Thursday, November 18, 2010

Hank's Story

AKC sent an email to all Eukanuba National Champion entrants asking for heart felt/inspiring stories.  I thought I would share with blogger-sphere what I sent them.  

I wanted share a story about 5 C's Dreams Come True.

My mom, Mildred Corner, was having a blast raising and showing champion Rough and Smooth Collies. 

Then mom was diagnosed with Small Cell Lung Cancer January 2008 with a great prognosis. After aggressive treatment and always a positive fighting attitude mom was pronounced "Cancer Free" July 2008. January 2009 the cancer was back. This time in her spine and lymph nodes. Prognosis was "grim" and she was labeled "terminal". Mom lost her battle on February 26, 2009. She was 56 years old.

I have often been asked what I plan on doing with "all those dogs". First of all these were not just "dogs" to my mom. They were the passion in her life. When she was first diagnosed with cancer her dogs were the routine that mom needed to function every day. They gave her the will to fight and we got more time with her because of them. There fore they are not just "dogs" to me. They are a part of my mom that I will always cherish.

During all of this mom bred and whelped her first litter out of her own breeding stock.  Something she had been working toward for many years.  Out of this litter she picked a boy and girl to keep and named them Hank and Ivy.  

After mom passed away I was lost, but knew I had to keep the dogs and try to continue what mom had started.  This is when mom's very close friend, Lorie Barnes, came to me and offered to raise, train and show the two puppies.  I agreed and entered into a co-ownership of both pups with her. 

Lorie has done a beautiful job with these puppies.  Both Championed their first year in the confirmation ring.  Hank championed June 2010, and earned Grand Champion just a few short months later in September 2010.  He is also ranked in the top 25 of Smooth Collies. Thus earning his invitation to the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship.

So Hank is the "Dreams Come True" dog. 


Thank you,
Jennifer Questa and Lorie Barnes


 And here is Hank's AKC/Eukanuba National Champion Catalog picture that I submitted


6 comments:

  1. What a beautiful dog! I never knew there was a such thing as a smooth coat collie. I guess thats why I am more towards horses and not dogs. Though I always do enjoy a good dog.

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  2. I'm so sorry that you went through all this. It's great that you have the dogs, and what a story - a Grand Champion and going for a national championship. Good luck and keep us posted.

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  3. As the tears roll, I type - and wish you nothing but the best as you continue your moms legacy!!

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  4. Gorgeous dog and what a wonderful story. You know your mom is smiling.

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  5. Absolutely beautiful and inspirational story. Made me get teary-eyed, too.

    Hank is a handsome boy.

    ~Lisa

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Happy Trails!

~Jeni