Page 4 - Online Spring 2022 Newsletter

OBITUARIES

Mary Randall

1928 - 2021

We are very sorry to have to They heard of a seven-month
announce the death of Mary Randall, 'pedigree' bitch in need of a home as
a prominent figure in the history of the owner was ill. They could not
our breed. Below follows part of an believe that she was pedigree - not
article taken from the Dec 2001 knowing anything about the
edition of ‘Keeshonds Today’ written Keeshond and particularly as they
by David Matthews. It forms a very had her at the 'ugly' stage. 'Judy'
fitting tribute to her life in the settled and a bond was formed. She
Keeshond world: was devoted to the family and they
loved her - especially with their two
‘From a child Mary had an affinity
towards animals - especially dogs; children. A great ambassador for the
understandable since she was breed. The baby was put out in her
pram in the garden (you could do
brought up with a dog in the family.
that in those days) and Judy took
Her grandfather had Borzois and sold
one to Queen Alexandra (Mary it upon herself to lie under the pram
stresses before her time), and one 'on guard' and woe betide any
was employed to be in a London stranger coming near. Eventually
stage show. The other breed he had Mary and her husband moved into
was Field Spaniels and she does their own home leaving Judy with
remember a father and son; Tim and John's parents as she was their dog.
Bob. After a few weeks Judy became
disinterested in life and off her food.
As a young girl she used to go off to Can you guess why? She was pining
the dog shows held in the Corn for the children and the family - the
Exchange in Cambridge and they house was too quiet! So Judy came
were benched, so she already had an to live with her favourite family and
interest in showing! So how did Mary was happy again. She was replaced
and John Randall become acquainted by Mary's father-in-law with a black
with the Keeshond? It was through Cocker Spaniel - Perry. Judy's kennel
Mary's father-in-law (they were living name was Seyn Blackie (sire Tommy
with John's parents at the time), Tucker of Evenlode - Dam Fonality
whose Wire-Haired Fox Terrier had Van Zaandam) and she was born Oct
died; leaving him without a dog. 13th 1948.
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