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Jensil Inddy at Pepnick
(Tom Van’t Leefdaalhof x Pepnick Fol Thai)
Inddy (09.06.01 - 06.10.11)
I am saddened to report that my beautiful Inddy was given sleep on 6th October.
Those of you who have been following these pages will know that Inddy was a very special girl. She was with me during my “roller-coaster” years; a great companion and a major influence on my bloodlines.
She proved time and again that anything the boys could do she could do better. I always maintained that if dogs had a “feminist movement” she would be at the head of it! She gained her BH and could hold her own in the working arena. Her tracking ability was second to none.
When I retired her from my breeding programme I could see that advancing years made absolutely no difference to her drive and desire to work and stay active. She found life in the slow lane very mundane. Thus, after heavy deliberation and much soul-searching, I decided that it was in her best interests to place her where she would receive more stimulation and attention than circumstances allowed me to provide.
Inddy went to live with Andy, Paula and Hawk (her son) where I know she was given every opportunity to enjoy life to its fullest. Her death will be a great blow to Andy and Paula, who not only gave her a loving home but provided the active, stimulating life she loved so much.
I am so thankful now that I made that decision and I am even more thankful to Andy and Paula, who took her into their home and hearts and, in doing so, enriched her remaining years.
Thank you both.
Andy with Inddy and Hawk (Pepnick I-Spy)
Inddy was a lovely dog and we miss her like mad. Thankfully we have Hawk to bring a smile to our faces. She was the boss and poor Hawk was forever being reprimanded.
She was a great guard dog at home and greeted all visitors with a deep spate of barking, but she loved the postman along with Hawk. The postman on delivering mail always gave them a biscuit. His wife couldn’t believe that her husband was friends with Hawk (the same Hawk as seen on Road Wars). Unfortunately, this created a bad habit as any delivery man was met by two German Shepherds running at full pelt to the gate. Most ran back into their vans and were disbelieving when I said “They only want a biscuit.”
Hawk retired with me in July. He was an excellent police dog and I was surprised that they retired him with me. After 26 years’ service, a very welcome leaving present. He gained tactical status to work with firearm teams and was graded Advanced and several Excellent in the Home Office Police Dog Grading.
Inddy was also an honorary police dog, well in fact I called her a Police Community Support Dog and she loved coming to work in the police van and going training. She was great for meeting the nice public (as Hawk was not to be trusted as he had learnt to bite criminals). He got me into a few scrapes and also got me out of some! Inddy was the one to bark in the van and Hawk out of it! He now works with me as a security dog at some exclusive and prestigious locations. We work part time in that field as we are both ageing and deserve a long retirement.
Inddy’s loss was a great shock to us as we believed that the old girl had a good while left. Many of our family and friends all agreed that she was the nicest dog that they have ever met. A very special lady.
Inddy is buried in our garden in a nice sunny spot, overlooking the garden and near to the drive, wrapped in her favourite rug that she loved to lay on in front of a real fire.
Andy and Paula
Hawk (Pepnick I-Spy) with his mum Inddy
Milly (Pepnick Half-Penny) BH CDex UDex
It is with further sadness that I have to report the sudden loss of Milly pictured above.
The death of any beloved dog, whatever the circumstances, is heartbreaking. Even more cruel is the death of a dog before their time, whose loss can be very difficult to come to terms with. My thoughts are with her owner, Dave Edmunds. I know her death will be a great blow to him.
Milly and her brother Spike (Pepnick Hocus Pocus) are both featured in my ‘H’ litter section. What a lovely girl; a true “star in her own right”.
Indie (Pepnick Livewire)
On to some happier news from Barbara and Joe Craft who needed a second TD Open to qualify for TD Championships. In September they entered the ASPDS Trial at Monk Fryston qualifying with 213½ out of 220, gaining another second place.
Joe says that with only two Championships left this year (within reasonable travelling distance) they will be trying their luck with the “big boys”.
I wish you all the very best and look forward to printing more news updates on Indie’s progress.
Tess (Pepnick Nevada)
More good news from Terry and Tess, who have been placed 2nd and 3rd wherever they compete, only missing out on 1st by ¼ or ½ point each time. They are aiming for their BH next spring. Congratulations both, I am sure that elusive 1st place will soon be within your grasp.
Operational Dogs
I am sometimes asked whether I have any qualms placing youngsters with the Police forces. These dogs receive the best care and attention possible from their early development, through ensuing stages of training and, ultimately, operational demands. They thrive not only on the challenges of their operational life but the love, care and attention they receive from handlers and supporting staff in the Dog Sections.
As in “Civvy Street” dogs and handlers can develop amazing bonds and, when the time comes for either to retire they are often inseparable. When Operational demands prevent a dog or handler from remaining together every effort is then made to ensure that the dog’s best interests are met and no stone is left unturned to find the best homes and environments to suit that dog’s needs.
Therefore, I can categorically say “No, I have no qualms whatsoever.” My thanks to all those involved in the care, training, welfare and well-being of the youngsters I entrust them with.
Hawk (Pepnick I-Spy)
Congratulations to Andy and Hawk on their recent retirement. They are both featured in my “I” Team.
Blake (Pepnick Harvestman)
Another dog to join the ranks of the retired is Blake, pictured below. Blake is also featured in my ‘H’ Gang.
Blake (Pepnick Harvestman)
He has literally “fallen on his feet” (all four of them) and is now living a life of luxury in residence at Blenheim Palace.
I wish him all the best in his new home and look forward to hearing of his progress with his new owners.
Puppy Walkers Take A Bow
I greatly admire and respect the group of volunteers who care for the pups until they are old enough to commence their training as operational dogs.
These big-hearted people welcome the wriggling bundles of mischief into their homes. They deal with everything that puppy ownership can throw at you, not just the toilet training and furniture chewing!!
All too soon the day comes when the youngsters are ready to begin their training in earnest and the puppy walkers have to relinquish their charges.
Whilst I understand how rewarding it is to learn that their young charges have successfully passed out as Operational dogs, it must still be very difficult when the time comes for them to part with these youngsters. What an unenviable experience and these stalwarts do it time after time. I cannot praise them highly enough. It is something I know I couldn’t do!! Hats off to the Puppy Walkers!
Pictured below are Freda and Fred with their respective puppy walkers.
Both Fred and Freda passed their tests easily and are scheduled to start their initial course in January. I look forward to hearing of their progress.
Murphy (Pepnick Name of the Game)
Murphy joined West Midlands Police Force last year. They have high hopes of this young lad with a view to adding him to their stud programme. At the moment he is on his initial course and appears to be looking very good. He is also featured in my ‘N’ litter.
Koda (Pepnick Mayhem)
Pictured above and below are Dave and Koda (Pepnick Mayhem), competing on 13th August at South Valley Schutzhund Club where they passed their BH. Well done to both of you.
I understand the club members did a super job of putting on this trial. We have to be appreciative of their hard work, keen interest and sportsmanship, it keeps this activity alive.
Congratulations of a different nature to Lisa and Dave on the forthcoming addition to their family. I look forward to adding your “stork news” to these pages!
Pictured below is Cash (Pepnick Onyx).
This is why you should always take Cash when going on hols.....you get to try out the log flume............................
........mmmmmm what’s going on over there? ..............
.......and you get to bring home a souvenir!
