November 30, 2008

Sending out Thank-yous Weeks Later isn't Any Easier

Remembering my Hyacinth BucketToday I am sending out thank-you e-mails or letters to all the condolences that was sent. I start doing that a while ago, days after it happened but it was getting too much so I stopped for a long time. I started up again yesterday and continuing again today sending out thank-you emails and letters that is.

I am finding reading all the condolence letters isn’t any easier later. Each one is so special to me, even from people I have never meet but know Hyacinth and I only through the Internet to neighbours, friends, and family. Everyone seems to agree that Hyacinth was so “beautiful and an awesome show dog”; and so well loved. That she was, everyone loved her. Details...


“my heart goes out to you and my tears fall for your loss, I know too well, the depth of your shock and grief, and that there is never a good time to say goodbye to our precious loves, but when we lose a young and vibrant love it is the most heartbreaking and difficult thing to accept”

“It is one thing to lose an old dog but to lose a young dog like her is devastating.”

“Hyacinth was at the Sioux Falls shows last month and everyone was in love with her and her gorgeous coat”

“I had the pleasure of meeting miss Hyacinth at few shows this past year. She was such a lovely, bouncy representation of the breed and watching her prance and bounce and strut around the ring brought such a smile to my face. she was such a little gem and an excellent ambassador for the breed.”

“We both thought she was a fabulous and beautiful girl always happy to see us and generous with her kisses”
“Hyacinth was a beautiful dog and as you expressed so wonderfully in your pictures and blogs, a beautiful spirit as well”
“My heart hurts for you. I sit here at work and I am trying to express my feelings and while sitting here in tears and my co-workers are looking at me with tears in their eyes for your as well.”

“It is obvious to even those of us who did not have the privilege and pleasure of knowing your Hyacinth personally, just what a wonderful lovely home and life she had, cherished for who she was every second, from your blog. I know that your having loved her and had her love is forever, and that you are changed for having had her in your life.”


“She was a great little dog, who didnt get to leave her pawprint on the breed, but if she did, I can bet she would have moved the breed in a positive direction”

“Even though I only saw her on show weekends, she was always ready for a hug or to give kisses. I was happy when she was done for the day so that we could cuddle for a few moments without Laurel giving me heck for messing her hair!”

“After dragging the less-than-enthused Hogan around the ring, it was always nice to talk to your upbeat wee bouncer, and I was looking forward to seeing her excel in everything you tried with her.”
“I am not a 'little dog' person, but being around Hyacinth taught me to appreciate them. I loved her personality - always happy. I used to love watching her on her grooming table at shows, which was her domain. She would wander around a bit and then relax in her princess bed. Everyone wanted to stop and talk to her because she was just so darn cute! We'd often stop work just for a cuddle with her to relax. She was also so much fun as a show dog, knowing just how beautiful she was as she strutted around that ring. We will miss her”

In between replies I have been doing the laundry. Caillee has been supervising me and making sure everything is all folded. I hear the buzzer, I have to go and put a load in the dryer.... "Lets go Caillee, you can help me with that too"


Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

November 29, 2008

Conspiracy theory: Hyacinth Bucket was stolen

Some people have suggested that my Canadian championed Havanese may not have died but may have been stolen.

Next Tuesday will be three weeks since Hyacinth’s demise and I still have not received her ashes which doesn’t help to dispel this theory.

Known: November 11, I received a call from the professional handler who was showing my Hyacinth Bucket in the United States so she could earn her American championship telling me that she had died. They were between shows at his kennel. On the phone he explained that he didn’t know how she got out of her run and into another dog’s run where she was then attacked by a Shar Pei who was in that particular run. More...

As much as I would like this conspiracy theory of Hyacinth Bucket was stolen to be true because it would mean that she is still alive and there is hope of her return in the event that she is found. Unfortunately I feel this conspiracy theory lacks merit for the following reasons:

My husband made me call the vet office she may have been taken to for cremation to see if there was indeed a Havanese cremated recently, there was a Havanese puppy brought in November 20th. I have to assume this “Havanese puppy” is my Hyacinth Bucket.

