CHAMPION WARMWINDS LIL BIT OF MISCHIEF "MISSY"
Missy at three years old
Missy was one of four champions from my Molly litter. She was very special all her life. Her name described her to a tee.
Missy was full of mischief almost her entire life.
She was a pure delight to live with
because you never knew what she would decide to do next.
One of her babies was our Morgan Elizabeth.
Missy's Sire was Champion Satin's Limited Addition
and her Dam was Warmwinds Forever Fancy.
Her Grand Sires were Stoneridge Grand Am
and Champion Starfall Keeper of The Flame.
Her Grand Dam's were Stoneridge Satin Sandra
and Copper Bar's Branch of Gold.
Missy was one of 4 Champions in her litter of 7 beautiful girls.
Missy was awarded third place at the National Sheltie Show in
Lincolnshire, IL, in the Open Sable Class when she was three years old. Missy was a multiple Best of Breed winner and delighted us with her habit of batting her eye lashes and/or winking at the judges, especially when they were men.
Missy passed to the Rainbow Bridge at twelve and a half years of age where she plays with her mom and her sisters:
*Warmwinds Forever Fancy "Molly", (Mom)
*CH Warmwinds Sunspun Ribbons "Ribbon",
*CA CH Warmwinds Make Mine Mink "Mink",
*BISS CH Warmwinds Sunspun Delight "Taffy".
Missy's photos as a young puppy are featured in the newest edition of "Sheltie Talk" and also in a book called the Beauty of Dogs by Arthur Wingate. Also Missy and her litter sisters have been featured in several syndicated magazines over the years.
All photos courtesy of Norma Engel.
Missy instilled the love of Shelties in us
more than eighteen years ago.
She warmed our hearts her entire life: twelve and a half years;
... and she took part of us when she left us because of a Cancer behind one of her beautiful eyes.
We were broken hearted!
We must remember that Heaven is where we meet up with all the dogs we've loved in this life!
Missy at twelve and a half years old
Missy's last photograph taken just a week before she passed. Missy had cancer and bravely faced her passing as I held her tight in my arms! I buried my tears in her beautiful rich chestnut sable and white colored coat as she closed her eyes and slipped to the other side!
Just eight short months prior to her passing, and just after she was dianosed with a Cancer located behind one of her eyes, she jubilantly took me (Norma) around the show ring in the Parade of Veterans at the National Sheltie Show in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She yelped joyously all the way around the ring; and stood very proud to be admired like she always did.
We gave her back the joys of her youth for just a few minutes! So out of character for me. .... Missy absolutely loved it!
Just eight short months prior to her passing, and just after she was dianosed with a Cancer located behind one of her eyes, she jubilantly took me (Norma) around the show ring in the Parade of Veterans at the National Sheltie Show in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She yelped joyously all the way around the ring; and stood very proud to be admired like she always did.
We gave her back the joys of her youth for just a few minutes! So out of character for me. .... Missy absolutely loved it!
MY TRIBUTE TO MY BEAUTIFUL
CHAMPION WARMWINDS LIL' BIT OF MISCHIEF
MISSY'S AND MY FIRST SHETLAND SHEEPDOG NATIONAL
The first Sheltie National Show I attended was in Lincolnshire, IL
I was so excited to be going because my three year old girl Warmwinds Lil' bit of Mischief "Missy"was going to be showing in the Open Bitch Class, and I wanted to see her show.
Missy was a pretty little girl in a little brown package. Not much flash, but she had a good side gate, and a very flirty temperament that everyone thought might show through.
Her littermate Warmwinds Sunspun Delight "Taffy" was also going to be in that class. And another littermate Warmwinds Sunspun Ribbons "Ribbon" was going to be in the American Bred Class.
True to herself Missy did well. She gated perfectly and flirted with the judge who gave her the third place ribbon and a very pretty little pewter dish.
