13 years today!

[Susan Stone]

Today we are celebrating our Top Dog Shannon's 13th Birthday!

Officially known as Marquiser Shannon by Caskeys (Sh. Ch. Caskeys Blarney x Marquiser Rossoa) she was born on Augst 28th 1995 in Camberly, Surrey and came to Switzerland aged 8 weeks. Shannon was trained and fully qualified as a Search and Rescue dog. I remember her very first call up one night at 23.00hrs to go searching for a missing walker just days after qualifying. My heart beating nineteen to the dozen, we arrived in the search area at 01.30 (am that is!) and carried on til early morning. Shannon worked brilliantly despite the dark, ranging out far into the dark night. She was fitted with fluorescent lights and the search troup had torches. Still, it was a dangerous job, as this was mountainous wooded area and there were deep ravines. I was relieved every time Shannon came back after a long 'send away' and happy to have her safely with me when the search was called off.
All the dogs tried their best but even in the following days the missing walker was never found.

Shannon has a place of honour being 'cover-girl' on Hilde Schwoyer's book on Irish Setters.

Since those younger days she has quitened down but still makes her presence felt. She is wobbly on her hind legs and very much an old lady now, but she certainly loves her food and had a tasty meal today to celebrate her 13 years. We treasure every day with her.

[Susan Stone]

Thank you all!!! Shannon has just munched her way through dinner with tasty morsels of veal... breakfast was enriched by minced beaf - so no-one can say she's not being spoilt:-)) But I think I'll have the Champagne, thanks James! I'll toast to another 13 years...
Oops, must go, I hear Shannon working on the doggy treats-cupboard....

[Catherine Carter]

Happy birthday, Shannon! Hope you had a lovely day today and many more to come!

[Nadine Bonjean]

Happy birthday!

[Kati Mäkelä]

Happy happy birthday Shannon <3

[Kickie Boman]

Happy Birthday lovely lady!
I do have a soft spot for the oldies, they are so special.

[Cecilia GUIOT]

Happy birthday Shannon, we wish long years to come again, great Lady

[McBIRDY - Jean DUHANT]

Happy Birthday Shannon. Your picture reminds us our lovely Birdy & Unci, also great working dogs. You have always a special touch with these dogs (we know Susan you have the same opinion).
Have a long, sweet but active life Shannon.

[Laura Kolbach]

hey sweet Shannon! we are a bit late as we had to prepare the cake for you! wish you all the best for many more years to come, health, happiness and everything you would like to have.
taliwaggings from the hungarian girls and a big hug from our mum.

[yvonne]

Happy birthday sweet girl!

[Susan Stone]

Thank you for your kind comments. We are indeed lucky that she is still with us: one year ago her she had problems with her liver and we feared she only had a few more days... then we hoped for a few weeks...then months... and now a year has gone by and dear Shannon is still going strong:-))