In Memorium

The people and dogs featured in these pages have had donations made in their memory. The Clumber Spaniel Health Foundation thanks those who made such generous and touching gestures in memory of a loved one.

Georgia Am/Can Ch. Critter's Leap of Faith "Georgia" May 8, 1996 - 2010
    Georgia was our beloved foundation bitch at BlueMoon. Georgia was sweet, spunky and stubborn in the most loving of ways. She blessed us with 12 puppies from three litters, including Tillie, her daughter. Many lovely clumbers remind us of her on a daily basis. Always in our hearts, we are forever thankful for Jan and Walt Friis for letting us have this beautiful girl. Georgia did things her way from the moment she entered this world until the day she left it, at nearly 14 years of age.
Wills Ch. Clussexx Crayola Crayon "Wills" November 27, 2002 - August 14, 2010
    Wills was a great show dog, having won all-breed bests in show in the U.S., Sweden, and Scotland ... but he was an even more wonderful pet for Sandy Blakeley when he retired from the show ring early in 2010. He learned to love his full body massages every evening and playing with tons of toys, going to the pet store, and chasing his ball. He became desparately ill in late July and passed away August 14th in Sandy's arms.
    When speaking of his impact on her, Sandy wrote:   "One of his greatest attributes was to steal the hearts of all who met him.   All of the vets fell in love with him, he was such a good patient.  All of my neighbors loved him, he never barked and was always the perfect gentleman.  People would stop us when out to say what a beautiful dog he was.  He was an 'old soul', very wise."
Rudy and rachel Bluemoon's Heartstopper "Rudy" January 21, 1999 - June 21, 2010
    It is with real sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Rudy. He didn't have a list of titles beside his name, but he had the one we cared most about, LOVE. Rudy was an extremely intelligent and handsome dog.
    Tom was the one who wanted to take Rudy to Obedience School. It took three times to finish and by the third time, Rudy received his only ribbon/medal, for most improved in the class.
    Rudy immediately took to the water, and he would spend hours in the lake. He would walk the shoreline trying to catch fish, a funny sight. He was an accomplished boater, too. If you mentioned boat, he was on the front seat before you could get to the boat.
    Rudy was a very active, on the move, well adjusted Clumber spaniel up until two years ago. He lost his eye sight over night from Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome, SARDS. He became very depressed and developed other health problems caused from stress related to the SARDS. We made the difficult decision to let Rudy at 11 years and 5 months cross the Rainbow Bridge.
    Our hearts are sad, but we will hold tight to the wonderful memories of a journey we were so blessed to share with our beloved Rudy. Rudy brought happiness, joy, laughter, and much love into our lives.
    He can now see again, boat, fish and play in the waters he so loved once-upon-a-time, with his Rachel.
    Rudy, we miss and love you.
    Andrea, Tom and Ms. Hattie
Brin Cajun's Orchid in the Storm "Brin" UKC Champion - Reserve BIS
    Brin was a most loving and happy princess. She loved people and was in your lap if you wanted her there or not, no one was a stranger. She loved taking care of her Rottweiler brother but enjoyed bossing him around even more. What was hers was hers, and what was his was also hers. Brin was not only beautiful, but smart and very willing to work. She was ready to start her obedience career in between conformation. She taught me many things, and introduced me to some very wonderful friends.
    Missy Bri, we love you and miss you every day, and are most thankful you were in our lives for the brief time we had you.
    kb & Boo
Olivia Critter's Madame Butterfly "Olivia" September 18, 2000 - June 13, 2010
    Olivia was my best friend, constant companion and unlimited source of unconditional love. I could tell her everything, and boy, could she keep a secret.
    She was an independent girl and could be a little naughty. Like the time she dined on a can of Kong Paste, ate every drop and a bit of the can, as well. How we wished we could have caught it on video when the can exploded.
    She would wait patiently with her head on the window sill for me to come home and greet me at the door. It was such a comfort to see her little white head sitting there and it was a wonderful thing to come home to. My first clumber died before he was three years old and I heard that Jan had a litter on the day that he had passed and I so wanted one of the pups. I was a bit persistent and I told Randy that she was going to think I was a puppy stalker. Imagine my excitement when Jan sent me an e-mail asking me if I wanted Olivia in my life? A huge YES!!
