Losing Stanley
We lost our dog, THE dog, our heart dog, the one that changed our lives. He was healthy throughout his life until the very end, and for that we are eternally grateful. Stanley, born June 26, 2010, came into our lives at a very dark point. We had lost our beloved Oliver, a GSP, to Cancer having navigated our way through a number of health issues with him that included Cancer, Auto Immune issues and Epilepsy. We moved through our grief for Oliver and Stanley entered our world and forever changed us. We committed to a higher level of training, we entered the world of dog shows, field training, evidence-based breeding and the list goes on. Stanley sired our very first litter of puppies and he taught us so much about raising puppies, responsible breeding practices and so much more. He was an ambassador of our breed and a representative of our kennel. Stanley, the Stanny in Stannyfield, was our joy and partner in all we did until April 18, 2022.
Grief is a personal process, and our grief for Stanley has been intense and will continue for months to come. We both look forward to the time when we can think about him with smiles and not tears. We have been so thankful for the cards, messages, gifts and support from our friends and family. We know and live the depth of loss for our boy, but also the love of each of you and for that we are forever grateful.
Thank yous must be part of our story with Stanley. Firstly, thank you to Nancibeth Clements and Sherri Griswold, Stanley's breeders, for entrusting us with this beautiful dog. He has had a significant and positive impact on our lives, and we are so grateful to you both for that.
Everything that has anything to do with what we have accomplished over the past 12 years has so much to do with this dog. He was a beacon of hope, a comfort during times of sadness, a partner when we celebrated successes and a teacher. He was such an amazing influence on all of the puppies we have raised to date, helping them understand the importance of a gentle, forgiving large adult dog that gave clear and appropriate behavioural corrections while playing, snuggling and just "being". He taught puppies that it was ok to just hang out--it wasn't necessary to be on the go all the time. He was our puppy whisperer. He welcomed all of our human and dog guests, and most people who met him fell for him as we did. Stanley will be forever missed, his impact has left an unforgettable footprint on our lives.
Our veterinary team at Beaverton Crossroads Veterinary Services was so critically important, supportive and amazing throughout Stan's life and particularly at the end. Thank you to all of you, particularly Drs. Sadoch and Doner for your diligence and compassion. Thank you to everyone else who had a part in our journey with Stanley, there are so many people and you all know who you are. Please know we are forever grateful to each of you.
Am GCh, Can Ch Legacyk Knight of Glory "Stanley" June 26, 2010-April 18, 2022
