Bob Chisholm
I have known the Betts for some 40 years. Wendy and my wife were part of a group of eight that began critiquing Labrador Retriever litters in the early 1980s. “Puppy lunches” were held at the home of the litter owner with every member of the group bringing food and refreshment. The breeds critiqued expanded to include Golden Retrievers and Pugs. The group became very good friends and like most people in the “doggie” world came from a wide variety of backgrounds. The lunches, which grew to include an annual Christmas lunch that Wendy often hosted, continued for over 25 years. With Wendy’s passing, there is only one member of the 8 left.
Many of the husbands of the 8 got to know each other as well. Dave and I used to do retriever training on Saturday mornings on the irrigation canal east of the city.
Wendy was not particularly keen about going into the dog show ring but she loved to ring steward for judges – particularly those judging the sporting dogs. She learned what individual judges were looking for and developed a keen eye for a good dog regardless of breed.
I showed Labradors and occasionally Goldens and was invariably subjected to Wendy’s humour at ring side. It was hard to concentrate when Wendy had passed on her joke du jour which was usually more than a bit off colour. She would even phone me during the week to pass on a particularly good one.
One could not help but enjoy Wendy’s company. She was always wanted to know what her friends and acquaintances were doing, not just out of politeness but out of a real interest.
Wendy stands out in my mind as “one of the good ones”. I valued her friendship and her interest. She will be sadly missed.
To Dave, Donna, Gordon and families, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you adjust to this major loss in your lives.
