Merry Birthday!

Happy 10th Birthday, Merry!

It seems such a long while ago when I visited Santa Kennels in Rachaburi to try to find the perfect Pedigree Labrador Retriever girl as partner to our Bongo.

I found her in Merry! (a.k.a Santa Belquest Paradise; daughter of Belquest Braveheart, the then Thai Labrador Champion, and mother Santa Lega Omio) little more than a pup at the time. All Labradors born at Santa Kennels take a Christmas related name!...so yes, it is Merry and not Mary!

Well last Monday the 24th August we had a small party for Merry and friends to celebrate her 10th birthday! Our vet who takes care of all the dogs and Oscar the cat, Dr. Nook, told us that for a dog the 1st year is counted as 20 dog years and every year thereafter as 7 dog years…so that makes our Merry to be a grand dame of 83 years of age!

In her youth Merry won many trophies at canine beauty shows and competitions. With her stubby English Labrador ‘paddle’ tail and short snout she was, and still is, a perfect example of her breed....and also typical she loves water and is an incredible swimmer even at this age! She has made Bongo a proud father 37 times and their pups have found homes throughout Thailand and as far away as The UK, Spain, Africa and Australia.

No longer a Dog Show Champion and a doting mother but a true outdoors lady of the farm!.....and a very  special friend indeed!

Happy birthday Sweetheart!