Ronnie with the Dalmatians

 

9-26-2022

One of the great parts about going to dog training classes is meeting wonderful people.   I’ve come to call several of them friends as well.  We come from all walks of life, with all kinds of dogs, but we all want what’s best for our pets.

One of the first people I became friends with had and bred Dalmatians.  She came to two agility classes with the mom, Dalia and her daughter, Daphne.  Over the years, I came to treasure her as a sweet and precious lady.  Not only was she great with her dogs, but she was a gardening whiz.  Occasionally, she brought “extra” produce to share with her classmates.  She was also known to judge flower shows. 

This summer she had pain in her hip and asked another of our cadre of students to run her dogs for her.  Then she had pneumonia.  Every week I looked for her car, a red mini-van with the license plate “SPOTS” and stickers all over the rear with her “dals” titles.  Weeks went by and we got word that a “mass” was found in her lungs.  I sent her emails and a card, and one of our group made a beautiful quilt for her.

Last week Ronnie died. 

Seven weeks from diagnosis to deceased.  That pain in her hip was cancer.  She had an issue with her finger and her neck.  Cancer.  It had metastasized everywhere. 

She was an amazing lady.  I was proud to know her.  I miss her, especially when I pull into the parking lot at Tails and she’s not there.  No red mini-van “SPOTS”, no dalmatians walking daintily on their leads. 

She was a very young 78.  Acted and looked at least 10 years younger. 

Heaven has gained a beautiful flower, a genteel lady, and we here are better for having known her. 

Rest in peace, Bronwyn (Ronnie) Schoelzen.  

 I stole this picture off the internet.

I took this at an ACT trial in October of 2020.

I took this at the October 2021 trial.  The girls were too tired after their long day to set up nicely for a picture.  Ronnie had more energy than they did!