In Memoriam "Bira"

"Bira" - Alexis v. Thornbeck

born: 12 -031-1989
died: ??? Spring 1999
at the age of approx. 9 years, 3 months - far too early

Bira was the first Leo-female Teddy was "in Love" with
she is the Mom of the A-and C-litter CAVIS LEONIS
the Mom of our Barry ....
and we will keep her in our memories as we saw her last time (Sept. 98)

"a great old Leo-Lady, besides the fact that "black turned into grey"
on her nose - she was in super-condition, looking and acting
like a young bitch"

We will never forget how she was all time: 
the first of the females to welcome us 
- and even if there have been several weeks/months between the visits - 
she showed all the time how she loved us, how well she remembered from the last visits - 
and we will think of her like that "a Leo of good character, selfconfident, friendly, 
good exterieur and a good mother to the puppies"

Her son Barry got a lot from his Daddy - but also something (we hoped for) 
from his mother - and a part of Bira is still there -
 in Barry and Aaron, her 2 sons 

With Bira we lost again a Leonberger most likely died (too early) due to heart-disease/age
and with her the mainly emotional connections to the former breeding are gone too.

We will miss Bira and the only consolation we all have:
"2 of her sons are around - Barry lives as a member of our family
 - something of Bira is still alive in Barry"

Good bye - Bira - we won't forget you .....!

This is dedicated to Bira by Teddy-Barry-Angie, Edith & J. Steffen