BRENHOLM GOLDEN SUNRISE (“GEORGIE”) 1999-2011 It’s always sad when you have to part with a much-loved friend who has played a central role in the family, and this was no exception. We found it particularly difficult to force ourselves to say goodbye as we knew we must, as quality of life and strength had declined to a point where the continual struggle seemed pointless. We had had a lovely, very doggy weekend in Wales only 2 weeks before he died, and it was great to have been able to take him to the beach albeit for the last time. This dog, though, marks the end of an era – I have had 3 Brenholms (and a Shadowood): my first – Jaffa – arrived 3 months after my son was born in 1979. I found breeder Anne Meredith via a puppy list, and she became a firm friend and mentor, encouraging my (somewhat pathetic at times) showing efforts – but we did have fun, and with her encouragement won a few prizes including a RCC with my second, Brenholm Companion. A few weeks after Jaffa’s arrival, my (then) husband said “that dog has to go!” to which I replied “if he goes, I go” – but that threat didn’t need to be carried out and my children enjoyed being brought up as English Setters! The great beauty of this breed is their amazing tolerance – my son Christian was once to be found trying to poke around Jaffa’s eyes with a felt tip pen – all the dog did was shake his head and wander off. After a brief interlude in the 90s, having remarried, we bought a Golden Retriever – my thinking being that dog ownership needed a more “sensible” introduction than an English Setter! Then Anne rang me one day. She had recovered from the first onslaught of treatment for the ovarian cancer which was eventually to claim her life in 2004: she had found the energy to have another litter, and said she had a nice orange dog if I was interested – and as she didn’t know what the future would hold for her in terms of further litters with her illness, she couldn’t promise to be in a position to repeat the offer. So with heart in mouth, Georgie arrived in our lives. My daughter and I collected the little darling with much joy. What we hadn’t quite appreciated was that, having been bottle reared, Georgie was to be a real “Mummy’s boy” and very demanding, particularly people-centred, and a real personality. The Retriever was far from pleased, but that only lasted 24 hours. As this photo shows, I believe, even on his last day he displays a tribute to Anne’s careful breeding – a lovely strong dog full of type with a very characterful head. We only showed “lightly” in his youth – full time work incorporating some overseas travel for me meant I had limited time, and to succeed you really have to put more into showing than I felt able to at that time. Anne always thought my ringcraft left a lot to be desired in any case! So there will be no more Brenholms. Will there be another English Setter for us? I hope (expect!) so in time, but for now “the brat”, our German Wirehaired Pointed, Gunnar, will rule the roost and boss us around as he bossed the lovely Georgie, who put up with him with typical English Setter good grace: the perfect gentleman. Georgie joins Anne (who has my unending thanks), and all her other wonderful Brenholms who have gone before him. Sarah Hodge