Living with a Yorkie by Marie BradLeY
H ow do you accurately describe living with a par- ticular breed when many characteristics can be associated with other breeds? I can say after almost two decades of “living with Yorkies”, I have come to love this breed more with each passing day. Like chil- dren, Yorkies have their distinct per- sonality traits, their size varies and then you have those traits that are specific to the breed itself. These tiny terrorists as we, who have invested our hearts, souls and our resources to ensure the better- ment of the breed could only tell you. I was introduced to the breed many years ago through a friend, who had just bought this tiny bundle of joy and energy. I was curious, and being an ani- mal lover since I was small, I decided to begin my journey with this breed and bought my first Yorkie, the littermate to my friend’s dog, that brought an indescribable amount of joy to my life, hence his AKC name Bradley’s Valen- tine Joy, aka “Bubba”. Bubba taught me so much and I poured my love into him as we played tug o’ war, kill the rat and other games. This little boy gave me so much to be thankful for as I was ending my teach- ing career. The days I came home dis- heartened by the day’s events, I was greeted by him, tail wagging and jump- ing for joy that I was home. He wanted to play fetch, which was one of the games we played together, he wanted to be held and loved, he just wanted me. It is that bond between a dog and his master that seems to resonate with me even today. So he was my beginning to living with a Yorkie. Today, as I sit here with my aging crew of little terrorists, I am eternally grateful to Bubba. He was the reason I found out about showing dogs because I chose to research the breed. Yes, I was one of those dog lovers. Through the years, I have been met with the joys of breeding and showing, the sadness of losing one of my beloved dogs as they aged or became sick and found that even through the most difficult times
of my life, my Yorkies have been there to lift my spirits when no one else was. Somehow, my Yorkies always know when I am not quite feeling up to par and they comfort me. They are truly a blessing from God. So what’s it’s like living with a Yor- kie? I can honestly say that living with one Yorkie is different than a passel of them. Saying that the breed is infec- tious—in a good way—is an understate- ment. They are perpetual two-year- olds, full of mischief, joy and energy. A trait that seems to be breed specific is the impression of being bigger than they really are. In other words, they are small dogs with huge personalities and territorial traits. And the smaller they are, the more that trait seems to be enhanced. As a Yorkie breeder and pro- fessional handler, the Terrier tempera- ment shines through and sometimes, just like siblings, they simply don’t like each other. We have to be very careful to keep this temperament in check and prevent any harm coming to others. So we opt to separate. Sometimes, we only have separate for a short period of time and other times it’s permanent. Personality variances are intriguing to watch. I have some that are more demanding in nature than others. I have some that want to be in your lap 24/7 and yet I have some that if you don’t attend to their every need, they will make it well known to you and the entire pack that mom has screwed up and then I have those that are truly independent. I often have to chuckle at their little antics to make their desires known to all. Yorkies are smart, they know just how to get what they want and if you don’t give them exactly what they want, they can—and will—make you pay a dear price, especially in the show ring. I have shown some Yorkies, mine included, that have, in their own way, said, ‘Heck with you, I’m doing it my way.’ Those who own, love, handle and judge Yorkies have seen it firsthand. I have been blessed beyond measure with not only my own Yorkies, but with
the opportunity to love, care for and handle my client’s dogs. Each one has left an indelible mark on my life. Some have even stolen my heart, made me laugh with their many antics and made me one of the proudest handlers to have such a fine example of the breed on my lead, win or lose. You see, Yorkies have a way that is specific to the breed that glorifies the traits in us, shows us what unconditional love is and teaches us to cherish each and every moment they are allowed to live with us. How could you ever live without a Yorkie in your life? About the Author Marie’s experience in the dog show world began in 2000, when she pur- chased her first show dog. After a few successes, Marie was hooked. Her love of the breed and commitment to its betterment led her to become a mem- ber of the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America. Since 2001 under the prefix Gaelwyn’s, Marie has bred, owned and handled top-winning Yorkshire Terriers in the country, has been awarded the Top Winning Yorkshire Terrier Best of Opposite Sex Award from YTCA in 2006, 2008 and 2009. Following her heart and her passion for showing, Marie made a career change to professional handling. After apprenticing under one of the top toy handlers in the country, Marie’s exper- tise and experience in grooming and handling drop coated breeds afford- ed her opportunities to represent a number of kennels. As a professional handler, Marie has achieved, for her clients, 2011 Top Winning Yorkshire Terrier and in 2014, her client was awarded Top Breeder, Top Sire and Top Dam from YTCA. She is currently a member of the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America, where she served on the Code of Eth- ics and Conduct Committee, fund raising for Yorkshire Terrier Club of America Rescue and currently serves on the E Express committee, YTCA’s quarterly publication.
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