March 20, 2009

Dear Mr. Mulkey and Mr. Smith,

We send our congratulations for your puppy winning Best in Sweepstakes and Winner’s Dog at the Texas Specialty.  Your puppy’s father, BIS, BISS Am. Can. CH. Bella Ridge Lebull’s Let’s be Frank, “Frank” took Breed at that same specialty last year.  We are honored that Frank’s son took such prestigious wins.  If you are ever interested in hearing more about Frank and his pedigree please do not hesitate to contact us.  Our website also has pictures of Frank and his mother.  Once again congratulations.  We would be honored if you would send us pictures of your beautiful puppy.  As you may already know, Frank was the #1 French Bulldog Breed and All Breed for 2008.  He began his campaign at 1 year of age.  Today he is better than ever.  We love Frank!

Best wishes,
Dr. David and Jill Neidig
Bella Ridge French Bulldogs

March 20, 2009

Dear Mr. Mulkey and Mr. Smith,

Right after I sent the first email I heard about the Best of Breed Win!  Congratulations!  I have called Bev and congratulated her as well.  Take good care of that special little guy.

Best wishes,
Dr. David and Jill Neidig
Bella Ridge French Bulldogs

March 22, 2009

Dear Dr and Mrs. Neidig,

Thank you for your kind words of congratulations.  Of course we think Maxum is wonderful.  He is our constant companion and a cherished member of our family. We to think that it is quite special for Frank’s first born son to take the title that he won the previous year.  And how amazing Maxum did it from the 6 to 9 puppy class before his 7 month birthday!  Of course Maxum was also awarded Best Puppy in Specialty that was taken last year by “Woolly Bully”.  In addition under a completely different judge he was awarded Best in Sweepstakes.  I don’t know if this is unprecedented, but if it has happened before, it is rare.

We first visited your web site long ago and we are in close communication with Bev Anderson so we know about Frank.  Frank is a truly spectacular representative of our breed and I know you are very proud of him.  Maxine is a lovely bitch that excels in breed type and characteristics that are not often found in bitches.  We think that Maxum was blessed with great attributes from both of his parents.  We prize all of the physical characteristics and we also love that Maxum has his fathers unbelievably sweet and loving disposition.  Maxum is an absolute love.

I am intimately familiar with Frank’s pedigree, actually I helped create it...  My involvement with French Bulldogs began over twenty years ago.  I know first hand many of the dogs from that period.  I was present when some of the best known dogs like CH Cox’s Goodtime Charlie Brown and the truly greats like Ch Omar Sharif De La Parure took the National Specialty.  Many of the European dogs that appear in Frank’s pedigree like Unic De La Parure also grace the pedigree of the premier dogs in many European countries and has influenced the breed all over the world.  I assume that you are also not aware that I owned and bred dogs that are a part of Frank’s heritage.  This includes my first Frenchie that I had with me for 16 years and will always live in a corner of my heart.  I walked into the show ring with this little angle for the first time when she was 6 months and 2 days old.  There was a huge entry of class dogs and 10 Specials including the #1 Frenchie in the Country.  She was awarded BOB and a Group 3 on that day.  Sorry to kinda go on about her, but she was my heart.  When I am in the recliner in the evening and Maxum is peacefully sleeping beside me, I am always reminded that there are just a few drops of my first little angle’s blood coursing through his veins.

Please understand that our dogs are our family.  We do not have show dogs.  We have dogs that we share the experience of the shows with and that enrich all of our lives.  My dogs have never gone into a show ring without me on the other end of the lead.  For me the true feeling of accomplishment with the tremendous honor of this weekend is that Maxum and I had this experience together.  The ring was filled with heavily promoted BIS and BISS Specials being expertly presented by well known handlers.  Maxum had me and earned this title on his merits alone.  This is an experience that I will carry with me always.  Thank you again for your kind words.  I wish you much continued success and happiness with your Frenchies.

Best regards,
Darrell Mulkey (and Maxum)