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.
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