Good evening! Good evening George and Dorothy,

We are the proud owners of Ted (a female, but she does look like a Ted!), our “second daughter” who hails from Arline Hill’s kennel in London, Ontario. If you knew Arline, you may know she passed away of breast cancer a while ago. She was a wonderful lady who gave us joy and happiness with our first Clumber! Our first introduction to the breed came through me watching Westminster a million years ago, and deciding a Clumber was “a must.” I called a woman in California (dead also…) who hailed as the matriarch of Clumbers in the USA. She offered to sell us a dog, but the wait was long. She steered us to Barbara Stebbins in NY. We visited her, and after gaining “her approval”, got directed to Arline. A bit of a circuitous route, but worth it in the end!

Unfortunately, we learned early this fall that Ted was suffering from lung cancer…her ver gave her 30-60 days to live. As always, Ted defies the odds. She’s going on almost half a year, but it appears the end is near. She’s not in any pain (we won’t let that happen!), but is unable to walk long distances. Her body is operating on one lung as the tumor has collapsed the infected one. Its been a terrible process, but we’ve enjoyed nearly eleven good years with her. She’s still as sweet as can be, and while tiring quickly, still looks for the raccoons and squirrels that roam our neighborhood. Our seven-year old daughter is really taking it hard, and we’ve promised that when Ted goes to heaven, that we’ll replace her with a new Clumber as soon as we can. We even told her she could name the new addition to our family.

We are looking for a companion Clumber. We live in Minneapolis, and are avid walkers/runners. Ted is rarely without her daily dose of exercise. We own a lake cabin in Northern Minnesota adjoining the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Ely. Beautiful spot, and one of Ted’s favorite destinations! We’ll eventually spread her ashes at the base of her favorite tree…one where squirrels have their nest, and one she often sits below staring up, waiting for her prey to descend! We think we’re fabulous owners given our love, affection and focus on our dogs (Ted was our first as a married couple!). Any Clumber would be more than happy to spend their days with the Holkers, I can assure you!

Let us know if you can help us out. If not, any suggestions on breeders? We don’t want to get a new dog until Ted is gone…I suspect she’s on her last few months, unfortunately. Of course, we’re willing to wait for the right dog…time is not of the essence with a decision like this! I travel to the UK 4-5 times per year, and would be more than willing to bring one home with me on a trip! Not sure of the "quarantine" rules given the hoof-and-mouth issues in Europe... Please advise!

Jeff, Cindy and Madeleine Holker
jcholker@msn.com

Welcome to the forum :-)

Take a look at our Clumber Spaniel Breeders. If you are looking to export from the UK, I am sure that someone here can recommend a breeder or litter to you. For the latest information on the Foot and Mouth Situation, contact DEFRA (Department for Enviroment,Food and Rural Affairs).

You could also try Clumber Spaniel Club of America who will be able to tell you if there are any breeders/litters in your area.

Leigh