Au Revoir Francois

Today we wrap up the birthday season with a hearty Happy Birthday wish to the Secret litter. David drove Solene to Repentigny, Quebec for her tryst with Bosch. While in Quebec, David enjoyed skiing at Mont-Tremblant and the wonderful hospitality of Francois Menard, the owner of Bosch. Francois sent David off each day with a beautiful box lunch, and welcomed him back from the slopes with a great meal and fine wine. The weather was terribly cold, but the breedings were successful and Francois sent David off with yet another nice meal for the road.

Bosch, David, and Solene at Francois Menard's home

With Solene's registered name being 'Intl Intrigue,' we chose 'Secret' as the theme of her litter. Solene is so special to me and her first litter was filled with emotion. I remember the fun of Neil Fournier flying in from California when the puppies were 11 days old and our joy of sitting in the whelping box sharing these beautiful babies. I think of the lost promise of the 3 stillborn souls who did not take a breath. When the puppies grew, Grandma Claire became a surrogate mother to the pups and she and Solene shared in raising the 9 sweet babies. I have been so proud to watch these pups grow and accomplish so much. So today, on their third birthday, I remember our friend Francois Menard, who passed away last Saturday. Francois was special, a swashbuckling sort of handsome and proud man. He had a distinctive handling style that said 'Of course you're going to choose this dog.' Yet he didn't just expect to win; he put in the work and earned titles in Conformation, Rally, Obedience, and other events. He was the first to earn an American Rally title. He won the first group placement at Premier with a Barbet. With his gregarious heart, he hosted wonderful cookouts while we camped at the shows. Francois donated prizes to our specialties, he became a SPOT evaluator, and he made friends for the Barbet wherever he traveled with Bosch. Francois and I shared the bond of being cancer survivors, but sadly, his recurred and no more treatment was available. Our deepest sympathies go to his wife Manon. Francois, you were one of a kind. 

I am honored to own my Bosch daughter Marlee, and I know that Francois is proud of her and all of the other Bosch kids. Happy birthday to Marlee, Micah, Meg, Clea, Charlie, Clovis, Teddy, Ernie, and Libby.

Francois Menard   1957-2017