Leave the World a Better Place

They grow up so fast! How many times did we hear that expression when _we were the children? I remember my parents saying this to my aunts and uncles and now, its my turn. This year, my beloved nephew turns sixteen. He plays hockey, he's over six feet tall! How did that happen? Wasn't it just yesterday I was tying his shoe laces and taking him to see the "Knights in Shining Armor" at the Cleveland art museum? My niece, my darling, funny little niece with her very, long hair and chatter-box manner. She was the feather-weight that I carried in one arm as we walked into the big, snowy woods to share our first great adventure. Where did she go? I turned my back for just one second and a young woman appeared in her place. Technically she's still a kid - but at twelve she has now helped me to whelp two litters, taken three cross, country road trips with me and has successfully trained two of my horses.

I'm proud of the kids in my life but I demand to know what happened to those sweet little children that I used to know!

As we get older, we begin to mark time. Who knew? In my 20's and 30's the days flew by and I never noticed. If I lost an entire day or week, it was no big deal - tomorrow sprang eternal. Now I know. Time is more precious than gold, slipping right through my fingers. I can not grasp it. There is nothing that I can do...except enjoy the ride.

Wasn't it just yesterday I welcomed my sister's kids into this world? Clay was a month old when I saw him for the first time. He smiled up at me from his crib and our eyes connected and for one glorious moment - time stood still. What will that kid be when he is grown? Not even he knows, but I'm certain he'll add goodness to the world. The first time I met Caleigh, she was crying in her mother's arms. Silly me was afraid to hold her - I thought, "What if I don't love her as much as I do Clay?" One look into that beautiful round face was all it took to wash away my fears. With tears of joy running down my cheeks, I kissed her and for one brief moment, she was silent long enough to meet my gaze. With her little hand, she reached up and tweaked my nose and in that one second, I understood the nature of the ever-expanding heart.

The kids, my horses and my dogs, we are all connected. When I was young my mother used to tell us, "Always leave the world a little better than when you found it." Whatever they choose to do with their lives, I know they will fulfill the Smithwood code of honor.

A Mission All Their Own.

The Good Saints litter will soon be leaving for their new homes. I share my office with them and watch them by the hour as they tumble and play. They take turns as aggressor. They bow and invite an attack. They tease each other, play too rough, get pissed off and pin each other down. Two minutes later, they are piled on top of their cozy little bed, fast asleep, snoring, rolling onto their backs, chasing rabbits in their dreams.

Sure enough, as I peer over my laptop, I see my Cocker Cocker babies sleeping on their cozy beds. Right before my eyes they are turning into little dogs. Soon they will be in their "forever homes" and I know our time together is precious and coming to a close. Oh, how I am going to miss them. It is bittersweet to let these dear ones go and yet, I know their destiny is already unfolding. They have missions here on earth to fulfill. They will heal their humans' hearts. Each will add sunshine to a life that might otherwise be filled with too much gray. In their own way they will leave the world a little better than when they found it.

And I will sit back and enjoy hearing of their antics and adventures as they live out their lives with some special person who loves them even more than I do now.

Thank God For Good Owners - they Fly the Colors

In the days of the Crusades, Knights rode off into battle with flags and banners emblazoned with the colors of their King and Country. When I close my eyes and think of it, I see no more noble sight.

My best puppy buyers are like that. Whether they are walking one of my youngsters through an outdoor festival or letting their handler trot one of my beauties on the down and back of a festive outdoor show, I'm thankful for those who love their dogs of my breeding, well enough to show them off for the world to see.

As a breeder I understand just how important good homes are for my babies and to my program. As I struggle with the "You can't keep them all" realization, I am forever grateful to those who wish to have one of my darlings. Without them, I could not do what I love. As Bugs Bunny would say, "Ain't in the truth, ain't it the truth.."

Is that all there is?

Dogs have the power to heal hearts. If Love is sacred than Dogs are sacred too.

I believe that Dogs are a gift to us from our maker.


Can my little (American) Cocker Spaniel x English Cocker Spaniel cross puppies have a destiny more important than the complex yet facile world of dog shows?

Yes.

My babies - the puppies I call the "Good Saints Litter" will heal broken hearts in four corners of the globe.

Winning is _not all there is. Dogs were created to walk with Man for the sake of company on his long journey through the dark and frightening abyss of the great unknown.

Yes my babies have a purpose. So does every dog.