This amazing portrait of Stanley was given to us by  Lâle Aksu and her husband Matt. It was done by Christina Shalaby. It is exactly how Stanley looked right up to his final day. Beautiful expression, loving eyes, and the look of anticipation that a treat may be coming by his way any minute now, or perhaps someone is getting ready to throw him a bird. When I look at this picture I see Stanley’s soul. I will cherish this picture and every day it will give us a special memory of Stanley.

FC AFC OTCH, Cdn FTCH AFTCH MOTCH TNT’s Stanley Steamer,
UDX, OS, FDHF, OBHF, Cdn MH, JFTR, WCX, FDHF, ODHF

June 17, 2001 – January 7. 2017 – 15.7 years old

Last night we said our final goodbye to the “great one” a true legend for the Golden Retriever breed “Stanley”. In his lifetime he achieved title combinations that no other Golden has ever done. Incredibly Stanley achieved all major titles by the age of 5 years old. Not only was he talented, he showed great desire to work and to please, a real team player. I ran Stanley through-out his derby career and he became the top derby Golden and made the National derby list. At 3 years old he won his first US field trial Open with John, and I handled him to his Cdn Open win. Stanley won about every possible GRCA year end field trophy offered, an incredible honour. He competed at numerous field trial Nationals, John was his main handler in the field while I concentrated on Stanley’s competition obedience career and his Master Hunter title. Not only did he excel in the field but Stanley was a multi-200 OTCH obedience dog. Stanley was a dream come true!

He was a true gentleman in every sense. A kind, gentle soul, and he loved to entertain & flirt with the ladies both 2 and 4 legged. Stanley was the only male in the litter, bred by Chris Braswell of Brassfire Retrievers. Chris knew right from the beginning she had a special puppy, and as the original buyer had to back out, we stepped up and brought Stanley home. Somehow it was meant to be. Chris has become a close friend and strong supporter of Stanley for the past 15.7 years.

Stanley has a long list of highly accomplished progeny in the field, agility and obedience, with most recently a litter born to Heads Up Goldens, and a litter due any day with WildFire Retrievers. His legacy will live on for years to come thru the magic of frozen semen. Stanley lived every day to the fullest, up to his final day he went everywhere with us and kept up with the younger dogs on a daily basis going for walks and acting as training supervisor, always insisting a bird or two be thrown for him as well. Stanley has been with us for so long, it is difficult adjusting to him not always by our side. He had a long, full, pain free, cancer free life, for that we are very grateful.

Now it is time for him to run free with his kennel mates that are waiting to meet him.
♥♥♥ you so much Stanley!