The Moonshadows were created for this moment…
But first, a little context is in order.
Daisy is the mom of the Moonshadows (and Wildflowers) — her dad is Holden (CH Kaibab’s Holden On To The Moon AXP OAP BN RN ANDD DD JHD-s TKA). This is a photo of Holden with Harper B — they are littermates.
Holden is the Big Guy! Grandpa of the Moonshadows and Wildflowers
Holden started his life here in Montana as one of the H Moon Litter, and spent the rest of his well-loved life with Toby in Pennsylvania.
The parents of that H Moon Litter were so special — Terri Zimmerman’s Zed (Zoey’s littermate) and our Sydney. Two wonderful and beloved dogs. This is Zed and Sydney with Harper B for Baby…
Zed and Sydney are the great-grandparents of the Wildflowers and Moonshadows
The Moon part of the H Moon Litter was in honor of their grandmother, the most perfect Mrs. Maize (CH Kaibab’s Anasazi Corn Moon UD AX AXJ TD VCD2 OAP OJP NF NFP RE DD BDD CGC, 2000 - 2012).
Maize and H Moon puppy, Lainey
Holden had to leave Toby, breaking her already broken heart into even more pieces, and while nobody will ever replace him, Daisy — his daughter — could send a small Moonshadow back to reflect all that Holden is, was, and always will be.
Here is the rest of the story from Toby — and the start of our Moonshadow Birthday Updates…
“The day Mary-Ann shared with me that she planned on one more breeding of Daisy, was filled with so many mixed emotions. My broken heart was lifted by the thought of having a piece of my Holden, my heart dog, back, but I also worried how Clark would feel about a puppy coming into our lives.
FYI: Clark is Daisy’s littermate!
He really seemed to like being an only child. When Holden left us, it was a loss that followed on the heels of 2 other gutting losses and a very difficult year. Every day was a big struggle for me to just keep moving forward. Clark, always in the shadow of his daddy Holden, just knew what he had to do...I do think to some degree he saved my life. He helped fill that hole in my heart and reminded me everyday that he was here for me.
With each passing day of Daisy's pregnancy, I grew more excited with anticipation of our new family member, wavering back and forth between a girl and a boy. After 2 big-time mama's boys, I felt ready for a girl. The day M-A shared the litter theme with me I couldn't stop crying — Moonshadows — what better way to honor Holden. Wow.
When M-A and Daisy conveniently planned the Moonshadow's entrance into this world for a day off for me, I was lucky enough to be present via Zoom-so exciting! As each newly delivered puppy was brought in to M-A and puppy delivery helper extraordinaire, Suzanne, I was ticking off the male /female count. The ticks were growing in the male column, while there were none in the female column! I remember having the thought that what if they are ALL boys? Ok, we'll take a boy even though I was starting to gather things in pink. Then there they were....2 girls, but 8 boys!!! Ok, good! I obsessed over daily updates, Zoom calls and texts while wondering just how in the heck M-A was doing it...10 + 10!
They were all perfect babies, but my heart rested on Ariel...soon to become Margie Moonshadow —Kaibab's Margie Moonshadow Holden My Heart. A whirlwind, one day trip with Jack Crifasi, Ellen Miller and Jasen Duncan to Bozeman airport for a parking lot puppy pick-up was a crazy day, but so exciting. Margie came home, Uncle brother Clark was instantly in love, and I realized he needed her as much as I did.
It's been a super fun year...Margie instantly learned all about Coffee With Clark which came to include Mornings with Margie.
She came to work with me for her first 6 months and quickly became everyone's sweetheart. She's the friendliest, most lovable and cuddly puppy I've ever had.
It was pretty obvious early on that she had the Kaibab smarts and her first title, AKC Novice Trick Dog, came at 5.5 months. She has since added the AKC CGC title and a World Cynosport Rally Intro title.
I'm so looking forward to what's ahead, but no matter what that is, Clark and I have a big piece of our hearts back and we can't thank Mary-Ann and Daisy enough for giving that to us.”
Margie Moonshadow is also a reflection of my love and appreciation for Toby. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Margie Moonshadow! You are another Super Hero. Good Work, Sweet Baby.
And because we needed to make Margie, there are nine other Moonshadows celebrating their birthday today as well — and all week on blog. YAY and Happy Birthday to all of them.