Windfield Village of Honfleur

known as Woolsey

May 20. 1996 - January 25, 2007

Woolsey was the 'real deal,' that very special dog that sometimes happens, if you're lucky, once in a lifetime He was born in the spring of 1996 at Margaret Gordon's rural farmhouse kennel in southern Michigan. The enduring image we have of him is actually the first glimpse we had of him when we went there to select a puppy from his litter. On 'choosing day,' there were many wonderful puppies to fall in love with, but for some reason we looked out over the chaos of all the others to notice him, sitting very alertly on the side steps leading into the house. As soon as we entered the dooryard, he came tumbling off the steps and ran straight for us! He wasn't by any means the prettiest puppy in the litter, but he was a charming little dog, purely irresistible. He likely was the dominant puppy of the litter. You could tell that he had a proud and independent streak about a mile wide, also was a bit forward, and just had 'capital A attitude' We fell in love with him on the spot!

He grew from a spindly, waif of a puppy to a proud, majestic dog, a true companion, with character that was unforgettable. He was a large, 'old-fashioned' looking OES, and reminded us of photos we'd seen of the traditional working ancestors of the breed. He was a 'snowcap,' all white head, all white cape, straight white legs, and the rest very dark, the simple and classic coloration we loved. He looked just like a little saddle oxford. His eyes were brown with a look in them that we considered winsome, and they darkened noticeably over the years. He wasn't shown or 'finished,' but he had a long, elegant neck and a carriage that was erect and beautiful. He looked chiseled and crisp, like a piece of sculpture. To us, he was beautiful.

There were so many things that were memorable about him. He was such a character, and so intelligent and loving. He was always at our side and loved to go adventuring with us, wherever the journey led. He was the friendliest of the five Old English we've had and also a very sweet Old English. He had beautiful manners that were innate, not learned in obedience school, and a very special grace. He had a soft mouth and would gently and carefully remove the smallest treat from your hand. He was also very, very smart, with a deep curiosity about everything, a trait that occasionally got him into trouble. But it made him a very rewarding dog to be around because he always 'got it' and you could do so much with him and actually communicate. Woolsey was also a drover, and of all our sheepdogs, he was the truest to that part of the breed tradition. He had the strength and stamina to walk at a steady pace for miles, and it was easy to imagine him driving a flock to market. But most of all, Woolsey was a happy dog. He spent a majority of his days as the whirlwind he was born to be 'chasing' squirrels, jumping waves, patrolling his property, and rollicking with brother Gray and niece Annie.

Wools spent thirteen wonderful years with us, and he bequeathed to us many happy memories. His merriment and mischief. made life sparkle, and accompanying him through life made for quite a journey. We gave him rest, at home, on January 25th, almost four months ago now, and we remember him and miss him every day. He was our dearly beloved friend and one truly unforgettable sheepdog.

Carolyn and Thom Rhodes