Memorials - Winston


	In Tribute to - a special page to remember our beloved Frenchies

In Memory of Winston

Winston - 1997-2008 For the volunteers at FBRN, Board of Directors President Ruthie Chiger has been a steadfast source of kindness, experience, compassion and advice. Her frenchie Winston was the envy of many because he was so charming, well-behaved and handsome. In a breed famous, or infamous, for producing oddballs and characters, Winston was a rock in a sea of silliness: dignified and upbeat, happy and relaxed. He gave of himself in his volunteer work with sick children and with elderly folks. He even helped support himself by becoming a model! Winston's life was well lived, and when he left us, he left nothing undone, no love unshown, nothing but good works, warm memories, and a deep and aching sense of loss for a once-in-a-lifetime companion and a unique and beloved spirit. We should all leave such a legacy when we pass.

Here are some words about Winston from Ruthie, the woman who knew and loved him best: For those of you who didn't know him well, I want to take a moment to tell you how very special he was. He was bought on a whim 10 years ago for my daughter, Allison, so she could have her very own dog. Because I am a stay at home wife/mother he and I were together all the time. At a little over a year of age we took him to a dog show to watch and ended up registering for handling classes. I showed him myself and he became an AKC Champion, a UKC Champion, he got his CGC (Canine Good Citizen), his CD in obedience and he was a certified therapy dog (TDI). He traveled with us all over Florida, to NY, to IN, to TX, to TN and many states in between. He was Allison's Junior Showmanship dog for years while she was the #1 Junior Handler of frenchies. Winston did modeling for print ads and was in magazines in the US, Mexico and Europe as well as being featured in store catalogs. He visited sick children at the Ronald McDonald House and brought joy to senior citizens in nursing homes. He was with us through many dogs...a Doberman, a Boxer, a Pug, 2 frenchies and 3 fosters. He was housebroken in 3 days, he never barked, he never did any damage as a puppy...he was born a wise old man who lived to bring cuddles, love and happiness to others.

I knew this day was coming, but I guess we are never prepared for the devastating feeling of loss and grief. He will be loved and missed forever. Here are a few of my favorite photos of him.