My family and I suffered a shattering loss when our Uppy was sent to wait for us at the Rainbow Bridge on January 10, 2004 after a brief illness. Although he died at such an early age, Uppy's life was like a fairy tale. Here at Indian Hill, he was a member of our family and loved as such. He had complete run of the farm, the house and our hearts.

On the show circuit, it was hard to beat him as he so epitomized the Bernese Mountain Dog. An outstanding puppy, Uppy finished his AKC Championship with multiple group placements from the 6-9 puppy class. He made his debut as a champion at the 2002 Potomac Valley Regional, taking BOS at 11 months old over many top champions.

The following month he attended the 2002 National in West Virginia, winning the 12-15 Sweeps class and making the final cut in breed against a line up of phenomenal dogs with his adorable handler, Kasey VonEngel (7 at the time!) . It was there also, that Uppy caught the eye of his Grandma Kathryn Young, who took him several months later to Canada .

Uppy came home with a Canadian Championship and a big chunk of Kathryn's heart. In October 2002, at 18 months, he won an Award of Merit at the Watchung Regional.

In 2003, he won BOB at the Potomac Valley Regional Specialty, warming him up for his 2003 BMDCA National Specialty BOB in April, accompanied by his dear friend and mine, Rui Rosa.

In early May of 2003, Uppy was owner, breeder handled to BOB at the Nashoba Valley Regional Specialty and also took a Group 2 with his friend Sindi Leo at the end of the lead.

To my Darling, my Sweetheart,
my Pride and my Joy,

When I picked up your ashes at the vet yesterday, I felt as if my heart was bleeding to death…but I also knew I had to let you go…as I drove, I saw reddish brown paw prints in the sky, intermittently appearing and heading upward…I knew it was you going to heaven. You are a part of my soul as I am of yours and we are together for always. I love you, Uppy with all my heart and am thankful to have had you in my life.

Be a Bear, Mommy & Daddy