Back in 1997, Ruby and Arthur produced their first and Arthur's only litter of puppies. There were 5 puppies in the litter every one of them male. Dutch was one of those puppies. They were all beautiful as young puppies, but then they started growing up and going through a not so pretty phase. I didn't think a whole lot of Dutch at that stage in his life. He seemed leggy and awkward. I sold him to some friends as a show dog and a potential agility prospect. They started training him in agility and competed a couple of times with him. Dutch was one of those dogs that was very happy-go-lucky and full of energy. He loved agility, but he loved to do it his way. I called his father Arthur the one obstacle wonder. He would happily do one obstacle that you asked him to do and then he would take off and do whichever obstacle he thought he wanted to do. Dutch was a lot like his father in that respect.
Several years later, another friend obtained Dutch from his first owners when they could no longer keep him. I got a chance to see him again. The little boy that was the ugly duckling had grown up and become a beautiful adult. I made arrangements with his new owner to take him out and show him in conformation to finish his championships. He easily finished his AKC championship on his new owner's birthday in 2000.
A few years went by and I again approached his owner to see if I could take Dutch out to finish his UKC championship. He was too nice a boy to not have the title that he deserved. He easily obtained that title in 2004. I had plans to take him out again and get his UKC Grand and to start working with him in agility. During this time, I also decided that I might like to have one of his offspring. I asked his owner if it would be okay for me to find a suitable mate for him. The owner agreed and I made arrangements with another friend to breed to one of her females.
Over the winter of 2004-2005, I let Dutch go back to live with his owner since other breeding plans had been made for him. I was just getting ready to ask if I could take him out and finish his UKC Grand and start him in agility when I received the horrible news that he had been killed in an accident.
Even though I did not own Dutch, I loved him as if he were my own. I was devastated when I heard the news of his passing. He was a very beautiful boy and the Eskie world has suffered a terrible loss. May his legacy live on in his offspring.
Dutch AKC/UKC CH Pikatti Dutch's Triple Crown
April 1, 1997 March 12, 2005
Just This Side Of Heaven is A Place Called Rainbow Bridge....
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
