2011
The Year in Review


As 2011 comes to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on what has been yet another exciting year for Aegis GSMDs.

In 2011, three more of Moxie's "kids" -- Visa, Maybell and Ajax -- finished their championships, giving Moxie 5 champion offspring (all from her Bowie litter) and earning her Register of Merit status.  I could not be more proud and honored to have Moxie as my foundation bitch, who gave us her 3rd and final litter this summer.  At six years of age now, Moxie is already enjoying a much deserved retirement on the couch and looking forward to the occasional appearance in the Veterans ring in years to come.

This year Bowie's kids continued to makes us proud, with a total of 6 more champions in 2011 -- Denver, Noka and Theo, in addition to the three Moxie kids mentioned above.  Denver especially gave us many thrills, capped off with his Best in Sweepstakes win at the GSMDCA National Specialty this October.  

Also at the National Specialty, Shea gave the Conways and I the thrill of a lifetime when he swept the Top 20 -- winning both the Judge's Choice and People's Choice awards.  Still only 3 years of age, we know Shea still has many more surprises in store for all of us as he continues to mature.

2011 also brought a huge surprise in the form of one very precocious, adorable Penelope -- the first Old English Sheepdog to grace my home in 12 years.  This little girl has already changed my life and is poised to set the world on fire.

The year was also not without its rough patches, particularly as we endured the heartache of saying good-bye to our beloved baby girl Visa -- tragically lost to a rare, bizarre illness.  I was so proud of this young lady, who after some rough moments in 2010, transformed this year into the beautiful butterfly we always knew she was.  And proud that so many people got to see her amazing run this Spring on the way to her championship.

Of course the best moments of the year were those spent with friends, sometimes at the dogs shows but very often away from the shows.  I am blessed with so many good friends, who have been there with me through all the good times, and the tough times too.  But one in particular is in a class by herself, and that is my dear friend Virginia O'Rorke, who has been there for me during the toughest times.  Thank you, Virginia, for all your support and your friendship.

And thank you to all the wonderful families who have given our dogs such incredible homes.  Without such fantastic, loving homes for our extended family of Aegis Swissies, I don't think I could sleep at night.  You enable me to do what I love most.