Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water, and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each
miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in a joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together
-Author unknown “
Kapell’s African Prince SJATD, CD, CGN
“KENYA”
July 1, 2002 – January 11, 2013
Kenya was my first dog and best friend. We have made a lot of moves together and learned a lot together as well. He was my right-hand man when I need something and has always been very loyal. He was the gentlest of souls and had a very kind heart. He got very worried and concerned when someone was crying or upset. Kenya has always surpassed my expectations and made me proud of anything we have tried. Even though Kenya was not that stunning show dog, Kenya has made a wonderful Therapy dog and has been by my side at work often. He attained obedience titles very easily and quickly. We were a team and have remained that way until his passing. Kenya was into his retirement and enjoying it! He still loved rides in the truck and going to work with me on occasion. He continued to enjoy his time in the fields and still liked to swim. His only challenge was arthritis but he was taking it all in stride until bone cancer struck. Much thanks to Greg Kapell from Pilot Butte, Sask for entrusting my “first” golden to me and introducing me to this wonderful breed!
Friday, January 11, 2013, was a very sad day for me. It was the day my very best friend was taken from me. It was a sudden shock and my heart aches but I know you are in a better place without pain and for that I’m thankful. I always promised that I would not let you suffer – I owed you that. You will always be in my heart and mind. I cannot thank you enough for the years you were with me and the fun we had. We had a true bond and that will not be forgotten! I wish you peace while you run and play at Rainbow Bridge. Miss you and love you forever
Coltans Prince of Egypt PCD CD CGN WC therapy dog
“KAIRO“
D.O.B. Sept 6, 2015 – march 2017
Today I lost one of the best golden retrievers I know and I had the pleasure to live and work with and call my buddy. Kairo – Coltans Prince of Egypt PCD CD CGN WC therapy dog went to the bridge this morning after fighting everything he could to please me right until the end. He was the happiest dog and so willing to work. He taught me a lot about training and precision and stubbornness. We did many first together all of which I will hold near to my heart and in my memories. We gained our very first high in trial together and our first field title together. He was always wanting to be with me and greeted everyone who came to our house with a smile and a nudge for a pet. He was the best therapy dog and taught me a lot about working with autistic children and what they needed……he knew and worked so well with them. Even though you leave an emptiness in our house I know you had fought long enough and I had to let you go. I owed that to you…..my promise to never let you suffer. Run free now with Kenya…..you were best buddies….no more pain ….. love you forever my sweet boy.
BPIG CAN. CH Coltan’s Winner Takes All CGN, PCD, CD-HIC, Am-CGC, Am-CD-HIC
(GR CAN. CH. Coltan’s Labour Day Classic X CAN. CH. Eirene’s Gone Fishin’, SDHF)
“VEGAS“
D.O.B. January 15, 2011
I would like to thank Karen Smith from Coltan Kennels once again for entrusting me with another beautiful boy! Vegas came to join our pack on March 6, 2011 and has fit in wonderfully ever since! Vegas has had very limited time to start to learn things but he is doing very well. He has mastered sit, down, stand, touch target, come and shake a paw! He is retrieving well and loves the field! His encounter with real birds has been phenomenal and he has taken to it like a pro! Vegas has also started doing some training for therapy work and he has been coming to work with me at the hospital. He has excelled at being introduced to new surroundings and has taken it all in stride. He truly has a golden temperament and he smiles when he greets everyone! Vegas will be debuting his show career in the show ring in July in Calgary!! I have extremely high hopes for this little guy and I’m excited to get things going! Keep checking back to see where we are going and where we have gone so far!!!
CAN. CH. Coltan’s King of Sonora, PCD, WC, CD-HIC, GRCC- VC, TDI, CGN, CDX, Am-CD, Am-CGC
“TUCSON“
D.O.B September 27, 2008 – June 29, 2021
Tucson was my first conformation dog and opened my eyes to the world of showing. Even though I did not do it myself, I felt a part of this new venture and it has been a great experience and learning curve. Who would have known that I needed to know what Winner’s Dog meant or Best of Breed or when he should be going back into the ring? Tucson has surpassed all my expectations and he has only continued to prove himself daily. Tucson was the dog that opened up Field competitions to me and even as a newbie in training him he worked endlessly with me to reach our goal of finishing a title! Tucson has a drive like Kairo, yet he has the grace and presence of a show dog. Tucson was deemed versatile in 2010 for his accomplishments in areas of conformation, obedience, and field.
I have Karen Smith of Coltan Kennels to thank yet again for entrusting me not only with another of her dogs but helping me get into the showing sport of dogs and experience that. She has been nothing but support and a wonderful friend and if it wasn’t for her I’m not sure I would be where I am today!
Tucson finished his Canadian Championship very quickly and was stunning in the show ring. At 10 months of age, he had accomplished his first obedience title and shortly thereafter finished his Canadian Championship. He has a wonderful, correct coat with a correct topline. His movement is phenomenal and he moves effortlessly through fields. It is truly a beautiful sight to watch. The head-on Tucson is gorgeous and the attribute I love best except for his wonderful temperament. I really couldn’t ask for anything more! Tucson learns very fast! He has picked up things very quickly and knows what my expectations and end results are even before I do! 🙂
Tucson has always been my lap dog from day one. As he got bigger he still felt the need to sit close and rest his head on me or the lap top whichever was closer! He loves being petted and having children around. He is the gentlest of souls and just wants you to love him. In his spare time, he enjoys working as a therapy dog for Therapy Dog International and interacting with adults and children of all ages and all abilities. His time spent with me at work is his downtime and probably his favorite since he gets special treatments and attention!
Tucson is currently training at Utility level (the highest level of CKC Competitive obedience). My goal for him is to finish Utility by fall 2014 and attain his Otch (Obedience trail champion). He is still working on more field competitions and we hope to finish WCI and Junior Hunt Spring 2014. I’m quite proud of this boy!