Champion Taz, taken too soon, gone from our sight but never from our hearts
God looked around his garden and found an empty place
He then looked down upon this earth and saw your loving face
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest
His garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best
He knew that you were suffering, he knew you were in pain
And knew that you would never get well on earth again
He saw your path was difficult, he closed your tired eyes
He whispered to you, peace be thine, and gave you wings to fly
When we saw you sleeping so calm and free of pain
We would not wish you back to Earth to suffer once again
You’ve left us precious memories, your love will be our guide
You live on through your children, your always by our side
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone
For a part of us went with you the day God called you home.
Below is the story of Taz's journey:
Taz is owned and bred by Paul and Mikki Dewis of Ozashi Akitas. He is the sire of my own Dion. I had admired Taz since a young pup and watched him grow into an excellent adult. Taz would often win his class and gained enough points for his Junior Warrant handled by his breeder Mikki.
When I took Dion on I asked Paul and Mikki if I could start handling Taz as I wanted to push this dog further.
They accepted my offer and the fun began.
People started asking me who my new dog was!! lol. They'd already seen him but didn't realise it was Taz.
Well this summer Taz and I had the time of our lives.
Paul, Mikki and I took him along to Southern Counties under All Rounder Hans Lehtinen. Taz won his limit class so we went back in for the challenge up against some of today's top winners, I nearly fell to the floor in shock and excitement when the Judge awarded Him the Dog Challenge Certificate!!! Taz then beat the Bitch CC winner for Best of Breed and we were short listed in the Group.
1 down 2 to go!!!
Taz's next show was Paignton, we gave him time off to get some new coat and have a break as he'd done a few shows earlier in the year.
Paignton came. the weather was vile and the Judge was the world famous, Breeder/Handler/Judge Mrs Liz Dunhill of Vormund Shiba Inu and Fantasa Rottweiler's. Taz was entered into open dog this time, he won his class and my heart started to pound, the grass ring was mud and I'd sprained my ankle a week before so I was praying I didn't fall over again!
Liz sent us all round and Taz gained his 2nd CC!!!, we then had to challenge the newly crowned CH Melodor Live Now Pay Later at Dykebar for Best of Breed, we won that too!! I didn't care it was raining, cold I was covered in mud, only 1 more to go!!!
So, Taz's next show was Bournemouth. Breed Judge was Bob Gregory, another well known all rounder. Taz in open dog again won his class and for the 2nd time I felt sick, knees shaking only this time it was sunny sunny sunny so I was melting in the heat! Mr Gregory moved us round then moved the class winning males into an order to send them again, hot on mine and Taz's tail was Ch Ruthdales Rampage, handled by Liz Dunhill... now I'm really gonna be sick!!
As we came back round in front of the judge he stepped over and gave Taz and I his 3rd & Crowning CC!!!! CHAMPION TAZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The cheer that went up from ring side was incredible. Mikki and I were a sobbing mess, thank god I had time to compose myself for Best of Breed whilst the bitches were judged. To top off Taz's 3 CC's in a row he also got his 3rd Best of Breed in a row that day and was short listed in the group!!
When you get disheartened with the world of dogs, the politics , bent judging, indiscriminate breeding, bad sportsmanship and the general bad atmosphere that can hang around the ringside moments like Taz's are worth every dam minute!
Taz IS a CHAMPION! and he didn't pay for a single ticket!!! :)
Below excerpt taken from Breed Notes by Roberta Wright:
"THE CHEER that went up when Taz Ch Ozashi Belonga Mikki (Ch Ruthdales Regime Change ex Ruthdales Another Vendetta) took his third CC with BOB at Bournemouth was heard around the country and certainly rattled my windows here in the north west. Owned and bred by Paul and Mikki Dewis this three-and-a-half-year-old boy has had an exceptional season. His first CC was at Southern Counties under Hans Lehtinen and his second came at Paignton under Liz Dunhill, handled as always by Andi Horwood."
SHOW RESULTS
Richmond Championship Show 2009 - Dog CC & Best of Breed - Judge: Ernie M Paterson
Bournemouth Championship Show 2009 - Dog CC & Best of Breed - Judge: Bob Gregory
Paignton Championship Show 2009 - Dog CC & Best of Breed - Judge: Liz Dunhill
Southern Counties Championship Show 2009 - Dog CC & Best of Breed - Judge: Hans Lehtinen
Champion Ozashi Belonga Mikki 
