10 years (4-8-09)Celeste, how do I find the words to explain who she was and what she meant to me? They say Great dogs are born, not made...to me there are no truer words then that! Celeste, to me, was one of those dogs...not for what she won or how well she did; it was for her affectionate personality and spirit. Celeste was the most intuitive dog I've ever been around. If you were happy, she was happy for you, if mad...she let you vent, if sad, she would sit with you till it was better.
There
was never any doubt; she was my dog and she had plans to fulfill! The
time went by fast, before I knew it, we were off to shows. Celeste picked
up her first 4 point major in November of 1999 at a mere 10 months of
age! In December 1999, we were off to Cleveland Ohio for the Christmas
classic! Two out of the first 3 days Celeste went Winners/Best Of winners
or Best Opposite for another 6 points, ALL out of the 9-12 puppy class!
Sunday came and she did it again! Celeste finished her championship that
day going Best of Breed out of a rather large entry for a 5 point major!!!
I was amazed, shocked and ecstatic all at the same time! I had forgotten,
till reminded, it was Animal Planet's day to cover the Groups at the show!
In one day, Celeste finished her championship and made her TV debut all
at the tender age of 11 months!
The following years were filled with fun and excitement. There were many
Group placements and wins and before I knew it, it was February 2001 and
Celeste and I were off to Westminster Kennel club show. We both were intimidated
and a little overwhelmed but, Celeste was awarded an Award Of Merit at
the Garden!
Celeste always seemed to enjoy going to the shows, but she really loved
to come home. I can still remember when Celeste and I would get home late
from a show and I would “try” to get in the house without
waking everyone, she would take off running for the kids bedrooms…she
wanted to announce; I'M HOME - I'M HOME - I'M HOME aren't you happy I
am home!? She would do this by jumping from room to room to make her announcement.
At the time, it was aggravating, but today its longed for.
The
years seemed to fly by. In those years, Celeste produced a few gorgeous
litters and I’m lucky enough to have a few of her daughters here
with me today. Two of her daughters accompanied her at the 2006 USASA
Specialty in Monroe MI. where she was awarded the Brood Bitch class.
She was always my chosen One or “Princess Pooch” as she was
affectionately referred to by many that knew her! I was lucky enough to
be owned by Celeste, she was truly my heart dog. Although I only had 10
years with her, they were special to me beyond measure. I’ll be
forever grateful to her for allowing me to tag along on her wonderful
journey. I wish we could have had more time together, but I'll always
treasure the time we did.
Good-bye Mommy’s Weddie (Celeste), Thank You for everything