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I was especially saddend to hear the Great 1999 Westminster Best in Show Winner, KIRBY, the first Papillon ever to win, died today at the age of 16. I was fortunate enough to meet his owner/handler, John Oulten, and my heart goes out to him.
I had always been a "cat person" -- never had a dog -- or wanted one, until I happened to watch that year and saw Kirby prance across my tv set. I had never seen anything like that, and was SO inspired, that I wrote a poem that night, which I later gave to John Oulten. I hope you don't mind if I repeat it here, in his memory:
Ode to Kirby
Oh, little one with sparkling eyes, You captured hearts and won the prize!
Your joy and energy filled the hall And touched the people . . . one and all.
From whence does this fountain of vigor arise? Do you hold the secret behind those big eyes?
And where did you learn to prance so sure -- Brimming with confidence, and yet demure?
Though short in stature compared to the rest You proved to us all that small can be best.
It's not the size of the package that wins, But the strength of the heart and spirit within.
For you have given us all a gift -- A glimpse of perfection that's sure to uplift.
And what thoughts do pass through that beautiful head? Winning? Or simply enjoyment instead?
You seemed so relaxed and happy as well, If you felt any nerves, no one could tell.
What a joy and delight to witness your spunk. You easily did the Toy Dog myth debunk!
The first Papillon to win this award, The crowd was enthralled and loudly they roared.
You stood in that silver cup happy and proud. Your eyes seemed to welcome and savor the crowd.
Your little paws perched on the edge of that cup, Your lovely head still, your eyes looking up.
What a picture you made for all who did see -- How cute and yet regal one small dog could be.
And so, lively Papillon, long may you reign. Your beauty and spirit we'll not see again.
To complete my story, I must tell you that I had been an energetic professional singer/actress for 25 years before I became sick and bedridden with CFIDS in 1995. This was my first attempt at poetry, and from there I branched out, and am now a somewhat accomplished poet, launching my personalized Haiku4You ™ business. And all because this little dog touched my heart so deeply. My Doctor actually "prescribed" a Papillon as a therapy dog and companion for me, and I finally got my beloved ROMEO in May of 2001. He's been with me through illness, and now divorce. I'm gradually getting better, and hope to be off of Disability as soon as I'm able.
I owe SO MUCH to KIRBY, who inspired me to begin writing poetry, and who led to me adopt ROMEO, who has been the "love of my life" and helped me in ways I can't begin to explain.
Precious, Kirby -- Thank you -- May you Rest in Peace.
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Thank you, ILUVROMEO, for your poem and your thoughts. I too remember little Kirby when he won the Best in Show that year. I am such a fan of the Westminster Dog show and have watched it for 25 year plus and little Kirby is one that holds a huge memory for me. But as kees lady posted, he is waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for his master.
This post has been edited by mickeysfriend: Feb 14 2007, 06:10 PM
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My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am. ~Author Unknown
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I did a web search for a news item about Kirby (to cut and paste and send and sent to a fellow dog lover) and all I found was a news item posted 8 hours ago (it's 7:39 AM CST as I type) saying Kirby was retired and in his hotel room sleeping. It was the only current news about Kirby I could find.
Not to cast doubts, but is there any outside verification of this message board news about Kirby?
Mark Twain once said the news of his (Mark Twain's) death was greatly exaggerated. Maybe another case of a misunderstanding?
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QUOTE (Poltergeist97 @ Feb 13 2007, 07:48 AM)
I did a web search for a news item about Kirby (to cut and paste and send and sent to a fellow dog lover) and all I found was a news item posted 8 hours ago (it's 7:39 AM CST as I type) saying Kirby was retired and in his hotel room sleeping. It was the only current news about Kirby I could find.
Not to cast doubts, but is there any outside verification of this message board news about Kirby?
It was announced on the dog show last night about Kirby during the toy competition. Actually, the announcement was the same as what was written here by Iluv.
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My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am. ~Author Unknown
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I cried when I heard the announcement that "The Great Kirby" died. I have been a Scottish Terrier lover all my life (Will always love the Scots.) But in Feb of 1999 I fell IN LOVE when I saw this little majestic, regal, sparkle of life! I have never seen anything like him. He is the whole reason I now have my Cappy. I waited until late 2005 to get her. It has been so worth it to wait for the right dog. Thank You Kirby for being the wonderful ambassador of grace, confidence, tenacity and love. (What a wonderful combination!) You were one in a million, even among the Paps!... Truly "A Supernatural Being"! My condolence to John Oulton who owned him and to the Kings who bred him. . I loved the poem written for him. Thank you, Tonette. You spoke so eloquently and from the heart. I concur the sentiment completely! Kirby will be missed by so many of us.
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Thank you for everyone who had such kind words about my poem, and who also remembered Kirby with great affection and respect.
And thank you to the Board Administrators, or whoever it was who deleted those rude comments from those two "rogue" posters.
My heart goes out to John Oulton -- I read a recent article that said that, even tho Kirby was retired, he would take him to Dog Shows occasionally and let him run around the ring, and of course, everyone would cheer and applaud, and that Kirby LOVED it! He said Kirby slept with him every night (as does my sweet Romeo) -- wow -- what a loss after 16 years together. As a cute aside, he mentioned that Kirby loved Chicken MacNuggets, so every time they were in the car, he'd drive through MacDonald's to get Kirby his treat!
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QUOTE (mickeysfriend @ Feb 13 2007, 03:56 PM)
It was announced on the dog show last night about Kirby during the toy competition. Actually, the announcement was the same as what was written here by Iluv.
I also cried when I heard the news of Kirby's passing. I remember his win in 1999 and his complete love of showing off. Remembering him sitting in the trophy cup the tears came, what a wonderful little dog he was. Your poem was beautiful but then it was inspired by a beautiful little dog with a great big heart who loved life. John Oulton, may you find Kirby waiting at the "Rainbow Bridge" and romp forever in the golden fields.
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I loved Tonette's poem and story on how Kirby touched her life. That same year that Kirby won I also was able to adopt a papillon that looks so much like her Romeo. He has fulfilled my life in so many ways! The joys that these dogs bring is hard to imagine. They are so smart, so loving and so funny. I look forward to every morning when "Beauregard" joyously greets each and every day. You can't help but feel the optimism that the day may bring. I hope she has Romeo for a long time. I know she is loving every minute of his precious life! I hope her health continues to improve also. Sincerely, Judy
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Rest in peace dear Kirby, you were and will always be the true ambassador to this breed. I was thrilled to be there the day you won our national at the ripe ole age of 14. What a thrill. My condolences go out to Lou Ann King, the breeder of Kirby, who lost him in an ugly legal battle. I know Kirby will be waiting at the other side of the rainbow bridge to see her again and what a meeting it will be!!!!! God Speed Sweet Kirby, God Speed!!!
The Great Kirby Died Today, My poetic tribute
Feb 12 2007, 11:02 PM
