Departure of a Champion- Always Missed, Always Loved

   After two months of silently and deeply grieving the loss of one of my best friends, I must announce with great sadness the passing of SilverStar's CPE champion, Sargeant Major (aka Sarge).  He will always be a part of this family and always be missed.  Sarge passed suddenly in the early hours of the morning while I was away traveling for work in Kentucky.  It is my deepest regret that I was not there to hold him in his final hours.  There will always be a piece of me that will always burn with that knowledge that I left for a trip and came back to one less family member.  My heart aches and it has taken me months to be able to write my final goodbye....mostly because it seems so final.  That perhaps writing this means acknowledging his passing- something I haven't been ready to do.  Losing him and receiving the news four hundred miles from home was one of the most heart wrenching moments I can remember.  I never got to say goodbye and perhaps that is the hardest part to this.  The following is my recognition of the one of the best friends I've ever had.

      I know most outside of our family knew Sarge from his agility achievements and trialing.  He was a delight to have in the ring and to work side by side for these awards.  Sarge would always give his all no matter what.  He would tackle every challenge as if life depended on it and I know my off course yell prevention (SARGE!!!!) could be heard for miles.  I was often told that people in the next county knew when we took the stage.  When we attended nationals, I never dreamed of anything more than a good time with my best friend.  While we brought home first place in the Veterans' games, it was never our focus.  We were both highly competitive and liked to push each other to learn more and be more- this held true even outside of training.  Some people dream of parties or huge soirees, but we dreamed of simple weekends where we could enjoy our work together and enjoy the company of other like minded individuals, canine and human alike.  The next time I set foot in a ring, he will be running with me in spirit, of this I have no doubt.
    Sarge was and always will be the champion of our hearts.  While he graced many stages and won many awards, this was his greatest gift to us- his heart.  Sarge was intuitive and sensitive to our moods, knowing when we needed a shoulder to lean on or a simple hug for support.  He was there when family members passed and there when our grief was the lowest.  Though he couldn't offer words of comfort, his eyes spoke volumes, always saying, "Never worry,  I love you. I have your back always."  Well now buddy, it's time for me to step up and have yours.  It's time to say goodbye and wish you God's speed.  The simple things that I hope he knew was that no matter what, love was a constant in our relationship.  Goodbye and I love you....