Many years ago now, I sold a little boy Rubens (Ch. and Ch. Rattlebridge Masterpiece) son to the daughter of fellow judge, the wonderful late Judy Doniere.

Tilt changed the lives of Tami and Jeff Byroads, now my dear friends, and started them on the road to showing Cavaliers.  Tilt enjoyed a wonderful life with the Byroads.  He was very sensitive and we swore he saw spirits, but only good spirits like that of Tami’s beloved father when he passed.  We all loved Tilt.  I join in the sorrow of my “other family.”  Good night, dear Tilt. Until the Rainbow Bridge.  Give my Al a kiss from me!

 

Rattlebridge Tilt A Whirl

In Loving Memory

"TILT"

June 6th 1998 – October 20, 2010

You came to us from 3,000 miles away as a little 4 month old and stole our
hearts as you felt they were yours to keep. You quickly became the head of
the house, protector of your queen, and so "aggressively cute" that the
desire to have more Cavaliers soon after became not only a reality, but part
of our lives.

You passed the baton on to Ace and he promised you that although he could
never fill your paws, he will always protect your queen. Your best friend
Winnie, will miss you the most of the pack, as you taught her how to take
care of her "king". You showed Kahnrad that his princess is his to protect
and he said he will always remember that when she returns from college.
Party Sue, your Rattlebridge counterpart, whom you always let snuggle up to
you at night, will willingly go to snuggle with Ace as you have wished for
her to do. She thanks you from the bottom of her heart for all you have
taught her about how to get the food made quickly and earlier each morning.
You have kept little Cash in line and tried your best to teach him manners
and how to get in line for the succession order and to obey Ace as the new
"head of house".

Tilt, it was only fitting that you were with us as a pet – never seeing the
show ring until the beautiful age of 10 ½ years old, where you competed your
first and only time in the Veterans ring and won Best Veteran in Specialty.
As if you felt you needed to do one last thing to prove to us just how
special of a boy you are. We cherish that moment as we do all the others
over the years you have given us. Thanks for being the best "car rider",
"river dog", the best eater, and the best Tilt A Whirl ever. 
           

Our little "ghost buster" as we nicknamed you, never hesitated
to tell us our deceased loved ones were certainly nearby. As you grew more
accustomed to seeing these spirits, we were at ease to know that because of
you, we were able to say "I love you and goodbye" one last time. So now is
your time sweet boy, for us to say " I love you and goodbye". You leave us
only physically as we know you will stay around us as you never feel that
your job is done.

WE AWAIT YOUR RETURN,

Your loving family

Jeff, Tami & Karlie

 

 

 

And now a story to touch hearts . . . I cry every time I read it.  We know that Tilt, well loved, will be waiting for his family. All of our beloveds were waiting for Al and will be waiting for me standing beside my Al wagging and wiggling with joy.

AT THE RAINBOW BRIDGE
by Alexander Theodore, Bouvier, Fourth Year Resident (written September 2001)

On the morning of September 11, 2001, there was an unprecedented amount of
activity at the Rainbow Bridge. Decisions had to be made. They had to be
made quickly. And, they were. 

An issue, not often addressed here, is the fact that many residents really
have no loved one for whom to wait. Think of the pups who lived and died in
hideous puppy mills. No one on earth loved or protected them. What about
the many who spent unhappy lives tied in backyards? And, the ones who were
abused. Who are they to wait for?

   
We don’t talk about that much up here. We share our loved ones as they
arrive, happy to do so. But we all know there is nothing like having your
very own person who thinks you are the most special pup in the Heavens.   
Last Tuesday morning a request rang out for pups not waiting for specific
persons to volunteer for special assignment.. An eager, curious crowd
surged excitedly forward, each pup wondering what the assignment would be. 
They were told by a solemn voice that unexpectedly, all at once, over 4,000
loving people had left Earth long before they were ready. All the pups, as
all pups do, felt the humans’ pain deep in their own hearts. Without
hearing more, there was a clamoring among them – "May I have one to
comfort?" "I’ll take two, I have a big heart." "I have been saving kisses
forever."   

One after another they came forward begging for assignment. One
cozy-looking fluffy pup hesitantly asked, "Are there any children coming? I
would be very comforting for a child ’cause I’m soft and squishy and I
always wanted to be hugged." A group of Dalmatians came forward asking to
meet the Firemen and be their friends. The larger working breeds offered to
greet the Police Officers and make them feel at home. Little dogs
volunteered to do what they do best, cuddle and kiss. 

Dogs who on Earth had never had a kind word or a pat on the head, stepped
forward and said, "I will love any human who needs love." 
Then all the dogs, wherever on Earth they originally came from, rushed to
the Rainbow Bridge and stood waiting, overflowing with love to share – each
tail wagging an American Flag.

After standing in very, very loooong lines to at public women’s restrooms, especially at performance events, to the point of invading the men’s restroom in desperation, (Girls,be careful of certain performances to try this!  Just don’t try slipping into the men’s john  at a Hank Williams Jr. gig) it is most refreshing to see males, even canine, waiting their turn!!!!

I loved this one since I am an Irish Blonde (okay, I am now turning a lovely shade of white which my hairdresser calls baby blonde, so there!!!).

AN IRISH BLONDE IN A CASINO

                An attractive blonde from Cork, Ireland arrived at the
casino. She seemed a little intoxicated and bet twenty-thousand Euros on a single roll
of the dice.

                She said, ‘I hope you don’t mind, but I feel much luckier
when I’m completely nude’.

                With that, she stripped from the neck down, rolled the dice
and with an Irish brogue yelled, ‘Come on, baby, Mama needs new clothes!’

                As the dice came to a stop, she jumped up and down and
squealed…’YES! YES! I WON, I WON!’

                She hugged each of the dealers and then picked up her
winnings and her clothes and quickly departed.

                The dealers stared at each other dumbfounded.

                Finally, one of them asked, ‘What did she roll?’

                The other answered, ‘I don’t know – I thought you were watching.’

                MORAL OF THE STORY –

                   Not all Irish are drunks,
                not all Blondes are dumb,
                but all Men…. are Men.