A Tribute to Westwood Mocha
October 9, 1996 – December 29, 2010
There would be no “Smilin’ Jack” without Westwood Mocha. She was my foundation bitch, the benevolent Alpha and my best friend. She was a once-in-a-lifetime terrier.
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Purchased in the fall of 1996 from Alice Reynolds of Westwood kennel in West Virginia, we had no idea that this cute little fuzzy creature would transform our world.
Mocha introduced us to the show ring and then stunned us by winning Best Open Terrier at the 1998 JRTCA National Trial at only 2 years old. That would be the highlight of her show career – where do you go from there? Mocha did not lack drive and loved to hunt, but she was no small terrier and getting to the quarry was always a challenge for her. She would corkscrew herself upside down into holes trying her hardest and, during one successful attempt, lost a corner of her tongue to a groundhog. Our fear of losing her eventually curtailed her hunting expeditions, at least the organized ones. |
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Mocha went on to be a tremendous brood bitch for us, a devoted and caring mother who easily produced 6 beautiful litters.
She ruled the roost, there was no question she was the Alpha but she was a benevolent leader and groomed and tended to her many children, grandchildren and subsequent generations that remained with us. |
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Mocha aged gracefully through the years with no health problems until early 2009 when at the age of 12 ½ she developed vestibular syndrome. As her disease progressed and her eyesight worsened, Mocha nevertheless maintained her dignity and joie de vie. Finally in the fall of 2010, though I tried desperately to deny it, it became apparent that Mocha’s quality of life was not what she deserved and I needed to let her go. She passed away peacefully in my arms at home a few days after Christmas.
She was a one-in-a-million terrier who did everything I asked of her and so much more. Her legacy lives on in her descendants, in my breeding program, and most of all in the memories of those who knew her and loved her. She was my heart and soul.... Jennifer |
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