'Connor', Connor Coronado of Slinfold, has passed on.  The photos show Connor winning Winner's Dog and completing his Novice Agility Title.  Connor is the littermate brother to our BG.  He was owned and forever loved by Nichola Ellis of Burbank. 

"Connor, was just Connor. He  was a real character from the word go.  I truly believe - actually, I know it in my heart - that he was destined only for Nicola. I'd originally sold Connor to Eileen Schultz in Canada as a 4-month old pup. Nic had met puppy Connor a few week earlier. Her heart was torn because she had fallen in love with 2 pups.  But she was living in an apartment at a time and felt she could only handle one pup.  She let me know that she had bravely chosen little 'Tyson' at another breeder's home because she had concerns that his breeder might 'do something drastic' to place the plain black pup (what a heart!).
     Connor went to Canada but was not a very happy dog.  His first owner, Eileen S., called me complaining that he was barking hysterically ever since he'd arrived, three days before, and he would not stop.  He had a very strong personality - that Connor boy. She had him in a kennel, 6 X 10 or such, and he was NOT having it. I tried to explain that this pup was accustomed to large yards and running with other dogs (that had to be his problem, I convinced myself at the time). Eventually, Eileen S and I decided it would be best for Connor to come back home to me. Not 5 minutes after I'd hung up the phone with Eileen S., Nic called and asked if Connor was alright. She had been having bad dreams about him for the previous 3 nights. He was terribly upset and barking in her dreams. She was very worried about him.
       I had only met Nic one time, when she came to visit puppy Connor a couple of weeks before. I didn't know her well, but at that moment, even though I was a little unsure about the crazy dream event, I knew where Connor belonged.  It was simply 'meant to be'.  Nic's dream came from a heart full of enough love to enable her to manage raising 2 Aussie pups at once. That same love would help Connor adjust to the apartment-sized life Nic had to offer him as her second puppy ('second', indeed!). Connor absolutely loved Nic. And, she loved him right back. He was a big, goofy, and very bold pup.  He 'performed' like a trouper for her. Connor was Nic's protector and her personal comedian. I think Connor was the 'Abbot' and Tyson the 'Costello' of their comedy act. What a team!  He was always glad to come back to our place and visit us, romping with his brother and the other dogs in his family. But he made it clear that he loved going home with Nic and 'Tyson' (the plain black pup that became his side-kick) most of all.
      I truly believe that many of our dogs have eventually ended up their ideal homes because the Good Lord chose that combination (as unlikely as a particular home might have seemed in our mere human minds). This match was definitely one of HIS picks. Connor was such a powerful individual and his passing has left a huge silent hole. We all miss him and his silly, freckle-faced grins."  Eileen (& Tony) Coronado

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"Your beauty, your aim to please, your commitment to excel in all ways made you a champion among your fellows.  I want to thank you, Conner, for your majestic spirit, the joy, and the loving lessons that you brought to our friend, Nicola.  You are cherished and will always be in our hearts." Victoria

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Our next dog to remember is Coronado's Boss Bear, 'Bear'

"Coronado's Boss Bear was loved beyond measure by his human soul mate, May Boss. Bear was her constant companion and best friend. Bear was a gentleman with an unusually quiet nature for an Aussie. His only desire was to please May and be with her every moment. Everyone that met him was impressed at this big gentle bear of a dog that was so pleasant and sweet. As big a dog as Bear was, you would hardly know he was around unless you looked down at May's side. That was his place. That's just the way he wanted it. Life is not always fair and death can take us by surprise. I know by experience that the grief can be almost unbearable. But the wonderful memories of all the years of togetherness eventually brings back the smiles and an occasional joyful laugh to even the most sorrowful heart. Thank God for memories. Bear was such a remarkable individual, totally dedicated to the one he loved. He was truly an outstanding example of the loyalty and love that the Australian Shepherd is famous for. We are so sorry he's gone, but Bear will live on forever in all of the hearts that knew him."  Eileen and Tony Coronado
 

(more memorial offerings will be posted soon)