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Copyright © 2002 Kathy Searles
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After 13 years of constant grooming and showing of my Afghans, I started to think of a breed that would still have the graceful lines, beauty and temperament similar to an Afghan Hound….but not the time to groom and all the equipment needed at shows to get your dog to the ring.
This is the place where a past acquaintance in Afghans plays a major role in my destiny. I had known Sandi Rolfe when she was involved with Afghan Hounds. She had several beautiful dogs, mainly from the Coastwind and Akaba lines. Sandi had found a wonderful breed, namely Whippets and was breeding her first litter in the summer of 1986. I happened to talk to her just before the litter was born and told her of my interest in a puppy. I actually wasn’t necessarily interested in a show dog, but wanted one for my daughter to take into juniors with. I secretly wanted to see if I could show it to and be successful.
Just before Christmas, I went to Sandi’s to see the puppies. I was really interested in a boy but there was one girl that was also available. I planned to come back in another week to pick up my puppy. Sandi knew that the girl was a better show prospect than the boy. She was quite convincing and I came home with Maddy.
Maddy was the perfect dog to take me from Afghans who are not an “in your face all the time” kind of dog to a breed that is known for this trait. She was in the middle. She would greet you enthusiastically but then go sit on her throne…the loveseat. She had the endearing trait of “begging from afar”! I don’t know of too many Whippets that have mastered this trait. She would stare at you from the loveseat, until you finally looked at her. Since she was being so good and not pestering you for a tidbit, you just had to give her something. I think she used mental telepathy! She was always the Queen in everything she did. To live with Whippets is feeling like the Pied Piper of Hamlin, anywhere you go there will be at least one or two tag-a-longs…if not the whole group.
Maddy became a champion in 8 shows, quite an accomplishment. She was bred twice. First to her ½ brother, Ch.Delacreme de la Renta, doubling on Ch.Saxon Shore Amber Waves. The second breeding was to Ch. Alcyon Alvy Singer, a son of Ch.Allerei’s Cabin Fever.
Every Whippet I have goes back to Maddy.
I am so thankful to have shared 12 years of my life with Maddy. She opened many doors to new acquaintances and my eyes to the wonderful ways of the Whippet breed. I am forever grateful to Sandi for entrusting me with Maddy
and the lasting friendship that has evolved over the years