The dog is micro-chipped and is registered under my name. The registration name cannot be changed without my knowledge. If someone is stupid enough to steal the dog, then they are stupid enough to get caught.

This dog has been blogged about and photographed since the day she was born. She was even used as a model within the pages of the Havanese Fanciers’ From Nose to Tail Grooming Book; Hyacinth is not the Havanese on the back cover even though she looks similar in colour to that Havanese. Therefore, the chances of this Havanese being recognized within Havanese circles is potentially higher than a not so photographed Havanese.

Suppose someone had stolen Hyacinth so they could breed their own puppies. They won’t be able to register her puppies. If you cannot register her puppies then why steal a championed Havanese?

Why steal a championed Havanese? Un-reputable breeders can find many other ways to get a hold of breeding stock without having to resort to stealing even though it is a held-fast perception.

There are a number of commercial breeders who buy and sell puppies in well organized auctions across North America. In one day, anyone can walk away with enough dogs of any sex or breed to start their very own puppy mill.

They can save a bundle by going through these auctions or by dealing directly with commercial breeders or brokers. They save even more money by not doing any health testing and making the dogs live in small cramped spaces their whole lives.

They often say that they are saving you money by not registering your purebred puppy when in fact they are required by law to register at no charge to you. Oh yeah, the main gist of “this law” is applicable in all countries across the world.

So, if you can acquire any sex of any breed and as many as you want, then why steal this one championed Havanese?


Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

November 28, 2008

Least we forget about Seraiah, our large tabby cat

Seraiah the cat with his girls, Caillee and Hyacinth
I have forgotten the cat in all turmoil that has been happening surrounding the death of my Hyacinth. Just to quickly recap, Hyacinth, a Canadian show dog named Hyacinth Bucket, was killed by another dog while in the care of a professional handler in Ontario. This morning I saw the cat, “Seraiah”, playing with Caillee. Caillee was chasing him while he was taunting Caillee.

Seraiah, our large male tabby cat used to play with Hyacinth. He used to play with all the dogs really but played more with the youngest dog and that happen to be Hyacinth.

Seraiah used to play with Josie when she was young and the only dog in the house. Then he moved onto to Caillee when she was the young newbie in the house. Seraiah had so much fun with the litter of puppies Caillee had last year. I think I have videos of that too – I should go find them and post them on Youtube.com.

Seraiah continued to have fun with the puppies, well just the one puppy that stayed and that was Hyacinth.

Hyacinth would try to jump on him, pull his tail, tug at his ears, charge at him, or go underneath him to tip him over. Seraiah always looked as though he was so annoyed by the situation and for the longest time I believed those soar looks he gave. Until one day that is, I watch them play for a long time and noticed how Seraiah would taunt her by rubbing up against her, swat at her tail, stick his butt in her face, and get Hyacinth to chase him around the house.

Since then, I never felt sorry for him when he gives me those “I am too bothered by all of this” look and cats are so good at giving use.

He hadn’t played with anyone in a long time, until this morning that is, when I saw him playing with Caillee. I guess I had not realized that even our cat had missed Hyacinth. Misses or missed, I am not sure at this point; but I am glad that he has found another play buddy and he is able to move on.



Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

November 26, 2008

Take a walk...

Josie and Caillee walked me to class last night. Hubby had Josie’s leash and I had Caillee’s leash; I had a good time on my walk with them. They all picked me up after class too but with the car; too bad, I was ready and willing to walk all the way back home.

Right now, both are eating carrots. Lately I have been giving carrots as after dinner treats. I usually always get those baby carrots and the girls do seems to like them much. Hyacinth ate the baby carrots and sometimes Josie did too. Both Caillee and Josie seem to really like the regular carrots you would normally buy at the grocery store before the stores offered baby carrots. Josie doesn’t seem to eat it all and leave carrots everywhere…. Caillee just wants to eat all the crumbs but Josie won’t let her. The crumbs are all hers!

