Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal close to us dies, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigour; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling and hold each other close. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.....
.....Author William (Bill) N. Britton � 1994

This is John, My Dad with 'Rebel' (Royvons Rebel Rouser - Litter Brother to Ch Royvons Red Rum - 48 CCs) in the 1970's - John used to give demonstrations all over UK, to encourage responsible ownership, and had more hair in those days!! Sadly, Roy James their breeder, and a good friend, was killed in a tragic car accident on his way home from a show. The breed lost a wonderful and promising young breeder - who knows what he could have achieved? He has Crossed The Rainbow Bridge with 'Rummy', but Rebel is still there waiting !!

This is John with 'Bessie' (Estaway Born Free) at 10 Months, (now nearly 12 years old), and 'Heidi' (Estaway Fancy Free), Bessies Mum - Heidi was mated with Ch Exl Von Batu Sch HIII and Bessie is his Daughter. Bess was the only 'Long Coat' John ever bred, and was in a litter of 13, who all survived. Her Character was such that it was decided to keep her, and she has been the 'kindest' dog he ever owned. Sadly, Heidi left for the Rainbow Bridge in Sept 2001.

This is Prince's Half Brother 'Eric' (Eveleys Excellence of Estaway) at 20 Months - bred by John, sold, and then returned at 18 months of age as 'Unmanageable' - John Gifted him to the London Metropolitan Police, and he served with them until 1984, when he was retired, and lived for a further 5 years with his handler and family until he was called to the Rainbow Bridge at the age of fourteen. Too long in Stifle, and Steep in the Front, but would have been strong competition in the Breed Ring today!!

Here is 'Prince', (Eveleys Endurance Of Estaway, CD Ex, UD Ex, TD, PD., Brother (from a later repeat mating) to Ch Eclipse of Eveley) - Johns first ever Working Trial and Obedience Competition' dog. John has not done Obedience since Prince's journey to the Rainbow Bridge in 1984'

We have been owned by another 9 dogs in the last 60 - odd years.
We have never had a 'Bad One' and all of them could have been left safely in a childrens playground - Only one made it into the Breed Show Ring, but they were all 'Champions' in my eyes, and wonderful companions and friends. In all these years, I can only remember going to the Vets once for treatment, and that was when Prince put his foot into a broken bottle and severed an artery. Only six of the 14 dogs I have owned have been given sleep, the others have passed to the Rainbow Bridge naturally and on their own bed. I have been truly blessed, and know that we will all meet again at the Rainbow Bridge

Here is 'King' (Estaway Fantom, Son of 'Prince' and full Brother of 'Heidi' but from an earlier mating) at 23 Months. The only dog John bred that has been shown at Championship level, He never won a 'Ticket' but was, in the Late 80's, Early 90's, 10 years ahead of his time! (Thats my excuse!!!!).