Gilda could tell what I was thinking, assess my feelings or situation, and look at me as if to say "what's the problem? It doesn't seem so bad." She could also bring joy and comfort to me and others and visited at nursing homes numerous times - saying hello to anyone who paid the slightest attention to her. She made me smile and laugh every day, whether it was strolling by with something in her mouth that didn't belong there (but appeared interesting to her, no doubt), or romping around with my grandchildren, or her children or grandchildren, She was always a joy to have around.

Gilda was my first homebred champion, the dam of two champions, and granddam of many others. Anyone who met her at the shows might remember her: tearing around the ring as a pup - trying to chew on her lead and generally making a fool of me, or more recently sailing around the veterans ring like a young pup. She was a young show dog in the Southeast and a veteran in the Northeast. She saw me through many of my life's changes, and took them all in stride, only asking to be near me, never complaining about a change of home, location, climate, or lifestyle.

She passed all her heart testing year after year, but that terrible demon - hemagiosarcoma - took her from me when she was still romping around like a young dog. She was even an elegant lady during her final days - never complaining and always wagging her tail at me even when her strength was being stolen from her.

I was so very lucky to have her, and miss her more than words can say. I will look for the look in her eyes in a puppy again someday. However, I know I'll never have another one as special to me as my beloved Gilda.

This photo was taken when she was 2 1/2 years of age.
	"Gilda's Debut" (Aug. 1995, age 8 months) Owner handled She later (14 months of age) took a 4 point major from the bred-by-exhibitor class. She completed her Champion title handled by her friend, Rick Justice.
Gilda, in our favorite chair. photo - Nov, 2001
	Gilda at 7 1/2 years. Placing 2nd in the very competitive Veteran bitch class at the New England Boxer cluster, May, 2002. Judge: Tim Hutchings, shown by Carol Josephson.