I was looking for a recent photo of Caillee and Josie together to use but I couldn’t find one that I wanted to use. I found some that I don’t think I have ever posted on line but have some funny stories behind them. I could use that of Josie and Caillee when we went to Morden Manitoba three summers ago. I came across a really nice one of Hyacinth and Caillee together. I totally forgot about this photo and its so dear to me. Hyacinth, I promise I won’t forget you.


Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

November 25, 2008

Its been hard....

Pat Parkhouse took this photo. I was behind her making facing to get Hyaicnth's attention, this was the last weekend I was with my Hyacinth.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I haven’t been online much these days, I have been trying to keep busy. Today makes it two weeks since hearing of Hyacinth’s passing and it has been very hard these days.

I heard from someone that Hyacinth was to be cremated last Monday and her ashes sent to me, so far they have not arrived yet. Of course, last Tuesday would have been only one week since Hyacinth’s passing and on that day, I received entry conformations for the last shows I had signed her up for with the professional handler who had Hyacinth in his care; but only half, the other half arrived the next day.

Also last Tuesday, Hyacinth’s B.A.E.R. certificate arrived. I know it doesn’t matter anymore but I updated her health information on my website anyway. Even though she is gone, she still earned that certificate and no one can take that away.

I had such great and long plans for her and my dreams for her are all gone.

I finally e-mailed bestdogincanada.com to say that I wouldn’t continue my ad of Hyacinth next year. My husband had created the ad for me and he did such a lovely job. I had hope to continue the ad next year or get a better spot because I was hoping to campaign her next year. Even on November 25th, she is still on the top ten for Havanese, ranked 7th top Havanese this year so far and she was hardly shown this year, well compared to other dogs that are entered into a dog show every single weekend. I was hoping to get her in the top five next year because those rankings are published in Dogs In Canada magazine.

I e-mailed my vet.

I still haven’t changed my main website to remove Hyacinth from “our family” section, it hurts too much to do that yet. I think I might make a “in memory of” section but later, I couldn’t possibly do this right now.

I still haven’t removed her toothbrush from the pet dish in the bathroom. Her toothbrush was blue one with the purple dinosaur on it, I find kids’ toothbrushes better to use than the ones you find at the pet store. Caillee’s toothbrush is green with the yellow dinosaur on it and Josie’s is pink on pink; they all can’t be pink or I might not be able to tell them apart.


My husband left very early this morning and as his usually practice of taking out the dogs before he leave and putting them all on the bed so I can wake up with a bed full of dogs.... only Caillee and Josie woke up with me. Another reminder that I miss her so.


Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

November 16, 2008

Donations in Hyacinth Name

Cali's mom (Cali is Hyacinth's sister) sent me an e-mail saying that she and her husband would like to make a donation in Hyacinth's memory to a charity of my choice.

Some may not know already, my Hyacinth (Ch. Hydabrek’s Hyacinth Bucket) was recently killed by a Shar Pei while in some else's care.

Cali's mom's e-mail she also added:


“Wouldn't it be wonderful if all Havanese as well as all pets are treated with same love, kindness and respect that Hyacinth experienced from you.”

What wonderful words and thoughts; they touched me very much. I had taken all day to think about this and my heart-filled choice would be a Havanese Rescue. There are a few choices, not all of them are registered charities, but all have their hearts and hands in for the care of all Havanese.


I think Hyacinth would like this too.


Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

P.S.: Both Hyacinth and her sister Cali are in this photo.

November 15, 2008

A Lovely Card for My Lovely Dog

I assist in helping Suzanne teach Rally-O class Saturday morning. This morning was the first real doggie thing I have done in a while. I was really not with it today and I didn’t stay for obedience class right afterwards that I would normally participate with Caillee (Hyacinth’s mom). Suzanne handed me a card which I read when I got home. I am glad I did, it was so touching and it had an image of a Havanese on it that looked very similar to my Hyacinth; and yes, I cried. The card was signed by many of the instructors of Heatherlea Canine Education center.

