This is a tribute to MBIS/MSBIS/NSBIS Am/Can Ch. Sporting Fields Kinsman, ROMX...aka LUKE, who sadly passed away quietly in his sleep on Sunday, August 29, 2004, at 15-1/2 years of age.


(Luke in all his regal-ness)

Luke was a very influential sire with over 60 champions to his credit.  Luke was a consumate gentleman, and the pride and joy of Debbie Butt of Sporting Field Kennels.   
 

(Luke lying in front of a painting of his grandsire Buoy)
 

 Whenever I saw Luke and Debbie in the ring, it always brought tears to my eyes.  Luke was the ultimate showman and commanded the attention he so richly deserved in the ring, and the adoration and special bond between Debbie and Luke was just amazing.  But to understand this special bond, I will have to tell you his story.

(Luke with his favorite stuffie)
 

The following is from Debbie's memories: 

When Luke was a 6 week old puppy, the litter was vaccinated, unfortunately with a bad batch of vaccines.  When the litter was 8 weeks old, they came down with two types of Para-influenza and Parvo.  Everytime a puppy went to the vet, it died.  Finally Debbie said, "Luke is not going to the vets".  He was receiving subcutaneous fluids every four hours and one of the problems was no one was on duty at the vet's at night.  So Debbie learned how to do this and for 5 days and nights, never left his side.  She just kept telling Luke that he was not going to die.  Later, he had to have massive amounts of Vitamin C, but those shots left him mentally scarred, and because of the pain of all those injections, it was a long time until he trusted anyone.  (He is named Luke after St. Luke, the patron saint of medicine.)  It took almost a year for Luke to feel comfortable with anyone but Debbie and during that time she spent a good portion of every day convincing him he could trust strangers and that he was wonderful.  Debbie promised him that if he would live he would have the best life she could possibly give him.  He was the ultimate couch potato, bunny chaser, kids toy destroyer, and went everywhere in the car.  Debbie called him a spoiled BRAT!!!, (but to me he was the ultimate Whippet). 


(A 6 month old Luke)
 

Luke is the second all time Best In Show winning Whippet in the USA with 56 all-breed Best In Shows, second only to his grandsire Buoy (who has 59). 

This record still stands today.  He is the winner of over 170 Group Firsts, is the winner of the 1992 AWC National Specialty.  He is a 5th generation of Best In Show winners at Sporting Field.


(Winning one of his many BIS under Annie Rogers-Clark)


(The sun setting on Luke and his career as he retired in 1995)


(My favorite photo)

With all the painful memories of Luke's puppyhood, it is little wonder that we often saw Debbie in tears after a special win.  This picture so depicts that special bond between Debbie and Luke. 

My memories of Luke:  While visiting Sporting Field, he always sought me out for that extra rub and hug he knew I couldn't wait to give him.  I remember the Western Sighthound Combined Specialties in Lompoc, CA watching Luke win several Groups over the weekend, and later, the dogs running on the beach, just being dogs.  But whenever you looked at Luke, you just knew he was something special, he had that presence about him.  I remember him winning a BIS the day after one of the AWC Eastern Specialties, and all those that stayed to cheer him on got in on the BIS picture.  I fondly remember seeing him in all his glory at about 10 years of age (he had slowed down a bit) at Westminster showing his heart out and receiving an Award of Merit (there was not a dry eye at ringside).  I remember seeing him at the 1999 AWC Eastern Specialty as a 10 year old Veteran, again showing and baiting like no dog I have ever seen (again, not a dry eye at ringside).  And I remember the last time I was at Sporting Fields, just a little over a month ago, I gave Luke a great big hug and kiss, not knowing I would never see him again.  My memories of Luke will be cherished forever.  Godspeed to you Luke, I know you will patiently wait at the Rainbow Bridge for your ever faithful servant, Debbie. 

I love & miss you Luke,

                                Diane

Ch. Sporting Fields Kinsman
(Luke)
2/24/89 - 8/26/04