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Francis was our first Bordeaux. He has captured our hearts
and cannot imagine being without him! If you'd like
to know more about him, please scroll down to read his story. |
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I ONLY WANTED YOU
They say memories are golden
well maybe that is true
I never wanted memories,
I only wanted you.
A million times I needed you,
a million times I cried.
If love alone could have saved you
you never would have died.
In life I loved you dearly,
In death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place
no one could ever fill.
If tears could build a stairway
and heartache make a lane,
I'd walk the path to heaven
and bring you back again.
Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.
--- Anonymous --- |
In April of 2004
our sweet Francis began having yet more health problems. After
consulting with different specialists he was finally diagnosed
with Wobbler's Syndrome, a devastating genetic neurological
illness. Through the help of a wonderful and caring vet, Dr.
Durkes in Indiana, we tried to restore Francis to a productive
life, but it wasn't meant to be. Through it all Francis fought
hard to overcome this ailment, always with a smile and a zest
and happiness for life. But in the end it had taken it's toll
and he let us know when the time had come, he no longer had the
will or strength to fight. It was when this happened we knew,
and made the painful decision to let him go.
On June 8, 2004
my sweet Francis went to sleep peacefully in my arms to live in
eternal love and happiness. He was ready to go, bless his pure
and gentle heart, and he is now playing with the angels. Once
again he is the strong and proud soul that had captured my
heart. God love him, he's changed my life forever.
In the book The
Saga of the Dogue de Bordeaux there is a description that fits
this breed, and Francis, so perfectly.
It reads.....
"The Dogue de
Bordeaux loves to be stroked. He is 'clinging'. He will give a
paw ten times to get what he wants. When you let him do as he
likes, he will overwhelm you. He will scramble on your lap, on
your shoulders. He will stand up when his master or mistress
gets up. He waits at the door of the bathroom. He will look
fondly into your eyes. He sits on your foot and can stay there
for hours. He lies forgotten under the table. He will
accompany you on your walk and stay close. In
short, he loves you. "This fidelity
lasts till the day he dies."
Francis,
you will always have my heart, my sweet boy, though I miss you
terribly and always will. The joy and wonderful memories you
brought into our lives will live forever, I am so grateful for
having been given such a gift as you. Sleep well my baby.
I'd like to
express my sincere appreciation and love to "Francis' Special
Friends". Though some of you are states and even countries
away, your love and support shown to Francis will never be
forgotten. He knew he was special, and I'm so grateful for all
of you for helping him feel that too.
Our forever
thanks and love from Francis and myself to my family and sons,
(Francis' Boys), and to Francis' friends Renie, Hedy, Nicole,
Bonnie & Zoi, Amy & Bosley, Joan C., Hilary, Linda M., Steph,
George and Gina, Joey, Carol, Susan, Aimee, Terri, Jan, Will &
Paula for their help in trying to find a diagnosis, and all
those who held him in their hearts. We will always remember
your thoughtfulness.
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"The Sweetest Face" |
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All Comfy |
Halloween. . .
Francis loved dressing for the occassion! |
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Francis
is a Dogue de
Bordeaux purchased from a Nationally
Advertised Kennel.
His story is meant to
help anyone interested in purchasing a dogue, and
hopefully help them avoid the problems and heartache
we experienced.
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Francis
has become a very special part of our lives. We brought
him home in October of 2000. We had been looking for a breeding
dogue. After speaking to several breeders, as well as
looking at advertisements on both the internet and in
magazines, we chose this breeder. This gentleman
sounded so knowledgeable and helpful, I felt secure we could
rely on his expertise.
We
were told of a pup he had that he said was a $2800 dogue,
good breeding stock, so we decided to go see him.
The first thing I noticed was that the pups' tongue
hung out all the time. We were assured that
this was a sign that he would have a GOOD head. I will
say right here that, although I've had dogs all my life, I was
new to this breed, and was relying on this breeder to tell me
the truth about what would be good or bad conformation-wise.
We were told the pup would be registered NKC. I
questioned this also, never having heard of this registration.
He stated this was another registry the Bordeaux can be
registered with. I was told the pup could also be
registered FIC.
We
purchased the pup for $1100. After a while, I contacted
another breeder for a second opinion on his mouth. I was
told this was a fault, to neuter him. I called the
breeder to inform him that I had neutered my breeding
dogue. He sounded somewhat upset, stating that he wanted
to breed to him.
As
time went on, we discovered the pup was not only dysplastic,
but that his lineage could not be traced. We now had
a neutered "breeding" dogue with a severely
undershot and twisted jaw, health problems, and a
pedigree that was no good.
Francis
will be with us for as long as he lives, we love him
dearly. But no person or dogue should be put
in this position. In my opinion, this is an unethical
breeder.
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I have filed
formal complaints and I encourage anyone looking for a
Dogue to contact the
DDBS
and USBC before purchase. They will tell you if there
have been any complaints filed.
I also
encourage existing owners to file complaints with these
organizations on any kennel problems.
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This
is Xena
She
is a half sister to Francis. Same sire as Francis, bred to
Francis Granddam. Her tongue hangs out continually. She
was rescued by Stace Eakle and friends from a shelter in
California. She was an owner turn-in. The owners had
let Xena become very sick and did not want to take the
responsibility for Veterinary costs. The wonderful people
that rescued her got her the veterinary care she needed
and she is on the road to recovery, though she has health
problems like the others from this line.
Unfortunately, Xena passed
away in 2002 due to health problems. She is sadly missed. |
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How
many more will end up in shelters? How many more will be
euthanized, or worse, be neglected, because they are not
healthy? She was lucky to have been rescued, many others
won't be so lucky. This kind of breeding will only
result in puppies who will not be taken care of either because of
the expense, or because they simply are not wanted anymore.
Xena
has a wonderful temperament just like Francis, and was lucky
to have found a loving home. How sad for the others that
this continues.
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In addition,
we were led to
believe that this pup was a result of this breeders'
personal stock at his kennel. Francis, in fact,
came from somewhere else, as this breeder's name was not on
the transfer papers. Ask
to see the sire and dam before purchase, if this is not possible,
ask for phone numbers to check the lineage.
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I have since
been contacted by two other owners of pups from this same
kennel. I have been told by one owner that his pup
is of the same lines as Francis. I was told by the
other owner they have yet to receive papers. Both
of these people told me their dogues have health problems.
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