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A.G. |
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Welcome to Newhope Crossfire |
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Ch. Captiva Lilt of Irish Laughter
aka Lilt
July 4, 1997 - March 2, 2009
CKC |
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a little dog with a big heart |
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….. our first acquaintance in the realm of Setters
….. happy and eager to meet EVERYONE
….. excitement shines in her eyes, as she tap dances in anticipation of an outing
….. flies over fields in earnest quest of birdie treasure
….. relaxes at home on her throne, accepting the homage of her subjects, queen of the household, and queen of our hearts
….. this is Lilt |
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Photo by: Angie MacDonald |
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copyright © 2009 |
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Photo by: Leslie Samson |
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Photo by: Barb Gowan |
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Photo by: Gwen Batteux |
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Photo by: Leslie Harrison |
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A.G. |
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Newhope Web Design |
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A.G |
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Bye bye, Birdie CAN CH Captiva Lilt of Irish Laughter July 4, 1997 – March 2, 2009
I remember a laughing, wiggly puppy enjoying the ride home with the kids. I remember a young adult eagerly drinking the wind the first time she encountered bird scent. I remember a waggy tailed ambassador for her breed at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair 'Meet the Breed' day, still thrilled to meet EVERYONE long after the older dogs had said ”Enough, already”. I recall the zest with which she met all of life, but most of all her zest for the field, which earned her the affectionate nickname of “Birdie” from my husband. I recall an independent little brat, bent on going hunting every chance she could sneak, and she was good at sneaking. What she wasn't good at was coming back when called ... not till she was happy and laughing and tired. I recall having to chase her a number of times ... but usually she would trade such freedom for cheese. I remember her at the shows .. she loved going, but hated the ring ... wasn't allowed to visit anyone inside that, and what other reason could there possibly be for going to a show, if not for seeing all her old and new, and future friends? She loved kids, cheese, running free, birds, and comfort.
The word lilt is defined as “a light happy tune or song”, and our Lilt sang her happy way through our lives for 11 ½ years. At our Specialty last summer Lilt greatly enjoyed a visit with her old friend Bramble, and gleefully led the Crossfire team (with two daughters and a grandson) in a dance around the ring at their only public showing, laughing all the way, and loving being out at a show again.
Lilt was bred by Jill Taylor, Captiva Kennel, part of the last IRWS litter Jill raised. Thank you, Jill, for letting us have this wonderful little girl. She was treasured.
Lilt lived her life with joy and abandon, only weakening in her last 3 weeks. Even then her attitude was great , and she even pulled one last unauthorized field run, when I assumed she was too sick to care, and neglected to put her leash on to go out .... half a mile later, I caught up to her, and she laughed and laughed, totally happy and self satisfied. A week later she was gone, passing peacefully at home after a major stroke.
Lilt will live on in her pups and grand pups, several of whom are still here at Crossfire. But there is an empty spot in my house tonight, and a great hole torn in my heart.
Alice Guthrie, Crossfire IRWS
“Bothers and Sisters, I bid you beware of giving your heart to a dog to tear” ..... from “The Power of The Dog” by Rudyard Kipling |