Tribute to Bernard and Alfie

Tribute to Bernard and Alfie

BERNARD HIGGINS 1929-2010
 
Our dear friend and long standing member of Good Boy Dog School passed away on 21 July 2010 from prostate cancer. He had been quietly fighting it since 2005 when he had been given a life expectancy of about five years. But he decided to live life to the full for as long as possible. Until recently only a few people were aware of this situation.
 
The last time I spoke to Bernard was at the end of March, when he had just lost Alfie, and was devastated. He mentioned in conversation that he had just come out of hospital with kidney failure. He said he was too upset to say anymore, and not ready to speak to anyone.
 
By the time I rang again, he was too unwell to come to the telephone, and Mrs Higgins told me that Bernard was going into a hospice. I was shocked to hear that he had been battling with cancer all this time. He did not want anyone to worry!
 
I am sure many of you will have memories of dear Bernard, so please add any stories or comments you may have.
 
In the early millennium years, Bernard met Alfie,  a large, hairy,  strong, traumatised and difficult dog. He was a mixture of Wolfhound, Giant Schnauzer, Collie et al. He was impossible to rehome so Bernard decided to keep him.   With the help of Dima at the classes both at the RSPCA and privately they started on his rehabilitation. They worked hard until Alfie became obedient, calm and reliable. They continued to train for pleasure and eventually joined the Demonstration Team, where they showed their skills to the public at many shows. Bernard and Alfie also went on to the pass the Kennel Club Good Citizenship at the Gold Level. An achievement of which we were all very proud.
 
Bernard was buried in Manchester, but his Memorial Service took place of Friday 10 September at St Albans Church.  The church was absolutely packed, and it soon became clear how much Bernard was loved, respected and missed. He leaves behind his wife of 40 years Ann, who herself had recently been battling with cancer.

Good Boy Dog School have made a donation of £50.00 to Friends of Southridge RSPCA Centre as we know Bernard would have liked that.