SBT CLUB OF CANADA : THE BENEFIT OF MEMBERSHIP
by Ray Sowa, Canada

“... a friend for life, without question or doubt ...”

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The SBTCC - why be a Member? Being a member of the SBTCC means more than just getting the Staffie Tales magazine on a regular basis. It means you have joined a family. The following is just one good example of the benefits of membership and a testimony to the true friendships that have been formed within our Club.

Owning a Stafford is one thing. Being a true Stafford owner is a little more far-reaching. In Oct 2003, Squibs Mercier - if you don’t know her, then you don’t know Canadian Staffords! - fell and broke her hip while taking a large trophy for the “Show of Shows” to be engraved. Her recovery would involve a lengthy period of hospitalization.

What to do? She has 2 Staffords and a home to take care of. Whilst there was the obvious medical need to tend to Squib’s injury, there also existed the immediate need to care for Squib’s friends, “Duchess” & “Nipper”. Welcome to being a member of the SBTCC! There was much initial commotion, but without hesitation, many local members of the Club immediately offered their assistance to help Squibs’ daughter, Wendy, carry the load.

Wendy juggled the caring, loving and hugging of her own 3 Staffies in one household, while making sure that Duchess & Nipper were also spoiled, as all good Staffies should be, at the Staffordshire Arms for the first 3 or 4 weeks of Squibs’ hospitalization. During that period, many Club members volunteered their time to ensure that the Staffordshire Arms’ 4-legged residents were taken care of. Various members pitched in to do the things that all loving owners do for their friends. This contribution helped Wendy as she coped with running her own household of SBTs and also Squibs’ household and Staffies.

Once the news was in that Squibs’ recovery and her return home would be a lengthy one, a new plan to care for Duchess & Nipper had to be found - and once again, fellow Club members rose to the call. Fleur Hardy, without any hesitation, opened her home to the long-term care of Duchess & Nipper. Caring Club members carried out transportation of the dogs to Fleur’s kennel. Fleur & Bill looked after Duchess & Nipper in the manner to which they are accustomed, including lots of toast and jam.

Throughout Squibs’ long hospital stay, her spirit was often lifted by many visits, cards, photos, and phone calls from Staffie people. Staffie people do not just bring in a fruit basket to lift one’s spirit! No, they broke many a hospital rule smuggling in SBT puppies, and even a full-grown Stafford or two! Squibs is quick to say, “Doctors mend the bones, but Staffies mend the spirit!”

After 5 long months, the time finally came for Squibs to go home. Duchess & Nipper were going home, too! Once again, members of the Club pitched in to help. No words can express both the anticipation and joy that Squibs felt as she waited for her precious pals to be returned to her. Did the fact that weather reports indicated terrible highway driving conditions deter fellow Club members from ensuring that Squibs and her dogs were re-united? No! Their mission was clear: reunite Squibs and her pals! As true “Staffords”, they rose to the challenge.

The mutual joy as owner and dogs were reunited cannot be expressed. As much tail wagging and hugging as is visible, there also is an indescribable moment between friends that written words cannot capture. This “moment” was made possible by the contributions of fellow Club members. This is what membership in the Club hopefully “buys” one should you ever need it. Squibs, Nipper & Duchess thank everyone for helping them during a difficult time. A blue ribbon to all of you!

PS: I did not drop a lot of names because, like true Staffords, those who helped are quiet and confident in their strengths. “A true Stafford (both 2-legged and 4-) is a friend for life, without question or doubt.”