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THE BU BOXER OF THE MONTH -- MAY/JUNE 2000

Breeder/Owner Beverly Lockwood

This year, I showed my Suddi -- Am/Can Ch Hilldale's Sud'n Impact Jodiac -- in the Veteran’s Class at the ABC. He was 11 years and 2 months old. I was a nervous wreck, as I love this class and I knew it might be Suddi’s last at ABC. He is still in great health but with our breed, you never know.

Suddi showed like a dream and flew around the ring to applause. We took second in the class and were thrilled. Afterward, we were asked to be at the Awards Dinner on Thursday night and agreed, although we didn’t have a clue as to why we had been invited. The only table available at that late date was right up front by the awards table. We were seated with friends from Pennsylvania and didn’t think much of it at the time. Little did we know.

Peter was thrilled when he won the centerpiece -- he was like a little kid -- and actually, the dinner was great for a change. Before dessert was served, they were getting ready to start the presentations and I had to go to the bathroom. Others at the table told me I could not go right now and had to wait. Then President Bob Oliver got up and introduced all the international guests and said which country they were from. He had Cal Gruver come up to introduce the guests from Germany. Cal said our German guests had e-mailed him to let him know they wanted to present a special award at the 2000 ABC. Since this award was not listed in the premium list, he and Dr. Oliver had to figure out how best to do it. Then Cal introduced Ilsa Liebe and she gave a lovely speech about how wonderful it was to be there and see all the dogs.

Ilsa said she and her companions had wanted to do something really special, and noted that awards are always given for puppies, stud dogs, winners, etc., but we tend to forget about those who, quoting her..."sometimes stand a bit in the shade. Their glamour days are gone and how fast do we forget about them. I am talking about our senior Boxers who have been by our side for 10 years and more -- they have been our best of friends through good and bad times, they've been our loyal companions, those whom we may have to say goodbye to soon, they are the ones who deserve our utmost respect."

That was when I lost it as I realized they were talking about the Veterans. The tears just started pouring down my face. They presented us with a gorgeous trophy from Germany engraved for the "OLDEST VETERAN AT ABC 2000."

Our Suddi was the oldest. There were not too many dry eyes in the room of 450 people. We were both so stunned. I can't begin to tell you how special this was to us. We are both so happy and it was such a beautiful presentation and award. It is one of a kind and probably will never be repeated. And to make it even more special, Suddi was our first home bred Champion. We had tons of people coming up to congratulate us -- we had no idea who some of them were. The next day we had a picture taken with Ilsa Liebe, Cal, President Bob Oliver and, of course, Suddi.

We still are in 7th heaven. Now I have to get a special curio cabinet to hold the award. When we were having the picture taken, Ilsa also presented me with a stunning tote bag that she made herself.

My heartfelt thanks to the German Boxer Club, Ilsa Liebe and Rosi Westphal for this beautiful tribute. (I only hope I spelled all the names correctly!)