01/08/2025
Thirty one years ago today my fourth Papillon, Rumor, was born. Rumor was a singleton, and he had many of the problems that can come with that, most especially not liking other dogs (and thank you Jamie Evans for integrating three-week-old Rita in to your pack so those problems never surfaced with singleton Rita!). Rumor's mission in life was to rid the world of Border Collies, most specifically the ones that lived in his house. He was a cute, feisty, fun-to-train-and-show little guy. Rumor was the first CH OTCH MACH TD of any breed. Sadly, Rumor developed glaucoma at the age of ten like his uncle/cousin Zack before him. Ten year old Papillons should still be in their working prime, not going blind, and that was also the end of our quest for a TDX and a MACH2. Rumor died at 12 1/2 from congestive heart failure, another problem in the Papillon breed. Robert has always reminded me of Rumor, with a MUCH better temperament, and thank goodness, none of the physical issues as well. Rumor was from the generation of NO fun matches where the obedience trials were held, so he had to find that go out spot all on his own, which can be daunting for a little dog. And of course he also had to jump higher, plus walk in the snow to school, uphill both ways, just kidding! I will always remember him fondly.