    She was beautiful and had the prance of a princess. She will be forever in our hearts, and we so thank Jan for letting us have her in our lives. She was loved by all and made people smile.
    Lynn & Randy Felts
Olivia Cameo's Rudolph Valentino CW "Hamish" June 6, 1996 - June 17, 2010
    We lost our beloved Hamish just 11 days after his 14th birthday. He had been failing for some time and we made the heartbreaking decision to let him go. He died peacefully at home on his bed while eating treats. He lived life with a smile on his face, a heart full of love, and believed that you could never give out too many kisses. He was full of pizazz and his antics are legendary. In the end he taught us how to age gracefully and live each day to the fullest no matter what your limitations are. He was a wonderful creature and we were blessed to have him. How we loved him and how he loved us.
    Carolyn Morrison & Diane McGrew
Kippa and Bogart
Kipah (L) & Bogart (R)
Ch. Villa De's Scotian Odyssey "Kipah" and Ch. Villa De's Here's Lookin' At You, Kid "Bogart"
Both 1995 - 2009

    Kipah and Bogart were half brothers by Ch. Drumhill's Odin of Sandiam, CD, born about 8 months apart. Both were born in 1995 and both died in 2009. A ripe old age for Clumbers.
    When we lost Kipah, Andrea and I wondered what we'd been thinking to have two dogs so close in age. We hoped that Bogart would at least see his 14th birthday, and then some, but he seemed to age very quickly after Kipah died.
    Though brothers, they were very different personalities. For Andrea and I, that was part of their charm. Kipah loved the show ring and competing against other dogs. Bogart eschewed such silly competitions and lived to hunt and track.
    Where Kipah moved smoothly, Bogart lumbered; where Kipah was confident, Bogart was apprehensive.
    Out of the ring, though, they seemed to trade personalities: Kipah always appeared to be worried about something, while we called Bogie our "whatever" dog, easy and agreeable, no matter what might be going on.
    Bogart lived to go into the field. He salivated at the sound of the gun and the smell of cordite from a discharged weapon. He was so obsessive about retrieving that he would break ice on a pond to bring back a canvas dummy --- Again and again and again, until I was exhausted and numbed by cold; he never was.
    Almost daily for most of their life, Bogart and Kipah played a game that they'd begin by lying down facing one another, each with a ball in his mouth. Then they would each drop the ball, jump up, and run to get the other's ball, switching places to continue the game. I can see them now, playing together again. As always, Bogart dozes off after a few switches and Kipah wakes him with a gentle "woof" to start the game again.
Echo Tmaufield Echo Through Colland "Echo" February 19, 1997 - October 24, 2009
    Echo was an exceptional Clumber and spent most of her life acting as an Ambassador for her breed. She travelled extensively in Europe visiting thirteen countries. She had friends and admirers all over the world, many of which had never met a Clumber before encountering Echo.
    She succumbed to a cancer of the nasal and ear channels, which progressed into her brain. She fell asleep on Saturday 24th. October 2009.
    Sadly missed by June & Ralph Pettitt and her housemates Rhys and Comfrey.
    "Many will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave paw prints in your heart."
Bailey Ch. Quail Hollow's Gelato "Bailey" October 6, 2005 - August 2009
    Bailey came into our lives when we really needed a lift. Our Bassett Hound, Daisy, had passed at the ripe old age of 14. Amanda searched and searched for a Clumber puppy. She finally found a litter of 3 boys. We immediately fell in love with the one called Spanky. We had already decided to name him Bailey. The Breeder told us that Bailey had good show potential, but all we wanted was a puppy to spoil. As Bailey got older, his temperament became evident. Bailey loved everyone. He never met a stranger. We could not go into Pet Smart without drawing a crowd. Bailey ate it up. At 6 months, I decided to let Bailey try his hand at showing. From the start he was a natural. I made so many mistakes as a handler, but Bailey's awesome ring presence made up for these missteps. Bailey was my friend, Amanda's baby boy and Sara's hero. God took Bailey back at a young age, I guess he wanted to get some of those Bailey kisses. Bailey was ranked #1 in the nation when he went to the Bridge, and he will always be #1 in our hearts.
    We love you Bailey!
    Don, Amanda, & Sara Morphis
Bailey BlueMoon's Faithful Heart "Bailey"
Loved and owned by David Muller.
