Yogi

Yogi was a special boy, such a cheerful soul and always so enthusiastic about everything. He had a super career as a show dog, achieving his Stud Book number which meant lifetime qualification for Crufts as well as many Best of Breed and Reserve Best of Breed awards. He was a consummate professional in the show ring but that was only half the story because when surgery ended his show career (but saved his life) he began, almost accidentally his second and more preferred occupation as an obedience dog. He was seven when we started training and really it was just something to keep him occupied and stop him barking but he loved it and although I had said I would never compete again, he gave me the confidence to try. He was placed at almost every show he attended and within a short space of time he won Pre Beginners, such a thrill! Unfortunately he developed arthritis in his front shoulder so our training time had to be restricted , but he did not let it stop him working and in fact went on to be placed in the Beginners classes. It was clear he much preferred obedience to the show ring and on training nights he was still keen, even when the much younger dogs were ready for bed.

Yogi loved to make ‘nests’ by digging up his bedding – or the chair covers and cushions. He even made nests in carpet and grass. He loved to tug and I almost developed blisters because he pulled so hard and he also loved his tennis balls. You knew he wanted to play by the sound of it being hopefully dropped repeatedly nearby. He was not a typical cuddly sheltie and did like his own space at home and outdoors. It was quite a privilege if Yogi chose to sit with you and there were only certain people that he really liked, although he was perfectly amiable with everyone. He had a strong hunting instinct and his delight was to chase squirrels on the ground and follow them from below as they raced through the trees. On once occasion I lost him for over half and hour when he disappeared off on a hunting expedition and as I was starting to panic reappeared cool as a cucumber and quite unconcerned about being separated from us! he was a happy playmate to his older friend Revel and also to Epic, eight years his junior and was my daughter Jessica’s ‘older brother’ as they shared the same birthday. He let her show him a few times and once they won a handling class which was a proud moment.

Sadly he did have his share of health problems, although with the exception of the arthritis these were not chronic so he always bounced back. He was quite happy to go to the vets, despite this and seemed just as happy when he stayed with them for several days post surgery as he was a home.
I don’t think I ever really appreciated Yogi enough, he was always playing second fiddle to someone else but he never minded not being top of the pile. If ever there was dog happy with life, that was Yogi.
Losing him was such a terrible shock. He collapsed while eating and passed almost immediately into a coma. He was gone within 3/4 of an hour of being a lively, fit dog. The tumour on his heart had been a silent time bomb…but although it was devastating for me, it would certainly have been how he would have chosen to go. He taught me to live every second to the full and enjoy it, what a gift!
Thank you Yogi for letting me share your life. I will never forget you xx