Gordon G Hall
Writer and Neo-Philhellene

 
Saga
 
 
DETAILS
(de Tails?)
Barradon Lady of the Forest
b. 6 Jan 1993 - d.19 Dec 2003
Bitch (Spayed)
Black
This was me - Saga - in my prime!
You can tell this because I had sufficient teeth to manage a large football.

Mind you I liked nothing better than to dash down the orchard after a well-hit tennis ball - and try to catch it before it landed!

 
GROWING This is ME at just 7 weeks old . . . .
 
  . . . . .and at 8 weeks! (haven't I Grown!)
 
 
  Only I never sat down for very long . . .

. . . . AND I kept on GROWING!

 
  and finding delicious things to eat
 
  Until I was fully grown!
 
 
BREEDING. . Well, some of us just don't need it! Breeder: Mrs S Stittle,
65 St Peters Rd,
Upwell,
Wisbech,
Cambridgeshire,
PE14 9EJ
U.K.
 
 
PEDIGREE
Downstream FIDDLER
Gelhams SAMBURY Collyers MARABU
Engine House TOBY Woodland WHIPMAN
Kenwaum SWIFT Briston MARTIN
Downstream FIDDLER
Gelhams SAMBURY Collyers MARABU
Barradon PRINCESS Leander STARDUST
Barradon BLACK JET Barradon HIGHLAND GIRL
 
 
 
ACTION DOG Right - enough of all that, let's get down to some action! . . . .

. . . and talk about things that really mattered to me. . . . .

. . . like . . . Tennis Balls!

 
         
  These objects are an essential part of a Flatcoat's life . . .

. . . . You have to leap to try to catch them . . . .

and if at first you don't succeed . . .
         
  just don't give up and one day . . .

there it is - right where you want it!
         
  Of course once you have had a little practice . . . .

.. . . . you can always try handling THREE !

       
WORK Work is a Good Thing for a Flatcoat.

I would earn my food by working on Gordon's passenger launches . . .
. . . well gazing out into space really - and looking photogenic!

         
 
PLAY Although I was always a lady of discernment and breeding I did have just a few 'moments'. . . . . . well for one thing I always rather enjoyed fishing!

Heck - that's another that got away !!!

And then however well a bitch grooms herself . . .

. . . . .every once in a while . . . .

  . . . anyone can have . . .

. . just a bit of . . .

A BAD HAIR DAY

 
END OF THE TAIL So that's Saga as she will be fondly remembered

She was well known (internationally), there are more (recent) pictures and some kind thoughts about her in the next section.

         
WHAT A DOG! Saga was a tough and physically able dog. She was fearless and although I never worked her she exhibited all the best field characteristics of her breed. Because she threw herself into things (literally!) she cost me a fortune in vets bills!

There came a time when she could only just manage to walk with us, she started panting a lot and had a dry cough. I rather suspected heart problems, but her blood analysis showed severe anaemia - caused by tumours. On investigation she had several moderate sized malignant tumours on her slpeen. These would have been operable, but she had similar tumours on her liver.

Rather that remove her spleen and put her through a painful post-op recovery (she was 11 years old) only to die within a couple of months from the liver problem we chose to end her life on the operating table. It was the right decision and although she is sadly missed I would not have had it any other way. She was a wonderful dog and we were fortunate to have had her with us for as long as we did.

 
 
FOND MEMORIES! The following are unaccredited extracts from about 40 e-mails and letters that we received when Saga died - they come from people all over the world who had either met Saga, or read about her. She was my 'muse', and most of those who wrote only knew her through the Fables and Logs that she inspired me to write. Thank you for writing - I hope you can keep a small place for Saga in your hearts.
 
 
  I am so sorry to hear your sad news. This is certainly the downside of dog ownership! Hopefully it is some solace to remember what a wonderful ambassadress (if that's a word) she was for the breed as she welcomed passengers on board your boat. She was a lovely and gentle lady!/p>

Perhaps one day another Flatcoated Retriever will be honoured to walk in the pawprints of Saga

The one best place to bury a good dog is in the heart of its master.

I would find it hard to believe that Saga didn't enjoy each and every day that she had with you. We are truly blessed to have our time with each of these wonderful dogs.

I remember Saga and Folly's tales very fondly. You have lost a wonderful friend.

I always loved to read about Saga and Folly and their adventures and I recognized many of the things Saga 'thought' Though I'm sure it doesn't make it any easier, it seemed that Saga had a wonderful life with you.

  I was so sorry to read of the loss of Saga on friday. Ihave visited your web site many times over the past year. she was a beautiful dog.

I had hoped one day to meet Folly and Saga.
I'm so sorry to read of her passing. Your stories were always so wonderful.Rest in Peace, sweet Saga.

We never met but I'm sure she was an absolutely wonderful dog. Being a flat-coat she had to be. I know she will be very much missed.

I am so sorry to hear of Saga's passing. She gave a lot of people so much enjoyment through your website, and also delighted the passengers on your boat. Thank you so much for sharing her with us

I am sure we all remember fondly the stories about Saga and Folly.

 

So sorry to hear about your girl. We have been there twice and the only regret is we waited too long to let them go. You did the right thing at the right time. Out thoughts and prayers are with you.

'll tip a glass to Saga tonight (on the winter solstice)....

Very sad to hear the news about Saga. Give Folly an extra big hug from her flatcoat cousins

I am so saddened to hear of Saga's death. She was a great lady, wonderful companion, and ambassador of the breed. She had a great life with you - and brought joy and fun to so many in her daily adventures.

Indeed we are all so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Saga. Your decision was one of the hardest yet one which shows the love you had for her. Saga was known far and wide. Two of my friends here in Upstate New York visited the lake district and had their picture taken with Saga. She was truly the best ambassador of unconditional love.

We all followed Saga and Folly's excellent "conversations" as they grew up. Has it been a dog lifetime already? But I am sure your decision was right and merciful. May Saga sleep peacefully --and do all the chasing she wants in a better place

  The stories that you shared of Saga and Folly were treasures. Thank you for allowing your friends to grieve with you over the loss of Saga.

I am so very sorry to hear about Saga. I'll hug my guys closer tonight

I'm so sorry to hear about Saga and consider myself fortunate to have had a chance to meet her in person as well as through your wonderful stories of her. Thank you for sharing her a wee bit with the rest of us.

I remember your wonderfully descriptive stories about Saga on the fcr list, from way back. So sorry to hear that you had to say goodbye to her. Pass on pats to Folly from us.

I have fond memories of the sagas you told of your special Saga. You found a wonderful way to share her with so many of us, and that is what I know of eternity---how loved ones live in memory.

Distant Fells
Inspiration from this glorious world.