The Great Rory - Ch Sporting Fields Jazz Fest ROMX - was laid to rest today. At one month shy of his 16th birthday he was showing his age but was still an active, happy dog. Unfortunately he had developed a nasal tumor that was bleeding and Debbie, Amanda, and Kathy all agreed it was time to let him go while his quality of life was still good and his dignity intact.
Rory has lived with Kathy Rasmussen since the 2003 Chicago National. Kathy loved and cared for Rory as though she bred and owned him. It was because of her care and diligence that he gave a performance of a lifetime and thrilled everyone at the Massachusetts National winning the Veterans Sweepstakes.
This small, beautiful dog did so much - a top winning show dog, a top lure coursing dog, and a sire who stamped his get with beauty, elegance, soundness, big sidegait, and big heart. He has sired puppies around the world and Whippets everywhere have benefited from him being on this earth.
You might like to watch again the video that Kathy made in honor of Rory's 15th birthday on EWhippetzine -
http://ewhippetzine.com/oncover809.html - and remember this great dog and his accomplishments again.
Please DO NOT contact Kathy in this time of sorrow - she does not want to talk about the passing of a dog who meant so much to her. But Kathy, Debbie, and Amanda will enjoy your kind words, memories, and condolences on the Whippets lists.
Sadly,
Karen Gibson
