Our Favorite Photo of CH Cilleine Masquerade
And handler Paul Catterson
And handler Paul Catterson
We returned home to find the disturbing news that one of our great show dogs has crossed the rainbow bridge. The Number Five Dog All Breeds in 2008, the Brussels Griffon, CH Cilleine Masquerade, has passed away after a brief illness. Lincoln was the winningest Griffon in history, collecting 70 all breed BIS titles. Among his memorable wins were back2back BIS at the giant Evansville & Louisville KC shows, one of the three largest weekends of 2008, Group One at the 2008 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, and a Group One at the 2009 Westminster Kennel Club Show. Bred by Denise Barney and owned by Mamie & Evelyn Gregory & Harlow & Anne Jahelka, Lincoln and handler Paul Catterson were one of the most engaging couples in the dog world.
After acting lethargic for a couple of days, Lincoln suffered a seizure and was taken to the University of Georgia, known for its superb neurological staff. After a week in ICU, the diagnosis was that he had contracted Encephalitis. He immediately began a steroid and chemotheraputic regimen. He returned home last Friday with the plan that he would receive chemo treatments on a regular basis at the University of Tennessee. However, Monday he could not be wakened and was rushed to his vet. Despite the heoric efforts of his regular vet and the staff at the U of GA assisting by telephone, Lincoln passed away in Anne’s arms Monday afternoon, just one month shy of his sixth birthday.
After acting lethargic for a couple of days, Lincoln suffered a seizure and was taken to the University of Georgia, known for its superb neurological staff. After a week in ICU, the diagnosis was that he had contracted Encephalitis. He immediately began a steroid and chemotheraputic regimen. He returned home last Friday with the plan that he would receive chemo treatments on a regular basis at the University of Tennessee. However, Monday he could not be wakened and was rushed to his vet. Despite the heoric efforts of his regular vet and the staff at the U of GA assisting by telephone, Lincoln passed away in Anne’s arms Monday afternoon, just one month shy of his sixth birthday.
The trophies on the shelf will start to tarnish and the photos will collect dust, but the memories of our beloved pets will live on forever. Our thoughts are with Lincoln’s extended family and all who loved him.
I am so sad for Anne and Howard.
ReplyDeletePatty Harbison, Nashville
This is so horrible. We had our Australian import Affenpinscher die of what sounds like the exact same thing not too long ago - and it is so painful! I hope one of the amazing canine research organizations can figure out how better to treat this so more don't suffer these terrible losses.
ReplyDeleteMy heartfelt condolences to all that loved the great little dog!
We all share your pain.
ReplyDeleteBil Dalling
This just shows you never know when their day will be. Please know everyone is praying for you in this time of need.
ReplyDeleteRIP LINCOLN
I still can see that angelic face as he gazed into Paul's eyes. He and Anne shall meet again at The Rainbow Bridge.
ReplyDeleteMy thughts are with all who loved Lincoln in this time of loss. May his best times be cherished.
ReplyDeleteSPC Kelli Johnson
Words can not express the sorrow that everyone feels over the loss of such a GREAT dog. What a tragedy!
ReplyDeleteKaren Hanson
So sad for everyone involved in this young Dogs life. Paul and He were so bonded and I am praying for them during this hard time. Lincoln you were an amazing a special dog.
ReplyDeleteAs I read this blog my eyes started to tear up.My thoughts and prayers go out to Paul and to Lincolns breeders and ownders.When you loose your beloved dog you also loose a family member.
ReplyDeleteWow !!so sad HE was so a perfect representative of the breed a perfect smooth and perfect personality
ReplyDeleteI feel for you
My sincere sympathies to the entire family. I remember seeing Lincoln at the Louisville Cluster. He was a fabulous Griff and awesome show dog, such charisma and personality is hard to find.
ReplyDeleteWe, at The Brussels Griffon Forum, note with great sadness the sudden passing of MBISS MBIS Ch. Cilleine Masquerade, known around the world as "Lincoln" - the smooth Griff that lit up the Westminster stage by being the lst Brussels Griffon since 1986 to win the lofty Grp 1st placement and the first smooth to ever do so.
ReplyDeletehttp://thebrusselsgriffonforum.org/in-memory
Valerie Brideau
The Brussels Griffon Forum
http://thebrusselsgriffonforum.org
So sorry for your loss, what a lovely dog and you can see the love you had for him.
