Betty Whelen Pocono Shelties May 1907 - April 1995 |
Betty originally started breeding with Collies and Afghan Hounds in the '20s. She took her kennel name from the Pocono area in Pennsylvania where she lived at the time. In 1933 she acquired her first Sheltie. The rest is history in the Sheltie World. Betty was also a fairly accomplished horsewoman and use to enjoy riding in fox hunts for many years and rode on the Firestone estate and elsewhere into her 70s. She bred some of the pillars of the Sheltie breed and helped others to establish their own kennels. She bred, handled and judged for over 50 years. |
Betty wrote the following poem for the ending of her book "No Greater Love" "...To all my Sheltie friends everywhere, remember, when I am gone I will still be with you so... Do not stand at my grave and grieve; I won't be there, I did not leave. I am the Love in your Sheltie's face; I am the Spirit behind his grace. I am the joy in his soft brown eyes As over the ground he merrily flies! I am the pride in his show-ring stance. As he lovingly gives you an encouraging glance. I am his happiness in pleasing you; That's all he really wants to do. So, do not stand at my grave and cry --- I won't be there, I did not die." |
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