5/1/1996 - 4/12/2009
 

During the evening of 3 December 2009 Gemma suffered a seizure rendering her incapacitated so I took her to the Royal Veterinary Hospital at  Potters Bar for advice and help. After waiting several hours and with many tests completed it was found she was suffering from heart failure. I eventually returned home in the early hours next day but once home she suffered another seizure. So with a heavy heart I took her to my vet in St. Albans where it was decided her condition would not improve and I had to make the heart breaking decision to have Gemma put to sleep.   

She will be missed very much by all of us as she was such a character and always led me a merry dance! She was naughty to the end and defiant and unmoving when I needed her to come in from her rummaging in the garden or the utility room!
She leaves me with the legacy of Magec, her son who is now 10 years old.

When the Spring finally comes and the bulbs and flowers spread a carpet of hope and colour I will scatter her ashes beside Ollie's & Leo's.

 Gemma 3 months

Growing Up
but still naughty!

                                                    THE BEGINNING

      On my retirement my friends and colleagues generously presented me
      with a cheque to purchase my first bitch. Gemma was their gift to me but
      little did any of us realise what a nightmare she would turn out to be!

      She was completely independent, stubborn, destructive, an escapologist
      and more than just naughty! If she was missing in or around the bungalow
      and garden the chances are she was in the dustbin, rummaging at the back
      of the wardrobe or behind the garden shed having stolen items from a
      handbag, a tabletop or the larder!
                                 Sometimes it just wasn't funny any more.

      However she had some lovely endearing qualities and she was much loved
      by us all. She was all but 14 years old and was a wonderful mother to
      three litters of pups during this time. She was unstinting in her matronly
      duties and I couldn’t have wished for a better brood bitch.

Her father (CH. Pomlyn Fancy Man at Colynthia) and both her grandfathers
(CH. Ligray Smarty Pants at Ricanna & CH. Sargetas Davilliam of Bylena)
were champions with some lovely qualities, some of which have passed in to her progeny. 

The most recent and the youngest Magec (Arjanan Precious Secret) was consistently successful with Best of Breeds at Open Shows, Reserve Best in Show (West Country Dog Show) and Reserve Best of Sex (Bath Championships 2002).

                         Expectant mum

 
First litter

            Gemma was the Grand Dame still full of mischief
              and character to the end and although retired her
                  pranks and naughtiness were still prevalent!

                              
                       Gemma with Leo, Kimberley & Rupert jr
                                        

     A very very bad day!

                                                                                
                                                                                             Gemma and Leo