Vale - NTL & GRAND RT CH Beereegan One Tree CM

[Mark Davis]

It is with great sadness that we inform you of Swampy's passing, old age and the effects of injury throughout his career finally took there toll.
Swampy was loved by many in this country, who admired his desire and tenacity to bring back the bird.
An example of this was his efforts in the 2011 National in NSW at ten years of age. The judges having run the dogs ragged in the hills for two days, took the last run to the water.
Approaching the pegs Swamp's eyes lit up when he saw the water, he came up on his toes and I knew he was going to put in a good run. A triple mark all birds thrown out into the water, landing in and beyond very heavy Cumbungi.
Whilst other dogs ran up and down the bank, Swampy nailed all three, no commands, top scored the run and finished the trial in fifth place. Not bad for a ten year old!
Another example happened at a trial in SA, after the judge announced Swampy as the winner, one of the game stewards asked to speak, he recounted how whilst working the thrower from behind a very high and thick wall of cover, which had seemed impenetrable to most of the field, as they had all ran around and collected the bird from the front.
He was amazed to hear a disturbance from behind were he was sitting on the game bucket, all of a sudden a dog burst through the cover knocking him off the bin, gave him a glance as if to say "you OK mate' collected the bird and went back the same way. As I recall the game steward had a tear in his eye telling this story as I do writing it. This was typical of Swampy's work throughout his life.
Swamp was a great dog in an era of great dog's, he won the 2005 National with the likes of Fern, King, Levi, Kato, Monty, Kelly and Tike in the field and he backed it up in 2006 only finishing second to his sister, with the addition of Blackie in the field. Swampy also won 4 Sate Championships, runner up in 4 more and placed in another 8. He accumulated over 250 retrieving points making him a dual Grand Champion and was inducted into the ANKC hall of fame last year.
He was an absolute joy to train, trial and hunt with, he spent the last couple of years relaxing on his bed on the deck.
I will miss saying g'day to him on my way to work of a morning.
Mark

[Lyn Wise]

He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. The breeding and teamwork that Swampy represented was inspirational to any Labrador Breeder especially those with a passion for retrieving. Thinking of you at this sad time.

[Terry J Bannon]

Sorry to hear of your loss

[Clinton Bodilly]

Mark and Wendy thinking of you at this sad time, sounds like he had a great career and will be sadly missed but fondly remembered.

[Amand Golle]

From Amand and Georgina

Swampy was a great role-model of our sport and will always be remembered.

Our thoughts are with you both at this time of sadness.

[Pauline Gill]

So sorry for your loss it always hard to loose the oldies especially one so well respected.

[Allan Bartram]

Mark & Wendy,
Catherine and I are so sad to hear of "the Swamp Dog's " passing. He really was one of the Champions of his time. I always loved to judge him, he was what I call "honest" he always gave of his best, no matter what, and was a delight to watch. Such great dogs are few indeed. We know how much he will be missed.
Thinking of you both at this sad time.

Allan & Catherine

[Diane McCann]

A wonderful dog and I am sure he will leave a big hole in your hearts and life

[Susie Partridge]

Mark and Wendy, so sorry to read about Swampy. He was a much admired and wonderful Champion, and you made a much admired and wonderful team. Our sport is poorer for his passing.
Susie

[Prue Winkfield]

Sorry to hear about Swampy - he was a wonderful dog.

[Jack Lynch]

Wendy and Mark,
Sorry to hear the sad news, our thoughts are with you.
Jack and Christine.

[John Lawton]

Mark and Wendy,
Swampy, Vicky and I had our full admiration watching him work, going out nothing faced him, then watching him return bird in mouth and a big smile.
It was great to see a dog haply wanting to work with you.
The bench mark has been set very high.
John & Vicky.