18/11/2023
I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone who messaged, called, sent apologies or attended Dad's funeral and Wolfman's passing
So as posted Wolfman passed 24 hrs prior to dad and on Dad's birthday and the day he was laid to rest, i received an early surprise that evening. I welcomed a litter of beautiful, all double masked red pups.
I have included part of the service for those who couldnt attend. It also explains some of the great legacy that was Maryheather and now Circlebartee.
Born in wodonga,one of seven, Dan was raised by his siblings when his parents passed at a young age. The family farm at baranduda continued farming poultry, pigs and cattle.
Dan hated school and as soon as he could leave he did so. He went on to work on properties including Tooma station and for many years the wodonga saleyards. Dan also went on to work as a farrier in the local district before the dairy expanded.
Always with the love of horses and dogs. There have many a tales of Dan and Bob Barretts adventures in the mountains.
Of note worthiness would be the time bob and him were coming home after a packing trip up the mountains when the famous bedford truck's brakes gave out coming back down the mountain into mitta. Or on another notorious bedford trip, sweet old blossom put her hoof through the timber floor boards.
On the last trip up the mountains in typical mountain weather the unprepared mates froze their arses off and didnt get an ouce of sleep trying to keep the fire going, lets just say no goosenecks were needed on the fresh mares the next morning.
In typical dan style, while bagging down his young black stallion boss, Diane has clear memories of wooden rails flying out and the young flighty c**t coming out to meet her while hanging on the end of the lead rope tied to the main post.
Now Dan was pretty well known for his phone answering technique, the phrase "gees your looking good" was a standard greeting. Also regular phrases dan used were "nothing worse than a jagged finger nail" and of course when speaking of his beloved saddle here today, "there is only 2 things that will get you out of this saddle......starvation and diarrhoea"
A very important and beloved part of his life apart from family was his development of Maryheather.
Maryheather kennels was officially started in the early 1980s. The kennel name was selected using both his sister Mary, and daughter Heather's names.
Dan had a type of dog which he stuck to his guns over. He would only produce dogs who could work, good b***d, with strong heads and most importantly the best temperaments. Maryheather kennels would go on to be renowned for some the best temperaments in Australia.
In the early years Dan's type of dog was looked down upon in the show world. Cattle dogs back then were short, dumpy and wouldn't know how to work a mob if they tried. There were very few breeders who know anything about working their dogs to the true origin in which they were bred for. Eventually with the help of his wife Eileen and daughter Diane, Dan came out on top. In fact Ch (champion) Maryheather Drum Boy took out 4 best of breeds consecutively at the Melbourne Royal Show as well as being short listed at group level. Other numerous awards by him and fellow Maryheathers included, Best of Breed and Runner up best of breed Darwin Royal, Canberra Royal, Adelaide Royal and consistent breed results at Brisbane Royal and all regional shows in between. There weren't too many weekends spent at home on the farm, many kms were done on the show circuits.
Dogs and pups were sold all over Australia and for many years there was a standard Maryheather advertisement in the weekly times. Both the Australian cattle dogs and Australia stumpy cattle dogs were also exported to new Zealand, Norway, sweden, south Africa, new Guinea, Canada and america.
Whether it be his love of working his short-haired border collies, Australia cattle dogs or rejuvenating the old breed of Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle dogs, the dogs were a main factor in his life as seen here today with the four legged attendees.
Dan passed last Thursday but it was Diane's last Maryheather dog, Wolfman who lead the way for dan to leave us, 24 hrs prior. Ch Maryheather Wolfman is among the last of Dans bred dogs, still alive. Although Maryheather bloodlines will remain a strong foundation line for years to come. It seems only fitting for Wolfmans ashes to be buried with Dan here today.
With a scruff of the head, wag of the tail, the now nimble bodies headed off. All aliments now gone no longer weathered by time and hard work. Freedom and past loved ones are awaiting.
The chorus of barks and neighs calling them home echoing across the mountains and into the valleys below.🩵
