-granddaughter, Meggie, did her best to fill in for her by making my life miserable (if entertaining). It hardly seems possible that once she too
harassed her elders, peed on the
floor and was obnoxious - but then, I don't think Misty had ever been anything but the
perfect lady, polite, smiling and willing (of course, there were a few infamous moments
during her obedience career.............)
What makes a great dog? Misty
did remarkably well in those areas we tend to use to measure "greatness" - a UKC
grand champion, SKC champion, UKC/AKC and SKC CD, UKC and AKC CDX, TT, OFA, CERF... and
she produced a number of remarkable children, grandchildren, and many more
great-grandchildren who have excelled in conformation and obedience competitions.
Misty is currently the #4 historical producer of dogs that have earned UKC
titles. She was always loving and easy, never aggressive with her family or other dogs. She
was healthy, with good eyes and structure until just before her death, still racing up
hills with a smile on her face and fur blowing in the wind. Most importantly
though, Misty was a great dog because she was such a good ambassador of the breed.
She and Woof, her grandfather, established the reputation of Thunderpas American Eskimos
as having great temperaments: at home, shows, parks, parades, nursing homes, hotels, under
stress, with or without family present. I can only be grateful to have shared so
much of my life with her. |