Your beloved pet may be from
your world, but she will never be
gone from your heart and your
memories

Deepest sympathy in the loss
of your sweet little Hyacinth,
the best friend a person could
find.



Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

November 14, 2008

Things that remind me of Hyacinth


There is so much in the house right now that reminds me of her. I had been doing spring cleaning, I mean I am doing some spring cleaning. We want to change the carpet downstairs and that also mean we need to move everything off the carpet. Over the years, things as piled up and I am been in a spring/fall cleaning spree.

I found many doggie toys, many of which Caille (Hyaicnth’s mom) destroyed but I did find a coaster set, two of the coasters Hyacinth herself chewed. There are so many rosettes downstairs, many are Hyacinth’s. My office used to be downstairs and she rarely used the doggie bed or the small chairs I had for the dogs. She often would be at or on my feet lying on the carpet.

Yesterday an appointment for me and Hyacinth (for obedience level 2) popped up on my PDA. Its an appointment we wouldn’t have made anyway while she was out being shown in the states, hopefully earning her American title, but I was hopping that she would come home in time to participate in a couple classes before having to wait until a new session starts again. I know the instructors would have let us in, Hyacinth was way ahead in class when she did Obedience Level and I think I could have gone straight into level 2 but I thought the noise, the smells, and the chaos of all these young dogs would be so good for her and it was. She showed a lot of confidence and her personality just shown though in those chaotic moments once a week.

I have been receiving so many kind words from so many people, I think I have cried over each one. Some are from friends who have never meet Hyacinth and some are from those who have meet her. There was a lady in Laurel’s crew or perhaps one of Laurel’s clients like I am who could wait until Hyacinth was done for the day where she would site and cuddle with Hyacinth at show side watching the end of the dog show for the day. I received a few e-mails form professed large-dog-only people, who described to me how Hyacinth had really started to warm their hearts about “toy breeds”. That’s the kind of Havanese she was, she had the sweetest personality and she was so well behaved as my “non-doggie” friends would say. “She was a great little dog, who didnt get to leave her pawprint on the breed, but if she did, I can bet she would have moved the breed in a positive direction.” A friend of mine said that yesterday and I truly believe these words.



Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

November 13, 2008

What happened?

Laurel Skuba sent me some photos she had taken last summer of Hyacinth in her round bed. Hyacinth is in her bed in Laurel’s set-up at some show. Laurel had gotten a round-bed for Hyacinth and another one for a toy poodle she was showing at the time, named Dana. Laurel Skuba is, was her regular show-handler here in the prairies. I would drop Hyacinth off on a Thursday and pick her up by Sunday Night or Monday if Laurel got in real late. I know Laurel is hurting too, she had showed Hyacinth a lot this year and had became very attached. I just checked bestdogincanada.com to check what stats Hyacinth Bucket had: she was number 7 top Havanese in Canada and number 79th top toy, of course as there are a couple of months left to go until the end of the year and this will change. Laurel did a great job showing.

I am really thankful that Mim’s and Cali’s parents had a chance to meet Hyacinth. I am also thankful that Cali had a chance to play with her younger sister (by minutes really) one last time. Mim and Cali were her two litter mates in Caillee’s (and my) first litter.

Today she would have been shown by Norm at the North Country Kennel Club, Inc show in Syracuse, NY, she may or may not have earned any points towards her American championship but I knew she would have had fun. She always seemed to have fun in the ring; she was a natural show dog.

Yesterday as I walked to class at the university, I walked the pathway beside the university grounds and behind houses, there is a pond there. This path gave me so many fond memories of Hyacinth. I used to walk either Caillee or Hyacinth along this pathway, during the non-winter months, it’s so peaceful and the pond has its own unique beauty. Hyacinth used to try to chase the geese that gathered there; she just thought it was great fun. I think when I receive her ashes from Norm, well, one day, I will spread her ashes there so she can always play with the geese.