I truly enjoyed meeting people and Shelties and shopping for the treasures that you can only find at Nationals. I well remember some of the very informative classes and was thrilled with the education I was receiving. Some of the people I met at that National show are still very good friends.
Seven years ago at the Virginia Beach Nationals just after Missy was diagnosed with terminal cranial Cancer, I took her in the Veterans Class at the age of 12 and a half. I had personally never been in the ring, but Missy took charge and we glided around the ring, all the while Missy was barking and so happy that I seemed to have given her back her youth. She was so happy and loved every minute of that trip around the ring. This is still a very fresh memory for me.
Sadly Missy crossed to what we fondly call the Rainbow Bridge in December of that year at the age of twelve and a half. I truly believe that God in His infinate wisdom will have Missy waiting for me along with all the other animals that have touched my heart here when I pass to the other side of this life to life eternal. He loves all His creation and has a place for all who believe in Him and the innocent lesser animals in eternity I'm sure.
My beautiful Missy remains in our hearts forever, and the National shows are a tribute to her memory in my heart.
Her third place ribbon and her pewter bowl that she received at the Lincolnshire National are displayed just under her portrait in our kennel room along with several of her Best of Breed Ribbons.
Those National Shows cemented my love for the Sheltie Breed and I am grateful.
Respectfully submitted by Norma Engel,
Warmwinds Shetland Sheepdogs, Troutville, Virginia
A Loan From God
God promised at the birth of time,
A special friend to give,
His time on earth is short, he said,
So love him while he lives.
It may be six or seven years,
Or twelve or then sixteen,
But will you, till I call him back,
Take care of him for me?
A wagging tail and cold wet nose,
And silken velvet ears,
A heart as big as all outdoors,
To love you through the years.
His puppy ways will gladden you,
And antics bring a smile,
As guardian or friend he will,
Be loyal all the while.
He'll bring his charms to grace your life,
And though his stay be brief,
When he's gone the memories,
Are solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return,
But lessons only a dog can teach,
I want you each to learn.
Whatever love you give to him,
Returns in triple measure,
Follow his lead and gain a life,
Brim full of simple pleasure.
Enjoy each day as it comes,
Allow your heart to guide,
Be loyal and steadfast in love,
As the dog there by your side.
Now will you give him all your love,
Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call,
To take him back again?
I fancy each of us would say,
"Dear Lord, thy will be done,
For all the joy this dog shall bring,
The risk of grief we'll run.
"We'll shelter him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known,
Forever grateful stay.
"But shall the angels call for him,
Much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
And try to understand.
God promised at the birth of time,
A special friend to give,
His time on earth is short, he said,
So love him while he lives.
It may be six or seven years,
Or twelve or then sixteen,
But will you, till I call him back,
Take care of him for me?
A wagging tail and cold wet nose,
And silken velvet ears,
A heart as big as all outdoors,
To love you through the years.
His puppy ways will gladden you,
And antics bring a smile,
As guardian or friend he will,
Be loyal all the while.
He'll bring his charms to grace your life,
And though his stay be brief,
When he's gone the memories,
Are solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return,
But lessons only a dog can teach,
I want you each to learn.
Whatever love you give to him,
Returns in triple measure,
Follow his lead and gain a life,
Brim full of simple pleasure.
Enjoy each day as it comes,
Allow your heart to guide,
Be loyal and steadfast in love,
As the dog there by your side.
Now will you give him all your love,
Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call,
To take him back again?
I fancy each of us would say,
"Dear Lord, thy will be done,
For all the joy this dog shall bring,
The risk of grief we'll run.
"We'll shelter him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known,
Forever grateful stay.
"But shall the angels call for him,
Much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
And try to understand.
I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.
I want to re-assure you, that I'm not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said " it's me."
You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It's possible for me, to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...
In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning
and say "good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out...then come home to be with me.
I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.
I want to re-assure you, that I'm not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said " it's me."
You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It's possible for me, to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...
In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning
and say "good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out...then come home to be with me.
