Yesterday I walked Miles to the mailbox and dropped a birthday card in for my friend Sharon, who would be turning 80 soon. A few hours later, Keith (Sharon’s best friend and long-time partner for Shaireab’s Bayleigh Welsh Terriers, now Bayleigh Welsh Terriers) called me to tell me that Sharon had passed away peacefully in her home. I felt a wave of disbelief and sadness. It always feels like we will have more time with those we love. At the same time, my mind flooded with warm thoughts of who Sharon was.
Sharon Abmeyer has left a great legacy in the world of Welsh Terriers, having bred nearly 100 champions and countless beloved companion Welsh Terriers. Her understanding of structure was fascinating. She had a visual eye and could pinpoint the most minute nuances in gait and movement. She had a talent that is one-of-a-kind.
In 2012 as an unknown dog trainer, I was nominated for a prestigious training article award. I didn’t have the resources to go to NYC to attend the Dog Writers Association of America Banquet, so I asked Sharon if she would go in my place. To my surprise she agreed and ended up going to the banquet, not knowing a soul! She sat there for hours upon hours, unsure if I would even win! That was the kind of friend Sharon was. She celebrated my first Maxwell Award with me with immense excitement that made me feel so special.
Over the years, we shared some tears of sadness, and far more tears of joy. Sharon was the kindest person I have ever met. Sharon was a cheerleader of my endeavors with Miles no matter what they were, or no matter how we did. I remember breathlessly giving Miles treats after an agility run last December and Sharon said, “Seeing an owner cherish and love one of my dogs for years and years, that is all I can ask for as a breeder.” She knew what was important in life: respect, humor, passion, hard work, and love.
When people talk about choosing a dog breeder, they often say to me, “It doesn’t really matter as long as I get a good dog.” I can’t tell you what it feels like to have your dog’s breeder, the one who held your dog as a puppy, many years later see that dog with you and feel pride and joy for that relationship. It meant everything to me.
Sharon and Miles at Westminster in NYC
Keith, Sharon and me at AKC Nationals and Agility Invitationals in Orlando FL
Sharon and I right after one of Miles and my agility runs
❤️❤️❤️ That is Sharon Abmeyer. Beautiful memories to cherish! Love.
Agreed. ❤️
What a beautiful tribute for a beautiful soul. ❤️
Thank you so much Steph ❤️
I’m sorry for the loss of your friend and breeder of Miles.
Thank you Nancy ❤️
Speaking for Ben and myself we are heartbroken. Sharon was the breeder I found when we lived in Florida and we’re searching for welsh terrier. She was the first and only breed her to return my calls right away. We went on a waiting list and finally were able to retrieve our beautiful Fiona in Georgia. She was the best dog and beautiful and smart, and we loved sharing from the first. She helped Us in obtaining our lovely shamus, and then finally put in a good word for us to get Meghan . She really was one-of-a-kind, and we loved her dearly. She was a beautiful woman, and a great friend.
Carole I couldn’t agree more. Fiona, Shamus, and Meghan were/are all wonderful dogs. I will miss Sharon dearly as well. Hugs to you and Ben.
What a lovely tribute. I am so sorry for your loss. Dan, Presley and I are thinking of you.
Thank you Peg and Dan, your words mean a lot to me! Give Presley a treat from me.
I adopted Stella from Keith 8 years ago then after retirement began helping her in the kennel. This is how I met Sharon and just adored this sweet precious lady. I loved to hear her talk to the little puppies 😌. But the one thing that will always stick out to me is she always said “love you” when saying goodbye. My heart goes out to her husband Bob and her daughter, and close friend Keith. “Love you” Sharon……
Susan I feel the exact same way, on every count. We Love You Sharon. ❤️
Emma, this is such a beautiful tribute to Sharon. I had the pleasure of speaking with her at Westminster year after year – and no matter who she had in the ring she took the time to speak to me. I will never forget her generosity and kindness. So wonderful to your experience with Sharon. Thanks for posting!
Jo McLaughlin
Thank you for saying that Jo. Sharon was so generous and humble. It would be hard to tell what a legend she was if you didn’t know, right?
Emma,
Your tribute is as lovely as Sharon was. The Welsh Terrier world, and the whole world besides, has lost a special person. I will cherish my memories of Sharon. My life was improved by knowing her.
Darcy
I feel the same way Darcy. ❤️
So sad. I have known about Sharon’s great contributions to the world of the welsh terrier for a long time. I had the honor of meeting her for the first time at the Westminster this past February. Her sweet smile said it all.
I agree completely Jean. Westminster this year was so special for so many reasons!
So sorry Emma for the loss of your friend. She sounds like an amazing person.
She was Gwen, thank you for your thoughtful comment. ❤️
Emma please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your lovely friend, Sharon Abmeyer. I know you grieve her loss even as you treasure all of your wonderful memories together. Sharon was extremely proud of you and Miles! Your accomplishments joined her own efforts to promote and improve the Welsh Terrier breed. What you do in educating and training those lucky enough to be owned by Welsh Terriers, or contemplating that ownership, is an extremely important part of that dream.
As you know, I have been extremely fortunate to have been blessed with two Shaireabs Baiyleigh companion terriers. I lost my beloved Luc nearly two years ago at the age of 12. Lilybet (Shaireabs Bayleigh Bundle of Fun) continues to bring me joy at nearly 16. I cannot imagine my life without them. Thank you is insufficient to express my gratitude for what Sharon accomplished and Keith has built on to. We owe them so much.
Elise, your comment and text message really helped me in a time of grief. Thank you so much for taking the time to say this. It means a lot. Luc was a very special dog, who was lucky to have you as his companion. I cannot imagine the trajectory of my life without Miles. I too feel really lucky. As Sharon would say, “Love you.” ❤️
Emma, I’m sorry for your loss of a beloved friend. From your wonderful tribute to her, it’s clear she was a remarkable, sensitive, skilled, and loving person. She would surely have been moved by your writing. ❤
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Didi. ❤️
I was deeply saddened to hear of Sharon’s passing.Carole and I thought of her as a friend and we cared deeply for her. I still remember the first time we met her. We had driven from Florida to pick up Fiona. I remember how she told us that Fiona was a “sassy girl”. She was so right. She also told us that she would be our best friend. Again she was right. She was always available when there was a meltdown brewing. She was kind and patient. When we moved from Florida to Marietta we became closer. She was not a dog breeder who sold us a dog but a friend who became a part of our lives. While it had been a while since we had seen Sharon and Bob there has not been a time when we haven’t thought of them.
The world was a better place with her in it. She will always be remembered.
The world was a better place with Sharon in it, I agree completely Ben. She supplied so many of us with life-changing dogs. Her legacy goes on in our memories of her, and in the ways her dogs have changed our lives. ❤️
Such a wonderful tribute to your friend! I’m so sorry for your loss — Atlas and I are thinking of you!
Thank you so much Carol, that means a lot to me. ❤️
Emma – I am so sorry to hear about Sharon’s passing. This is a vey heartfelt message full of special memories and photos, Sharon sounds like a knowledgeable, caring, kind lady. I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear friend and the loss of an amazing lady in the Welsh Terrier World.
Thank you Kimberley, that is so kind. She was special indeed!