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Like Whoppa,
Rolex joined me as a representative of English Springer Spaniel Club of Long
Island-Rescue. We had the opportunity to compete in the Breed ring in
2008 at Westminster. Rolex was, I believe, the first "rescued"English
Springer Spaniel to compete in Westminster.
In 2005, at that event, I met Carol Hamilton, while
assisting Susan Sutton with Ch. Woodlander's Praise Hymn.
Carol called me later that year to say that she had a
Springer she had bred that had been left at a kennel in
California for almost two years when the previous owner left
the country. As breeder and co-owner, she, of course,
wanted to take him back and asked me to find him a new good
home. Her goal was a loving home and she didn't care
if he continued to compete for his championship. I
agreed but soon realized that I personally wanted to take
Rolex into my home and attempt to finish him. On March
25, 2006 at the Western Pennsylvania Kennel Association,
Inc. show in Pittsburgh, PA. with the help of friend and pro
handler Howard Huber and Judge Kelly Photopopoulus we
accomplished just that.
Rolex was a beautiful representation of all that the breed
has to offer. Not only to the fancier, but the pet
home as well. One of my greatest joys was putting him back
into the ring for the first time in two years the same day
that it was announced that ESS Rescue together with the
state of Maine, successfully closed down Mark Hagelin's
springer puppy mill in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine thereby
rescuing almost 100 English Springer Spaniels. Rolex
was a wonderful companion for a number of those little pups
that came into MY home for foster care.
On March 25,
2009, just before his 8th birthday Rolex passed away of
unknown causes. He had just started to compete
successfully in the world of Veteran's and was almost ready
to begin an agility career. Unfortunately his only
chance at siring a litter of puppies
was unsuccessful so his beauty and temperament
are lost forever. His presence is a great loss to this
household.
To
see Rolex's "scrapbook", click here: |
