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Grouse Rouster Artista (Gabby)
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When I was a small boy my mother
said many times "big boys don't cry". As I grew I learned to hold
back the tears, show no feelings and be the big boy my mother wanted. My mother died a
long time ago, but something happened recently that brought those words back to memory.
Most of you that attended the '98 meeting, in Kentucky, probably saw my little orange roan
bitch. She stood out quite distinctly among my brown roans chained all in a row. Or if you
visited my web site you might have seen her pictures. I bred her with my Bruno last fall
and had a beautiful litter of eight. Gabby, not being my favorite as I do favor the browns
, was some times pushed to the back of the list. She maybe did not go on as many hunting
trips, or get as many hugs and pets as some of the others. As she lay in the kennel last
night I noted the perfect coat, great tight eyes, and perfect teeth. I looked her
over closely and could find no flaws. I realized she was a perfect Spinone from her toes
to the end of her nose. I wanted to give her a big hug and tell her how deserving she is,
and how much I love her.
I was to late, for the beautiful body that lay in front of me was lifeless. I had just
carried her in from the highway where she had been struck by a car. As I stood there
trying to hold back the tears I could hear my mother saying "big boys don't
cry". There were two things my mother did not know. Mom never knew a Spinone, and you
were wrong mom, big boys do cry. They just need the right reasons.
If any of you have a Spinone that's not your favorite, give him or her a big hug for me,
and one for you, because you never know how much time is left.
Mike McCormick |
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