29 April 2014

“Patch” Firstprizebears Apache 06-05-2001 – 28-04-2014

He was special, he was my shadow, he was my everything “Patch”, born 06-05-2001 died peacefully in the arms of Elke Stockhausen on april 28th 2014.

GB-Int-NL-B-LUX-D-VDH-A.SLOV-CZ Champion Firstprizebears Apache (Ch. Windfiddlers Still Cruisi…n x Ch. Firstprizebears Very Brown).

He was the first Bearded Collie who lived on the continent and who won the CC at Crufts in 2005, he was 3 times in a row ‘FCI European Champion and he shared my live until 2006.

He was the dog who knew when I was happy or sad, he came to cheer me up or just give me his wonderful presence.

He brought me wonderful memories.

Can’t believe that he has passed the rainbow bridge.

Loved you so much my dear Patch.

The dog of my dreams, with 4 years

A 2 year old Apache, the most beautiful Beardie expression, just to melt away.

Barcelona/Spain in June 2004. Apache wins the FCI Europawinner with Best Of Breed for the 2nd time. Judge was the British Mr. Jack Bisham. Best Bitch was our very own Ch. Firstprizebears Z’Tampa.

September 2004 in Belfast/IRE, where Patch won his 3rd CC in row ( 2x with Best Of Breed and 3rd and 2nd in the Group) and there with fullfilled the conditions for the Title of an English Champion. Judging was done by Mr. Hugh Jones (UK).

CRUFTS in March 2005. Apache wins his 4th CC and becaomes Best Male on this so very well know Show. He was the first Bearded Collie who was able to have this victory, not bred in the United Kingdom and who lived on the main land. The judging was in hands of the famous allround judge Mrs. Ferlith Sommerfield.

Vienna, Mai 2005. He wins for the 3rd time in row the title of FCI Europwinner with Best Of Breed. Judge was Mr. Guido Vandoni from Italy. In 2003, in Bratislava/SLO, with just 2 years of age, also became Best Of Breed under the judging hands of Mr. Vic Salt (UK). Res-Best Male was our Firstprizebears Vancouver. Patch’s sister Firstprizebears Aspen, became Best Bitch at this show.

As a present, Harry gave us a ride with by carriage through Vienna. Of course Aspen and Apache where allowed to join.

In September of 2006, with pain in my heart had to say farewell to Patch. He was a divorce dog. In his moving boxes, he had all his Cups, rosettes etc. with him.

Patch you where something very special. Thank you for enriching my life.