    Bailey was my very special friend and she was quite a unique little girl. Nothing ever held her back. During her first week at home she managed to climb out of a second story window, fall to the ground, and with a shake of her tail she was back at full speed. She spent her first few years living the life of a farm girl. She was never too certain about the water buffalo that roamed the fields, and hated the electric fence, but she loved to run all day next to me in the tractor.
    Her life then took her to many happy days on Nantucket and after she discovered horse shoe crabs in front of her house she became an avid crab hunter. She would spend hours and hours patrolling the waters, knee deep and plunging her head up to her shoulders to grab her prey and deposit them on the beach. All my neighbors knew her and loved to watch her dedication to the hunt. Not the usual quarry for a Clumber.
    Sadly , cancer finally took her from me and all her friends, but she lived a wonderful life, both charmed and spoiled. I know she is at peace, frolicking in doggy heaven with her dear friend Amie, the step-sister that she grew up with and loved.
Willie Willie
    Willie was the sweetest boy that loved to give kisses. He always smiled and was the talker of the family. He loved to help around the house. When the plant lady arrived, he would go straight to her basket and get the duster and prance around the house with it. I can't even begin to tell you how many feather dusters we went through.
    We are so lucky to have had Willie in in our lives. `
    Mimi Holcome.
Sebastian Don's Watermark "Sebastian"
    When we picked Sebastian up at the airport from his trip across the ocean from Sweden, I knew he was special. The long flight didn't faze him, and he was ready for this new world. He never did anything that was naughty in his almost 14 years. In my eyes everything he did was cute from warning us of other dog's bad behavior to carrying and adopting stuffed animals. His loss has been devastating to both his canine family and his human family.
Penny Mahon Penny Mahon
    Penny Mahon passed away on July 4, 2009. She was a generous person of grace. She shared her home with Panda - her Clumber companion.
Rachel Lucky Three "Lucy Goosie Locket" May 5, 2004 - December 26, 2008
    Lucy was one of the first rescues for Clumbers in Need and was the biggest challenge but what a thirst for life she had. It was her will to live that won so many hearts. Even though she faced many challenges, she never let them slow her down.
    I loved her with all my heart as did so many others and she taught us all to never give up and that by giving a chance, a life can be saved and Lucy's was. She only lived a year and a half after being rescued, but in that short time, she knew what it meant to really live and be loved. Every extra day that Lucy was given, she made up for lost time.
    Lucy Goosie Locket was the backbone of Clumbers in Need and she will never be forgotten as she proved that with hope, love, and commitment, nothing is impossible.
    My heart aches over her loss and I miss seeing her "hunting" around in the woods but I know she enjoyed her life tremendously here with me and at the end of the day I am thankful I was blessed to be the person who was chosen to be owned by this wonderful three legged gal.
Winston Winston
    The day Winston arrived at our local airport will forever be etched in my heart and soul. It was love & devotion at first sight, for us both. This special little soul only walked the earth for a little more than 4 short years, but he spread boundless love and kindness to all creatures big and small. He quickly became a public personality larger than life. He was my walking comic book, bringing laughter abound, with his loud heavy sighs when bored or ignored, a shake of that massive head sending slobber airborne with gravity defying trajectory, those plump hind quarters sashaying side to side as he lumbered along. Perhaps his most endearing daily habit was cramming his head through the cat door leading to the garage, exposing only the small portion that would fit his nose and 2 deep set eyes, as he watched my arrival home. His freckled face was always there to greet me
    He was an extraordinary gentle soul who proudly wore the crown of Canine Ambassador to all animals and children. He was loved and adored by his older Clumber sister, 6 cats, and a myriad of friends and their pets, but his special friend was the neighbor's Cockatoo, Louie. They were the odd couple; Louie would ride him like a cowboy on his horse hitting the open trail. I always prided myself knowing Winston took a very modern and progressive approach to being a bird dog.
    In only 4 years, Winston left behind enough anecdotes to fill the pages of many books, and in the end, it is these memories that will help my grief fade with time. He fought a brave month and a half battle with an ugly disease, AIHA, then peacefully died in my arms at home. I'm so thankful to have had the chance to know and love him; he touched my heart in ways I never knew possible. What a beautiful difference one single life made.
