Arwa B. in Memory 

ARWA Betkin dvor

The more beautiful and full the memories,
the harder the parting.
But the gratitude converts the anguish
of memory into a silent joy.
One carries the past nice things
not like a thorn
but like a precious gift in oneself.
(Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

October 20, 1992 - August 27, 2003
Sire: Rec. Champ. SÁNDOR von Anitzberg (Austria * HD A/B, PRA clear, SNB clear * BgH 1+2 * Champion Slovakia 1997 * Koerung for lifetime - recommended for breeding)
Dam: ARWA Zevar CS (Import from Slovakia * HD A/A * SchH 1)

Arwa was a puppy from the first mating of Sándor (Rec. Champ. Sándor von Anitzberg). She had the same parents as my later A litter, but she was born in Slovakia and came to me at nine weeks old. At that time, the German Shepherd Marko and her father were also with me. Arwa was a very playful and easy-to-train dog throughout her life. During her first year, she came to the office with me, which meant we drove and took the subway to Vienna every day.

When she was one and a half year old her mother ARWA Zevar also came to me from Slovakia—she was supposed to be euthanized because her owner hadn't had any success with Briard breeding. The pack had now grown to four dogs.

Arwa was shown several times from a young age and consistently achieved excellent results. She loved dog sports, especially obedience and protection work. Unfortunately, I couldn't get her to complete the SchH I certification, as tracking wasn't her forte.

On October 4, 1997, Arwa had her first and only litter for my kennel, the B litter de la Maison du Garde-Barrière sired by Dartagnan des Monts d'en Crauzille (France * blue * HD A/A * Selected France, recommended, Elite A). Only one puppy was born - the female Batida de Coco - and the veterinarian spayed Arwa "for the sake of simplicity" during the cesarean section (WITHOUT obtaining my consent; she said it was easier for her than performing a proper cesarean). Despite the long journey to the stud dog, despite paying the full stud fee, and despite the cesarean section with spaying, this "litter" was a success for us: Batida was the first black-born gray Briard in Austrian breeding.

In December 1997/January 1998, Arwa spent a three-week holiday in the mountains with her daughter Batida and her owners. When she returned home, she was no longer the same she had been before - she was quiet, withdrawn, and sad after having spent those three wonderful weeks receiving round-the-clock attention and being the alpha dog there, rather than one among several, as was the case with me at the time. Batida's owners called daily, asking if they could have Arwa, but I initially refused. When Arwa's behavior hadn't changed after five days, I changed my mind. It was difficult and hard to realize that it would be better for Arwa to spend her future life with her daughter Batida, but I believe it was the right decision and the best thing I could do for such a wonderful Briard who had brought five years of happiness and joy to the house. Knowing that she was going to an excellent home and that I could visit her and her daughter Batida at any time made this step a little easier.

Sándor & Arwa on the day she left us

Arwa had a wonderful life for over five years in her new, loving home. She loved life and was a fun-loving, happy dog ​​until her sudden, unexpected death. Thank God she didn't suffer - she crossed the Rainbow Bridge almost as quickly as her father, Sándor. There, the two and her dam are reunited and can romp around until we meet again.

My thoughts are with you, dear Arwa, and of course with Sylvia and Rudi, to whom you were a loyal companion for several years. You still have a place in my heart - even though you chose to live elsewhere.

Thank you for your daughter, Batida - you, Sándor and your dam Arwa Z. live on in her.

three generations: Batida, Mom Arwa B. & Grandpa Sándor

Arwa's special success: