wishing you a happy birthday in heaven today my Friend
Last week, I learned my breeder, Catherine Nikiforow passed away. She was a good breeder because she tried hard to find all her pups great homes. When it became clear that I did not fit with the family who bought me and I was going to be placed on Craigslist to get some money back, Catherine insisted the contract be followed and she came and took me back. Then, she worked to find me my furever home with my Aunt Karen Kirby. They decided that I might do well in PA and be a successful therapy dog. Catherine kept me until Sal and my Aunt Susan Richcrick and Lacey could come to get me.
It took a while for life to get better for me. I ran in a lot of big circles on the farm when I first came home and, when I got in a new situation, I would spread my legs out til my belly would touch the ground and then I'd sniff the entire area. Gradually, I began to feel safe and more comfortable. Now, life is pretty good for me!
I thank Catherine for her kindness and caring to me. She saved my life! There should be more breeders like Catherine.
Most sincere sympathy to all her family and friends.
This is Catherine and I with Grandad & Grandma Turner and Aunt Margaret and Uncle Jim.
This was 1983. My family, now with 4 children arrived in Australia and these two invited us to stay at Gregs fathers place in Hurstville, Sydney. We were there for two weeks and shared some very special time with them both.
This photo was taken just 7 days before Catherine passed. It was a precious moment indeed.
England 2010 , Catherine and Lynda having a last hug before Catherine left for home in USA .
Catherine at the Bunya Mts near Kingaroy 1986 . We enjoyed a visit with her and Matthew feeding the birds.
Catherine Mum and Matthew, Sydney 1978 . Mum having a family catch up .
Kingory Australia 1983 , Catherine having morning coffee visiting Mary for the weekend.
April 1980 Sydney,Catherine helping Mary and Barry unpack after they returned to Australia from the UK with Sarah and Christopher.
New to Australia
A very proud mom receiving a special Mothers Day Boquet.
This is a photo that appeared in the local newspaper within the first week of arriving in Australia. We were being hosted by our great Aunt and her family. We were a bit of a 'novelty' at the time being some of the first 'pommies' to arrive in this part of the land. Mum had answered an add in our local newspaper in Peterborough in the UK asking for people to Emigrate to Australia......the whole family for £10! That was 1965. It had been a year since our father had died, we'd been made bankrupt and Mum felt she had nothing to lose! She was amazing......4 kids under 13........£75.......1 suitcase each and that was pretty much it! There was no Social Security at that time so within 2 weeks mum had 2 jobs cleaning offices. She had run her own business in the UK and was a very intelligent woman......that needed to keep 4 kids fed and happy. She's my Hero!
This should be about Catherine's first day, but I don't know the story. I do know, however, that she was Very popular at school and Very clever!
We were so excited to journey to the wedding with all the bridesmaids and of course the Bride, Faith. The wedding was at the end tip of Malta so we had a very fun ride to the venu with the girls. I am so happy that Catherine was able to attend this wedding as I know just how much it meant to her.
August 2nd last year 2016 Catherine came to Malta for her niece's (my daughter) wedding. She was determined to come to the wedding even though it was difficult as she had very little energy and actually spent a lot f time resting in between events. The festivities went on for 4 days and she made it to each main event. She absolutely loved it as you can see by this photo. She was at times 'the life of the party', totally in her element celebrating, socialising etc. We shared a small flat that had a tiny sea view between the buildings. We couldn't of been happier!
Christmas 2015. It wasn't Catherine's first visit to Cornwall but it was pretty special. She had been told earlier in the year that Cancer had come back after her original diagnosis 23 years prior to this. She was devastated. We'd only just had Mum pass away in February of the same year. She was still so full of life and was fighting, researching, looking into different ways she could help herself. Desperately wanting to make a trip to spend Christmas together but neither of us could afford it. This is where magic begins to take place! Annette, Catherine's co-worker at Country Lanes Real Estate stepped in and took a collection.....their own personal Gofundme! We were both so touched! She came for two weeks over Christmas and we were out in a quaint little town called Wadebridge when she found this hat! She loved it so much....and doesn't it suit her?! It was a really special day, because it was a good day and she felt good......there were many not so good days, which makes you appreciate the good ones especially.
Taken when my first grandchild Shelly & I visited Catherine in New Hampshire about 16 years ago. We flew up on air-miles tickets from Austin and had a 6 hour layover in Atlanta. I decided to teach Shelley how to play cards....specifically Gin Rummy. Well, even though she was only 8 Shelley was a quick learner and soon, not only knew the game well, but was impossible to beat! When Catherine learned the news that Shelley could play, she couldn't resist. (One of the weird & wonderful things Catherine did as an aspiring model was to work as a Croupier). Our family is renound for our competitive spirit! She could not beat Shelley! Catherine still talked about this even very recently. Shelley has recently just graduated as a Fighter Pilot for the US airforce.
A great day to remember as we were rarely in the same place at the same time. We have a lot of fiery characters in our family so get-togethers were usually a lot of fun and fireworks.
