It is with a heavy heart that I write this, our great dog and Champion
Elhew Swami passed away suddenly Tuesday morning May 11th. She had a
recent bout with some tumors in her breast that had been removed and we
thought she was in the clear but without any warning she died in my home
on her bed quickly and without any suffering.

Bama, as she was called, would have been 12 years old this July 3rd. As
many of you know she had an unbelievable career as a shooting dog under
the whistle of Shawn Kinkelaar. They had a fabulous re pore, it was an
absolute ball watching Bama work for Shawn. Bama ended her career with
16 open shooting dog Championships with 13 runner up championships a
total of 40 wins and won National Shooting Dog of the year 3 times.
She was as tough of a competitor as you will find in any sport.
Bama was jointly owned by myself, Stan Howton and Bryce Flaming. We
decided to retire her from competition 3 years ago before she turned 9
and she spent the rest of her time at our home in KY as part mine and
Lisa’s house dog having the full run of the place. She accompanied me to
work and was my constant companion.

Lisa and I along with Stan and Bryce were very blessed to have had her
and will miss her greatly, thanks for one helluva ride Bama.

Rob Butler