I think it is going to be really, very hard, but I think it is time for me to know and understand what happen to her. And get some answers: like, how did she get out of her run? How did she get into another dog’s run? Why did the Shar Pei attack her? Does the Shar Pei owner know that her dog killed another? Was there anyone there? Did someone give her one last hug? Did someone give her one last kiss? I used to kiss her all the time on the stop of her nose. I still do that with Caillee and Josie, but I won’t ever be able to do that again with Hyacinth and that makes me so sad.



Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

November 12, 2008

My Hyacinth


I know this is a really silly photo of Hyacinth but I think it depicts her personality the best: sweet, loving, silly, happy, and always with a little smirk on her face.


I named her after the British TV character from Keeping up Appearances, Hyacinth Bouquet, spelt b-u-c-k-e-t, pronounced bouquet: one because I loved how funny the show was and I would hope that my puppy would live up to her name sake.


She did and she didn’t live up to her name sake that is. I like to think that in the ring, my Hyacinth indeed live up to her name sake. I often had people tell me that she showed herself.


Outside of the show ring, if I could choose another character from the same TV show, I would say that she was very much like Daisy, Hyacinth’s down-to-earth, lovable, non-snobbish, and outgoing sister.


We had starting doing obedience together, we both were having so much and I so took advantage of her bouncy spirit. I loved grabbing her in mid-air when she bounced high enough and pulling her into my arms. I was even trying to get Hyacinth to take treats from my lips right afterwards but it seemed the jump was good enough.

I can’t believe she is gone, so young, and so tragically; she was attacked and killed by another dog yesterday.


Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

November 11, 2008

A Last Farewell to My Beloved Hyacinth

I can't believe I am saying this, my whole world has turned upside down. One ring of the telephone brought me the saddest news I never hoped to share. My beloved Hyacinth is gone. A freak accident ended her life this morning. She was almost fifteen months old, much too young to say goodbye. That is all I can write about her right now but I wanted to let those of you who loved her know of this tragedy.









Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

Josie at Burger King's Drive Through

Josie came along while we needed to do some errands and they were taking longer then expected and we were all getting very hungry. So we all decided to stop at Burger King to grab some late breakfast.

Here is Josie driving. Well, the car was parked but don't tell Josie that, she thought she was quit a good driver of sorts.


Where are we Josie?!


Here is Josie paying for breakfast. The servers asked if they could give our dog a treat. Josie say, "could they ever!"


They gave Josie a small piece of bacon. Oh yeah, you heard correctly, a small piece of bacon. Josie says that we all should go to Burger King more often because McDonalds only give out regular doggie cookies and a small piece of bacon beats any size doggie cookie paws down!



Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

Photo of Hyacinth in a Doggie-Purse


Isn't this just a neat photo of Hyacinth Bucket in a doggie purse? Hubby took this photo. It was from when we were at the Clare's Harley-Davidson store in Niagara. I didn't want to leave Hyacinth in the car while we visited a friend who works there so I was glad I brought along my doggie-purse. This is a doggie-purse that even the real TV character Mrs Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced Bouquet) would even be proud of. Sherpa doesn't make these purses/tote bags anymore, maybe because they were very expensive at the time. What a shame, they could pass for any fancy black bag; and I have often used them for carrying things other than Havanese or Bolognese. Nothing but the very best even for a Havanese in Mrs Hyacinth Bucket's name sake, I say.


Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

November 10, 2008

Hyacinth shared a room with Jinx

Hyacinth Bucket and I shared a room at the Renaissance hotel while at the HFC specialty with Jinx, Ch. Pocopayasos Hi-Jinx at Mimosa. Her mom is Suzanne McKay. Both Hyacinth and Jinx were very good roommates.



