|
Ash
River Kennels started in 1998 with the purchase of a great dog named, "Ash". He amazed us. He became one of
us. He captured our hearts... he still does, today. Memories
of his unbridled affection, comical antics, genuine devotion and unconditional love will live in our hearts and minds so long
as we live to remember him. As I look over his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren living here at the kennels
I see him. His way of moving. An
expression on their faces. The way he tirelessly chased the ball. His eyes when they followed our movements round
the room. The way he greeted us in the driveway or met us at the door as if we'd been gone forever when
we'd merely run an errand. His shepherdly way of guarding and watching over our home and children. His quiet
way of being with us during ordinary moments of every day. The faithful and unconditional love he always showed
that reminded me daily of the miraculous and perfect love of God for His children. Though we called him Ash, in that his merling mimicked the ashes in the bottom
of a fire, we formally, named him "Moss' Asher" . Asher is a Hebrew word with significant meaning:
"Happy and Blessed". This is how we felt about his presence in our home; blessed. We are told that there is a River of God that flows from the Throne into the lives
of His people. It is on this precipe that Ash River got its name. We desired that what had been given us could
be preserved and shared. It has. It is. It will be still. The River flows.
So, with what
began as an attempt to hold on to a piece of him forever, we embraced a hobby that has taught us an appreciation for the individuality
of each Aussie member of our family, and given us a respect for the breed standards upheld by each registry.
Raising
puppies became a family affair, and has become a tool by which we teach our children several excellent life lessons; primarily,
being responsible for others' well-being, and respectful of life.
Through the years, we've grown. We've enjoyed
seeing the children learn to balance their chores with homeschool as well as delight themselves in the miracle of birth and
the care of our puppies. Loving and being responsible for animals has great rewards for anyone, instilling a sense of responsibility,
compassion, and kindness for those who are unable to care for themselves and are dependent upon us to provide for their needs.
We feel these are wholesome values for our children to be learning and are very pleased that our love for animals
has become such a part of their lives. Most importantly, we have done what we set out to do. We will always mourn
the loss of our friend and in hindsight gaze with warmth and fondness upon our memories of Ash. We have preserved
a fine bloodline and refined it along the way with wonderful additions to our Aussie Family. Like a river, good things
have flowed to us through him, and so as well to you. In
loving memory.
|
