02/04/2025
If you are very, very lucky as a breeder, there are a handful of dogs that come into your life that permanently change the course of events for you. I’ve had the pleasure to be owned by several remarkable dogs in my 40+ years in this sport. Many have done great things, and many have produced well, but today there is one who stands above all the rest.
Born January 15, 2012 she was one of eight dark tri borzoi collectively known as the “Dream” Litter. Her registered name was Sunburst Ellicit Dream. Elli came to California to help my heart heal from the loss of an older borzoi girl. I think it was love at first sight for both of us. I was smitten with her beautiful rich colors, and she loved having hills to run on and free play with the other zoi. We quickly nicknamed her “Elli Mae Borzoi” and then “The Divine Miss EMB”, and that was her name until her last day.
She was easy to show – she never put a foot down wrong. In fact, she was so easy to show that she became Riley Capton’s first “big dog” to show in Juniors. We called Elli Mae “Riley’s training wheels”.
She loved to chase the lure. I recall years ago, it was often remarked that people frequently got their first dog, and it was their best dog, but they didn’t realize it at the time. Elli Mae was remarkable in the field, but I was new to lure coursing and didn’t know what I had. I regret that.
But where Elli Mae really excelled was in the whelping box. Bred only twice, she whelped a total of 12 puppies. Her first litter of 4, the “Elements” litter sired by Oxota Avalon Halberd (“Hal”), resulted in 3 conformation champions, a Grand Champion, a CD, a GRC and one son eligible for his ROM. Her second litter of 8 (sired by Estet Classic Tihomir, “T”) thus far produced 5 champions, 1 Grand Champion, and 1 senior courser. I say ‘thus far’ because 4 other champions are near to attaining their Grand Championship. For you borzoi folk who understand Register of Merit (ROM) points, Elli Mae Borzoi is on track for her ROM-X.
Elli Mae’s last show was in 2020 where she was awarded BOS Veteran and Best Brood Bitch. Since then, she’s been gracing our furniture with her regal air befitting of the Queen she was.
She left us last night somewhere around 6 pm. I checked on her at that time and she was alert. I came back at 6:15 to give her some meds, and she was gone. Regal, in charge, and composed until the very end. 13 years, 2 months and 15 days. In all that time I don’t recall she ever did anything wrong. She was absolutely perfect.
Rest well Elli Mae Borzoi, you gave your all.
GCh Sunburst Ellicit Dream, JC ROM. January 15, 2012 – March 31, 2025