Here is Jinx on her mom's bed.



Jinx managed to steal all the squeaky toys. Though the toy in this photo is actually hers. During many times while our stay at the hotel, Jinx managed to collect Hyacinth's and Cali's squeaky toys as well as her own. Hyacinth was holding Cali's squeaky toy gift until they met again. But how could Jinx resist all these squeaky toys all in one room!



Here is a photo of Jinx and Hyacinth together. Don't they look so cute.



"I think I saw a squeaky toy fly by...."



"Are we done with all this picture taking yet?"

Yes, I guess so.





Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

November 9, 2008

Hyacinth Bucket in the Ring

We have some more photos of the Havanese Fanciers Specialty submitted by Cali's parents. Cali is Hyacinth's sister.

Here is Hyacinth stacked on the table being preped for the Judge to look her over. Gee, doesn't she look very much like her father/sire Alphy, Ch. A Maiden Effort's Heartbreaker. Alphy's mom is actually in the background of this photo, its hard to tell but she is there in red.

Here is Hyacinth after we walked around the ring once on our own. She had a lot of fun that day.




Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

November 8, 2008

Hyacinth loved the Window at the Renaissance hotel

Hyacinth Bucket and I were staying at the Renaissance hotel near the airport for Havanese Fanciers National Specialty this year. Thier window went all the way up to the ceiling and all the way to the floor. I am sure Hyacinth was in Heaven.

Hyacinth could see for miles around the hotel.


Hyacinth could watch all the comings and goings from the room. If I couldn't find Hyacinth, I need only to move the drapes away and find Hyacinth looking out the window. Roommate Jinx wasn't interested and that was OK with Hyacinth. She enjoyed the view for both of them.


Here is a Hyacinth-eye view of the parking lot. She sure loved that room. I guess we all did too.




Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

November 7, 2008

Happy Belated Birthday Josie-Girl!


It was Josie's Birthday yesterday and everyone totally forgot! She is seven years old. She still has much spice and vigor as they the day she was born – I’m sure of it.

Hubby insists that the cupcake arrangement he purchased on the weekend at a greatly reduced priced for in honour of Josie’s birthday of which he forgot about as well may I point out….hmmm, sound suspicious to me.

Right now Josie is trying her best to get another piece of cupcake out of Hubby…. Her lips are blue from all the blue icing on the cupcakes. Looks hilarious.

Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

November 6, 2008

Hyacinth visits Cali!

Hyacinth and I had an opprotunity to visit one of Hyacinth's sisters, Cali, who lives near Toronto.


Here is Hyacinth with Cali and Cali's Mom. Both had a good time running around the house and exploring. This dark blur is Cali running around. I think I was throwing a ball around.



Here is Hyacinth after a long day at Cali's house.




Here is Cali all tired out in between her mom's feet. I don't think Cali could have asked for a better spot!



Here are the two sisters all tired out.


Here is a photo of just Cali at the stair case.


Here is Hyacinth saying Good-Bye to everyone. Both Cali and Hyacinth looked like they had a good time together. It was great to re-connect with Cali's parents and to see how well Cali is doing.

Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

November 5, 2008

Hyacinth on a table


Here is Hyacinth on a table I borrowed from my mother-in-law. I can't remember if I was about to take the hair bands out or I had just put them in when I took this photo. She was a delight the whole weekend we were at Toronto.


Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

Hyacinth Being all Comfy on the Hotel Bed


Here is Hyacinth seeing if I wouldn't notice that she had jumped up on the bed and was ready to sleep in bed with me all night. She got herself all snug in between the pillows and slightly under the covers. Yeah, she looked as cute as a button alright but sorry Hyacinth, you have to sleep in your own bed.


Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

Isn't my Nephew a little cutie-pie?


That cream blur is suppose to be Hyacinth. My Nephew is holding Hyacinth while I was trying to take pictures of them together and he at this point was starting to act a bit shy to the camera


Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs