Beagles
became a part of our family in 2003 - with the purchase of our first
beagle -"Bailey" from Dr. William Westcott of Cluain Kennels. We were
put on a waiting list for Bill's next liter. Bailey was born shortly
after our return from Ireland for our wedding. Since our beagle family
was starting at that time - We decided to pay homage to a country
that had such a special place in our heart - thus the name Gaeilge
(which means Irish - in the celtic language.)
This was just the beginning
of what the beagle breed had in store for us. We fell
in love with their happy-go-lucky disposition and overall loving personality.Bailey was purchased as a pet - but upon taking some manners classes
- our teacher, Kay Ames - who is involved in breeding/showing herself,
told us that Bailey was a well bred beagle and if we had considered
showing him in conformation. We decided to try it and Bailey
loved it - and we had a great time. We met some great people at the
dog shows who took us "under their wings" and taught us about beagles,
conformation and other aspects involved in AKC events.
Thus, the purchase
of our first bitch Ana from beeder Dara Boswell of Kowtown beagles.
And Ana led to our next boy Steven - also from Dara. We started researching
dogs that we liked - studying pedigrees and felt it was time to add
another good, solid bitch to our "pack"
This led us to Julie Wright
of Just-Wright beagles. She sold us a naughty little girl who really
does give meaning to "Good things come in small packages" It
has been a fun ride - and we want to thank Terri Gianetti and Ted
Swedella of Beowulf Beagles - who were there from the VERY beginning
at our first puppy match in Harrisburg. Terri introduced us to Ralph
Alderfer - who we owe many thanks for all his grooming lessons and
hospitality. And after his retirement, allowing us to buy many of
his old dog show supplies.
Lou and Kathy Distasi of Harmony Beagles
for being there from the beginning and being such great friends at
those first shows where I had NO IDEA what proper ring procedure was.Dara Boswell and Julie Wright for selling me such great beagles to
start my foundation. We have met so many wonderful people - it is
impossible to mention everyone - but we have been blessed with some
wonderful beagle friends.
and, most of all, Thank you to Bill
Westcott for selling us our first beagle.
Beagles have brought
so much to our lives. Whether it be gaiting smoothly around
the show ring and hitting that free stack just perfect - or snuggling
on the sofa watching TV after a long, hard day - I can't imagine living
without them.
Keith and Maryann Rutter
The word
Gaeilge is pronounced by most "Gwayl' guh"
"Spring Night"
Out on "Killarney
Hill" that night, you said "Remember how we promised to come up here
when snow is lying under a full moon?" And I made no reply
- to hide my sadness, Thinking we might not satisfy that whim, Ever
perhaps, At least for years to come, Since it was spring, and winter
would see us parted.
Sitting on the
druid's chair recalled the last time we were there, A night of icywind
and moonlight when the sea was churning silver and the distant hills
were clear; How we belonged to them and they to us. Now there was
no brightness - only a vast obscurity confusing sea and sky. Carrauntoohil,
Lough Leane and Ross Castle submerged and suffocating in
the mist.
And there was no belonging now;
no vivid elemental statement to compel. Refusal or assent, making
a decision easy; but a dumb neutrality that challenged us to give
it character and view our own minds large as a landscape. To you
it was tranquil, Sinster to me.
Lying under
the pine tree, looking up at the small stars and breathing the
wood's sweetness, We spoke hardly a word. I could not tell you I was
afraid of something out there. In the future, like that dark and bitter
sea; And how my love for you would have me lonely until the fear was
broken. I could say "Be close to me this winter and every winter;
We'll come up here to watch the snow by moonlight" - And that would
be to easy. For I must give to you whose meaning transcends moods
and moments. Nothing half - hearted or ambiguous, But the perfect
diamond of my will.
-Richard Kell
