IN MEMORY

With great excitement Peter and I collected Liam from Michael and Mary Gaffney of Tyrol kennels in Cork Ireland 14 years ago when he was just 10 weeks old. He truly was the most beautiful puppy and the Irish charmer that won my heart. He became known for the lipstick mark that seemed to be a permanent fixture on his forehead. Liam's dad, ENG IR CH Papeta Philosopher, won BOB at Crufts in 1994 and is listed as an outstanding sire in Great Britain. He is also a designated hip-improver. Liam obtained his own Canadian Championship in just a few shows – before he was three. In limited showing he had to his credit three Best of Breeds, one Best of Winners and one Group Third. He earned his CD with three High in Classes, his WC and Junior Hunter.

Liam had many endearing qualities. Supremely clever, he developed a habit on his own of gingerly and gently picking the scrungies out of girls' hair when they walked past him on the grooming table at shows. He also taught himself to do a "pretty sit" which he knew would generally get him any treat that was going. Liam was a good retriever and it was with him that I discovered field work. He had great perseverance and would run or swim through bush, swamp, bullrushes - anything to get the duck. But he did it at his own pace and in his own way. I would send Liam out to pick up a duck on a water mark and would then turn and advise the judge to take a smoke break. I remember one water mark on a Junior Hunter test where he literally disappeared behind some bullrushes for a good 4 minutes - only to reappear with the duck firmly clenched in mouth slowwwwwwly swimming back to me. He passed the test but the judge did ask me how old he was!

In his later years Liam became known in our household as "the union foreman". Even until recently, whenever the nails clippers came out, he would hover and watch closely as I lined the other dogs up and clipped each of their toe nails in turn. If someone squeaked (which does not necessarily mean hurting anyone with my household of wimps) he would immediately try to manoeuver himself between me and the "victim".

Bailey was bought as a pet when Peter and I visited England in 1988 and discovered and fell in love with the beautiful English Golden Retriever. He came from Erica Ward's Fernavy kennels and is the one who started us on what has become our hobby and obsession. Bailey will always be my first love.. Everyone who met Bailey loved him and commented on how beautiful he was. He is and always will be number one. Look at that expression and you can see what was in this boy`s heart!