Existing not in space or time Your dwelling place is in my mind, Keeping company with me     Forever in my memory    When I am all alone or blue, I think of happy times with you, And though I cannot see you now, You still abide with me somehow; Helping in your special way To chase the loneliness away. Although our time’s come to an end, You are, for always, My best friend.

Thor   (3/27/83 – 8/25/97)     CH Thom Thom Jup-Don Mighty Thor Thor was Shelley’s first show dog, and quite a handful in the show ring. His favorite games included the sudden development minutes before ring-time of a mysterious sore foot, and a propensity for having to ALWAYS be first in line in the ring. When he wasn’t, he would throw tantrums, drawing the attention that he knew only he deserved. Thor was also very faithful. He kept a lifelong loyalty to his breeder and “first mom”, Gayle Thomas. Thor would greet Gayle with a decidedly “romantic” display of affection, which everyone but Gayle found quite humorous. Although comical, Thor had a phenomenal air of dignity about him. With his last breath, Thor continued to hold his head high in pride. Both his antics and his courage are deeply missed.

Jada   (11/1/84 – 12/19/99)   CH Windy Cove Joyful Jada  Jada was the dream-come-true of Shelley’s daughter Jaymie, who at the age of 8, contributed her life savings of $80 toward the purchase of her new best buddy.  Jada was a joy to show. She earned her first point as a puppy handled by Shelley’s daughter Danielle on her 11th birthday, and enjoyed showing Jaymie in Junior Showmanship competition. She quickly finished her Championship and began nurturing the puppies who would become the legacy of Sterling Hill. In all of Jada’s 15-plus years, she never did anything naughty. She always gave 110%, enthusiastically vamping for the judges, tenderly disciplining her pups, providing companionship for Shelley’s parents in their retirement, and finally coming home to rest before crossing to what we are sure is Canine Angelhood.

Scooter    (5/8/87 – 4/6/00)   CH Sterling Hill One For Scoots Fondly remembered as “The Dude” and as Ted’s first Elkhound Friend, Scooter had that special something from birth. He was named to honor Shelley’s Mom, Conni, whose childhood nickname had been “Scoots”. Conni was an active dog breeder and handler for many years. Her love of dogs was the initial inspiration for Shelley’s later passion. Appropriately, Scooter went on to become Sterling Hill’s very first home-bred Champion. We are proud that this special dog was also Conni’s namesake.

Jack  (12/17/84 – 10/5/93)    CH Thom Thom's Jack-in-the-Box Affectionately known as “Jackie-Poo-Pie”, Jack was a unique free spirit, and Shelley’s soul mate.  His happy heart and flying side gait earned him his Championship in just five shows. Jack adopted many human emotions, perfecting the ability to smile, talk, and “sing” on command. He was unusually gentle with puppies, and even demonstrated sympathetic labor pains by lying in the whelping box with a strained expression. Jack was especially sensitive to the moods of his humans, making it his purpose to provide them with friendship, comfort, support and an abundance of laughter. Even as he left this world, his deep black eyes communicated his selflessness. His fear was for his people, whose hearts, of course were breaking. Jack’s gentle soul will always be deeply treasured. Thank you, Gayle.

Winnie (5/15/88 – 3/17/01) Sterling Hill Winnie of Poo The daughter of Jack and Jada, Winnie was “the cute one”. Winnie was very affectionate, tuning in perfectly to the various human emotions. She loved the dog shows, except for being photographed. Winnie would tolerate anything but a camera! Playful and puppylike throughout her life, Winnie’s offspring usually got away with murder. She was unconditionally loved by all who knew her, and is especially missed by Shelley’s daughter Danielle, who claimed Winnie as her best friend and confidante and tried to steal her when she left the nest!