ReplyDeleteVery Sad!! Sorry For Your Loss!!!
ReplyDeleteVERY very sorry for this loss.
ReplyDeleteHow can we possibly thank all of you who have extended your kind condolences both on blogs, lists, or privately to us for the loss of Lincoln? You are the people who understand that he was so very much more than just a dog to us.
ReplyDeleteSending him away to be campaigned was a very difficult decision to make because he was our pet. We knew that Paul would love him and treat him just as we would hope, and so away he went. When he retired none too soon for us and came home, he slipped right back into his previous life here. He never needed a belly band unless we had a bitch in season, and rarely even then.
I miss opening the bathroom door and seeing him patiently lying there waiting for me. I miss him squeaking his toy when he sensed it was either breakfast or dinner time. He knew when he was supposed to eat, and his toy wouldn't stop squeaking until his meal was served to him. He made us laugh so much. Sometimes I would think he was asleep on the couch or in a bed, but then when I would go to another room, I would find him quietly at my heels. He loved his puppies and he was kind to all other dogs who lived or visited here. He was a fierce protector. Once, when he was a young dog, he bit a workman who walked in our back door unannounced when I was at home by myself. He jumped and bit as high as he could reach. Yes, he did hit the "mother-lode" and he was praised for doing so.
Right now we are living with a lot of "What ifs" and "If only's", which I suppose is often a part of the grieving process. The cold fact is that he's gone and we have to find a way to deal with that fact. Your words of comfort have been read by us now, and we are so grateful for the outpouring of support.
Thank you.
Gratefully,
Anne & Harlowe
One of my all time favorite dogs! He was a pleasure to show and I will never forget his free stack in Best in Show at the garden saying pick me! (I thought he should have won) may he rest in peace and my prayers and thoughts are with his owners/breeders/handlers.
ReplyDeleteI know that words cannot really help at this time when the sadness is
ReplyDeleteoverwhelming. Knowing Paul, and how he loved that dog, his life
as a show dog had to have been fun and happy. Anne and Harlow, I have not met you that I recall but all of you, including Mamie, are in mu thoughts
and prayers. Please try and stay away from the "what ifs". It does not
change anything and it just makes it more difficult. I can tell by the
stores that he was truly treasured and loved at home.
With my sympathy at this sad time,
DeAnn Ulmer
Prairie Breeze Pekes
I am so sorry for the loss of a great dog and a wonderful companion. Remember him on his best day.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for all of his owners, breeders and friends. It is so hard to lose them especially so young. A great career - a great dog.
ReplyDeletewe are so very sorry for this tragic loss.our hearts go out to you.
ReplyDeleteMy heart aches listening to Anne and Harlowe talk about their beloved friend Lincoln. Of course it seems so unfair. a beautiful boy that thrived on being a show dog and even more so of being a pet, life was cut short. May his legacy live on with puppies that has sired and the memories of his greatness.
ReplyDeleteVery sorry to hear this. I had the pleasure of watching him compete many times.
ReplyDeleteHe was a great dog and had a wonderful partnership with Paul. My condolences to his owners.
I am so sorry for your loss of our beloved Lincoln. But I feel so blessed that not only myself, but the entire dog world got to enjoy this very special dog. He was a true showman and a great Griff, and it was a joy to watch he and Paul in the ring. Thank you for letting us all enjoy him !
ReplyDeleteAlthough my breed is Boxers, I was a HUGE fan of Griff. I had tears in my eyes when he won the group at the Garden. His handler, Paul, spent 10 minutes with me at a show discussing the attributes of Griff and what a pleasure he was to show. Sincere condolences to all of Griff's connections.
ReplyDeleteEven though my breed is Boxers, I was a HUGE fan of Lincoln! I had tears in my eyes when he won the group at the Garden. His handler, Paul, spent 10 minutes with me at a show explaining the attributes of this remarkable Griff. My heartfelt condolences to all of Lincon's connections - two leged and four!
ReplyDeleteI have been away from shows for a couple of years and only now feel the loss. I am so sorry that I missed seeing this great and much loved special dog. I am so glad for you that your beloved pet had such a wonderful career and left you so many great memories.
ReplyDeleteKindest regards,
Pat Malan
Magna Giant Schnauzers