A Tribute to a Dignified Dog
Am. Can. U-Grch. Romyldale Perchance to Dream
(Rainbo's Midsumer's Dream x Romyldale Rejoice)
Peri was born August 4, 1996. One of five, three sable and two black. He had elegance from birth, there was just something special about him. His sire's breeder, Cathy Witzke, said the same about BJ, that she knew he was “the one” at birth. Looking back I don't remember Peri ever being silly or naughty as a puppy, selective memory no doubt. He was a dignified dog, solemn, taking life a bit too seriously; except, when it came to squeak toys. He loved his squeaks. He would smile all over while obsessively squeaking his toy. His IQ dropped twenty points every time he picked up a squeak. Peri also had his share of arrogance. When Peri was 3 years old a young sable interloper was added to the pack. Peri started eyeing Conner at just a few weeks of age. Once Conner was mature enough to be considered a threat to Peri’s machismo they sniped at each other at every opportunity. It became so bad that they had to be separated until recently. The old guys glowered at each other, but agreed to disagree and would lie tail to tail next to whatever sofa or chair I happened to be sitting in. There was apparently no rule that said they had to look at each other. Oddly enough Peri never had a problem with any other male added to the pack.
Peri was very focused in the show ring, he maintained eye contact at all times. Michelle Visentin (Cranford shelties) a Canadian breeder and obedience competitor asked to take him for a time to train him in obedience because of his focus, but I couldn’t let him go. Peri did very well in the conformation ring. He got his first major under Randy Sheets with me on the lead. I decided he deserved a better handler and asked Julie Desy if she would show him for me. The first few times out with Julie Peri was a bit worried. Once he understood he always came home and made Julie understand that he was not one of those kennel dogs, they started putting on the points. He showed best for a squeak (imagine that), it would travel next to my skin then popped into a baggie for the shows. The squeak was referred to as “Mom” and there was a minor upset at the Cleveland shows when “Mom” got left at the grooming area. Trish tossed “Mom” on the floor at one show earning her an appalled look from Peri. The Dream Team did well with him at the ASSA Nationals. He placed at three. He was second in his Futurity class under Sylvia Calderwood 1997, 4th under Barbara Wright 1999 and 3rd under Ellen Worthington 2000. That year I watched as Peri air scented me from across a very large ring, I slowly oozed down out of his line of sight, amazed that he could pick me out in such a crowd. Four other sheltie specialists awarded him major reserves; Jean Simmonds, Louella Ericksen, Alane Gomez and Jane Howard. He also placed fourth at the CSSA National under Lynn Broussard. Julie let me put his final two points on so I had the joy of finishing my handsome boy. Peri finished in Canada and was one of the UKC Top Ten several years running.
Peri carries on with a couple of his offspring. The Chilson’s Mia is a Peri daughter and behind their promising young Buster, Lil Blessings Gingerbread Man (major pts.). Apple is the only Peri daughter that carries on for me and whelped a litter 2 weeks before Peri’s death. Granddaughter Tanzy is due with her first litter in 3 to 4 weeks. I hope to see a puppy with his elegance and presence in future generations.
. June 2, 2012. Peri had been gradually declining, his body stiffening, appetite dwindling. So hard to know when to let go and so hoping he would go peacefully to sleep. This morning I knew I had to make the decision. Peri was just two months shy of his 16th birthday. His gaze never wavered as I held him close.