Aspen Ch CT, Critter's Give The Girl A Kiss, TDX, VST, CGC, "Aspen"  14 June 1999 to 24 August 2008
    Aspen was a wonderful girl with a nickname of "Wild Thing". She did everything with exuberance. In 2007 she became the first female Champion Tracker in the breed. She loved to track and taught me a lot along the way. I will always remember her for a lot of firsts in my life. Aspen was my first female canine companion, the first canine I ever finished in the ring to the title of Champion, the first litter experience for me, the first dog in my family to earn a tracking title , and the first Champion Tracker in my family of dogs. Most of all she was my girl. She gave me such love and joy. I will miss her with all my heart forever.
Barklee and Smarty Ch Wicfair's Sir Charles B, TD, "BARKLEE"  December 1996 to October 2008
    Barklee, named after Charles Barkley (famous Basketball player), he loved the spotlight. He won the hearts of the conformation observers. Barklee was the Clumber Spaniel with a personality. He was never a couch potato. I had never imagined being in the Group previous to Barklee, let alone winning the Group with a Clumber that I handled. Barklee made my dream come true. During his show career, he introduced Lorin and me to many of our closest friends. Barklee was much loved by his handler Brian Livingston and Smarty, his Yorkie bud. I will always love and remember him. He was truly amazing.
Juby Ch Critter's Jubilation, "Juby"  1997 to 2008
    Patty Kersey writes:
    Juby was a joy to have in my family and that can't be said enough. Even with all of her antics, she has left such a big hole in our family. Juby was one of the litter that got the PDP1 test going. She proved to me how important this testing is and that disease can be bred out. She gave me her beautiful daughter Maddie, and her beautiful grand kids, Presley and Victoria. All of them are tested clear of PDP1. She was the happiest and sweetest Clumber. I am so fortunate to enjoy her for a short 11 years.
Bill Ch Clussexx Billy Goats Gruff, "Bill"  8 August 1995 to 25 June 2008
    Bill touched the lives of many people.
    We are honored to have him included in the memorial pages of the CSHF.
<     Not only was Bill a record holder for the Clumber Spaniel breed, the only dog to ever win three National Specialties in a row, but he also was one of the most significant sires in the breeds recent history. As his breeders we are most proud of his outgoing personality, incomparable beauty and his ability to produce top quality off-spring to any line he was bred too. His get was easily recognized from kennel to kennel regardless of who was the breeder. He put a stamp on his children---his stamp, his look. We are humbled that his offspring are so successful and healthy as we believe he helped to bring the breed forward to make generations of stronger healthier Clumbers for us all to enjoy.
    Bill, was healthy till the end...having only one bad night before we said our goodbyes.
Gary & Arthur Gary Merk  28 July 1949 to 28 April 2008
Ch. Delorme Limbourg Fatcat Khill, "Arthur"  9 May 1993 to 8 Jan 2008

    Arthur joined Gary and Nancy Merk's loving home after his original owner, Sue Gariepy passed away. Arthur died in January of 2008, and was joined in April by Gary. Nancy, who made a very generous donation in Gary's and Arthur's memories writes: "In memory of two old stinkers who found each other late in their lives, but immediately fell in love. They adored each other. I find great comfort in knowing that they are together again. I gave to the Foundation in Arthur's memory in the hopes that all of our Clumbers may be long lived like him."
Staffy Stafford
    On June 12th, 2008 Julie Ridl wrote: "Today we had to say goodbye to old pal Stafford. He was developing a big calcium deposit in his oesophagus and couldn't breath well past it anymore. We kept him out of pain, but we couldn't help him any more. He made it to twelve and half; that's good for a giant Clumber boy. I told him how much we loved him, and what a fine lamb of dog he had been. He cleaned my foot, gave me an excellent Clumber kiss, and got his last injection. It was a very good end for our old friend, he deserved that. We were so lucky to have him. Staffy, we love you. We will hurt for a while, and pick up and put away large sticky toys. And hang on to each other ... Kisses, and kisses and kisses."
Ginger & Billie
Ch Critter's Dancing In The Dark, "Ginger"  17 January 1994 to 29 January 2008.
    Ginger was a daughter of our beloved Ch Critter's Glory Days TD. Ginger finished her championships in style: WB and BW at the CSCA National Specialty, and BOB from the Bred By Exhibitor class at the Canadian National. Ginger won Best Of Breed at American Spaniel Club in 1998, breeder/owner handled. We will never forget her and miss her terribly and are grateful for all the joy she brought us. She never did a bad thing.
Billie Ch Critter's I'm on Fire, "Billie"  8 May 1996 to 2 May 2008
    Billie's mom was our darling Ginger. Billie won majors with Best of Breed over specials as a puppy. Billie was Best in Sweepstakes at the 1997 CSCA National Specialty, and finished with his forth major and Best of Winners at American Spaniel Club, from the Bred By Exhibitor Class in 1998. In 1999 Billie won Best of Breed at ASC. Billie has multiple Sporting Group placements. Billie only did one thing wrong; he swallowed too many foreign objects. He had 3 surgeries over his lifetime to remove objects, and his last surgery killed him. We cannot get over the loss of Billie. He was our forever puppy.
Lenny Ch Critter's He Walks on Water, "Lenny" 18 Sept 2000 to 10 May 2008
    Our fondest memories of Lenny are his daily routines and behaviors - lying on the top of the stairway to get his tummy rubbed, chasing up and down the fence enthusiastically greeting all neighbors and dogs, surfing the countertops for any unguarded food, sleeping in our shower, and snuggling nearby as we moved room to room.
    Lenny was a great dog and our dearest companion. We are so proud of all the wonderful puppies and the numerous champions he sired. He was strong and gentle and always there for us. He touched our souls. He will be in our hearts forever.
Shorty Shorty ... Born 24 July 1997, died of Lymphoma 26 September 2008
    Shorty left for the Bridge after a very rapid onset of Lymphoma. He was simply the best dog in the world. He had awful conformation but a wonderful personality. And he was the smartest dog I have ever owned. He worked as a Therapy Dog for five years and was the only non human to ever be honored as the Volunteer of the Year at one of our local hospitals.
    He raised two Clumber Spaniels and accepted countless fosters and foster failures into our home. He taught Dash (ATB) all the fine points of counter surfing. He trained my Mom to bake extra Christmas cookies just so he could steal them from the table. He stole countless loaves of bread and bags of potatoes. He let blind Roddy follow him outside,nose to tail, every day for years until Roddy went to the Bridge. He would go out in the yard and find Jake the Beagle when I asked him to. Jake is 17 and gets a bit confused. Shorty always brought him in safely. He won many a "Best Trick" contest at various Waddles and Basset gatherings.
    Shorty was the Original Basset of the BBC Gang. Without him, I never would have gotten into pure bred dogs,rescue, fostering and failing, obedience and now hunt training. I am a much better person for having loved him. I know he was met at the Bridge by Gary and my Mom, who he was named for, and they had a wonderful reunion. But my house is so empty now.
    He was my heart and soul.
Clyde Drumhill Captain Clyde, CD CGC TT "Clyde" 13 June 1995 to 26 July 2007
    Cindy Bonner writes:
    Clyde came into my life in September 1995. Through our obedience training, we quickly developed a bond stronger than I ever knew was possible. Clyde helped me teach puppy classes and was an inspiration to many puppies and their owners that I still hear from today. He loved bird hunting with Dave, swimming in the river, his numerous toys, and my homemade bread. His woo-woos always made us smile, and we could fill a book with his memories. Clyde left us in July 2007 and took a big piece of me with him; not a day goes by that I don't miss him. Clyde was my "heart dog."

When the dog you love becomes a memory ...
... that memory becomes a treasure.


Mozart Mozart, Jake and Dexter
    The Clumber Spaniel Health Foundation would also like to thank Paul Hansen, Lisa and Kevin Kuncher, Nancy Merk and Karen Trego for having made donations in memory of Mozart, Jake and Dexter.
Peggy Peggy 15 November 1993 to 23 May 2007
    Forever loved by Diane McGrew and Carolyn Morrison.
    Peggy was a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the first dog that we owned together.   She came to us when she was 8 weeks old and was with us for 13 ½ years. She was loud and feisty and filled our home with her energy.  In her younger years she loved to chase tennis balls and was quite the little soccer player.   She was a companion to our Clumbers, especially her best friend Hamish. Peggy and Hamish were together for almost 11 years and were devoted to one another. She was loving and fiercely loyal to her family and never forgot a friend.