The emotional toll that has been put on my household this past month has been huge.   Not 3 weeks after Bandit's passing, my Magic-man gave me the sign that he was really done with his broken physical body and I had to make the decision to help him achieve his wish while he still had his dignity intact.  I cannot still think about him being gone without tears in my eyes but I hold on to the words of my very good friend Adele who pointed out the "dignity" (especially with the other dogs around) he deserved.   It was hard to let him go but equally hard to see my retired agility dog barely able to stand much less walk (and he hasn't been able to jump or run for months).    So I sucked up my courage and but him and his wishes first and we spent mucho lap time on Sunday and Monday and his very last hour was spent out on the front deck in his spot on the patio swing with me in the sunshine.  That is where we let him go on.   I can only hope his spirit returns to give someone else as much joy as he gave me this past 15 1/2 years.

He came to me from a beloved (now gone) friend and breeder in ND named Lilian.   I called on her spirit on Sunday and Monday to come escort him to his next adventure as she had when she brought his little life into this world back in 2001. 

He was my very first conformation dog and finished his Championship in a hurry before he was even 2 years old and having only been shown 7 times.  Not a small accomplishment when his Mom didn't have a CLUE what she was doing!    He even gave me the opportunity to go into the group ring with him not once but twice.   He was a STUNNING example of the breed not only in appearance but also in his temperament.  After finishing that CH he went on to become my highest titled agility dog as well earning his Excellent/Masters titles in both Standard and Jumpers (preferred level).   My only regret in his life was that no one ever had interest in breeding their girls to him to continue his legacy.   So.....

I share his legacy in photos....

He was known for his "grin" that we taught him to do on the table (so having his mouth examined wasn't so traumatic).

Darned sisters beating up on him!

Love you my little man and I miss having you on my lap in the recliner!