Talraz Bearded Collies

(Sadly we have to report that our dear Jess was put to sleep on Friday 23rd July 2010, after a short illness borne with characteristic bravery - Rest In Peace sweet Princess )

JESS

Talraz Passion Fruit ("Jess") is a plainly-marked slate bitch born 18th October 1995 by Ch Chriscaro Charlock at Merrythorpe ex our Lulu (Talraz Tutti Frutti JW 1CC 1RCC).

As a youngster Jess easily gained her JW and then went on to take a Res CC as a two year old. However a bad reaction to a "season stopper" injection in 1998 had long-term repercussions on her health and for two years or so she suffered weight gain, lethargy, back strains and depression, which put her show career somewhat on hold An attempt to stabilise her hormones by mating her almost ended in tragedy when she aborted the litter mid-term and became very seriously ill with metritis. Her return to health was slow, and the decision was made not to risk mating her again. Luckily we were able to continue the line via her full sister Holly (Talraz Tangleberry at Merrythorpe) who produced the lovely Meg, and her full brother Barney (Ch Talraz Tamarisk), sire of the litter sisters Ruby and Jeannie.

Jess has been in semi-retirement since winning Veteran Bitch at Crufts in 2005, but continues to keep us all firmly in line, leading us through our routine in her own quirky "Princess Jessica" fashion. An intelligent, fastidious lady with an occasionally clownish sense of humour, Jess maintains high moral standards, and being a great communicator, is always first to complain if she notices ill manners on the part of any dog, or human for that matter! She likes rules, and fair play, and her own space, and not too much noise - unless she's the one making it......that's our Jess......

Jess aged 12 and a half enjoying a walk in the snow - Easter 2008

As a five year old In the garden at home making a recovery from her lost litter		Jess with adopted puppies Jess loves babies and was so sad after she lost her litter. It made her very happy when in 2002 she had the chance to foster two orphaned Greyhound pups, and she made a wonderful job of caring for them, even producing milk

Adopted puppies first birthday Here are her adopted daughters all grown up, fit and healthy after their shaky start in life. The white girl is Queenie and the brindle is Jess, named for their two mothers		Easter greetings...... Jess is a great photographer's model and always more than willing to pose. Here she is next to the daffodils for Easter....

.....and Christmas greetings Here's Jess not quite so amused to have to don a Santa hat for the Christmas photo call!		Fun in the snow Enjoying a spring snow shower early one March morning in 2007. She loves the snow and frolics like a pup!

One of her hobbies In playful mood here carrying her dinner bowl around		Do not disturb Jess loves the privacy of her own extra-comfortable little bed. Here she looks not so happy to be disturbed as she tries to get her eight hours beauty sleep!

Veteran show dog A photo of Jess posing on her grooming table at York Open Show.		Jess on nanny duty With the new arrival at Talraz - Dillan the kitten, half Maine Coon half enterprising moggy, nine weeks old. She came from a home with three Beardies and takes Jess and her ardent mothering behaviour in her stride

Jessica aged twelve A birthday picture of Princess Jessica draped elegantly over the arm of the sofa - unlike many Beardies Jess prefers to have clean feet, and will tiptoe delicately around any mud!		Golden Oldie Jess looking quite excited waiting to go in the ring at the Golden Oldies competition. Aged twelve and a half and making her final appearance in the show ring that night

Summer 2008 Still a poser when a camera appears, Jess enjoying the grass beneath her paws!		Moving Out Just to prove she can still show the youngsters a thing or two when it comes to movement, here's Jess in action at almost 13 years old

Thirteenth Birthday A portrait of Jessie on her 13th birthday		Nap Time Weary of birthday celebrations now and it's time for a nap

Fourteenth Birthday.... ...and The Princess still as regally beautiful as ever		Birthday Portrait A head study of Jess on her fourteenth birthday

Feeling Poorly Jess took to her bed a few days after her birthday and the vet was not hopeful		Two Weeks Later Slightly improved, but still immobile, Jess is able to enjoy some fresh air in the front garden

Quite a Breakthrough... A couple of days later, Jess proudly sits up unsupported for the first time!		Just Before Christmas 2009 Jess now able to negotiate the steps to the front door totally unassisted!

Enjoying a Proper Walk! Early March 2010 and on a beautiful springlike morning Jess was so happy to visit The Glebe again and enjoy a really good walk across the field - her first long walk for many months		A Break in the Action We managed to persuade Jess to pause for a photo call - but she didn't want to hang about for long!

Looking Good After a bath and grooming session, Jess aged 14 and a half		One of the Last Photos Aged 14 years and seven months, the Princess enjoys some evening sunshine

Those Beautiful Eyes! Always hard to resist, Jessie's eyes remained bright and expressive to the end of her days!		RIP Jess Flowers worthy of a Princess at her final resting place, Rest In Peace dear Jessica xx