We all have had mentors in our life, and Winnie was mine. It took me 14 years to share this audio, which at the time brought tears, but today brings laughter. It is my hope that all who knew Winnie will likewise enjoy this candid moment from her that will stay with me through my life.
Winnie died on May 2, 2011. She was a very respected Labrador Retriever breeder and AKC licensed Judge. Winnie had a presence – a very large presence – that few could match. She was determined and said what she meant, and did so in few words. Her eye for Labradors was unmatched.
While she passed on May 2 (she had fought breast cancer, and other serious health issues in her last few years), her celebration of life would not be held until June 11, 2011. I had moved from Acton California to Priest River Idaho, but we still owned the house in Acton. Dan and I traveled back to that home for her celebration of life. Winnie’s death had hit me very hard, and I had a dread of going into that celebration of life. She would not want me blubbering with emotion. After the 22 hour drive to Acton, we entered the house to find a message on our phone. Winnie had called me just prior to her death from her hospital room. However, she called the number she knew by heart – our CA house phone, so I never received that message until I got there a few days before that celebration. Attached is the audio of that message. It is total Winnie – commanding that people not worry about her. A very few people have heard this message. I’ve kept it on my computer for all these years. I’m now 72 – two years older than Winnie was when she passed. There are many people still alive who remember Winnie, but every day the number of people who remember her (and her voice) are getting down in numbers. This is Winnie to a tee. Always instructing people to not waste money (unless it was at the Ways and Means table at a show). If you remember Winnie, I hope you smile, rather than shed a tear, at her tenacity.
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Hi, it’s just Winnie. I’M STILL ALIVE! Tell them not to..not to… buy the flowers yet ’cause I’m still alive. I went to spend the night in the hospital. They ran some tests, and found some fluid on my lungs, and… uhhh… I think that might be what’s causing my breathing problems. Other than that, I’m doing pretty good, but… uhhh… a lot better than I did… let me put it that way… a lot better than I did! They’re going to keep me a night, maybe two nights. But uhhh… otherwise feelin’ good – tell them NOT TO BUY THE FLOWERS – don’t waste their money. Thanks, bye!
