How wonderful is that! Born on January 23, 1999, Shecky is a true inspiration.   Not only has she overcome incredible adversity, but she is still very much alive at the time of this writing (April, 2019). 

Maxine obtained her first Havanese, (Havana Wiley Muppet), who would later become Shecky’s mother, from none other than Dorothy Goodale.  Dorothy is the person who brought the Havanese from Cuba and who took on the task of establishing the breed in North America. Maxine was so enthralled with the breed that she decided she would, with Dorothy’s blessing, breed Muppet to Smallhaven’s Sir Carlito

Shortly after the litter was born, Maxine, a complete novice at whelping, discovered that one of the puppies was missing a foot.  Whatever the reason for this problem, the vet told Maxine that she should put this puppy down since there was only a one to two percent chance that a pad would form in place of the foot, thus leaving an open wound which would be subject to continuous infections. Eventually, according to the vet, this would cause premature death.  Maxine responded with a firm “no” and decided Shecky would remain in her household with her, her husband and two daughters, Shoshana and Skylar.  The family would give her the best life she could possibly have for whatever length of time she had to live.

Another small hitch in the plan was that Maxine found she could not part with the puppies, so she placed them with close family and friends.  These dogs and their owners have joined Shecky for their mutual birthday party every year since.  This annual celebration continued even after the first brother died at 15, the second one at 17 and then Shecky’s sister just prior to their twentieth birthday. The owners were now family, not just friends.

Little did Maxine know that Shecky would still be with them even after their human children left home.  Shecky   did indeed form a pad, which has withstood the weight, and the wear and tear that a foot would normally provide. She learned to walk with only a tiny hitch in her gait (see video below) and grew to be a beautiful, enchanting mainstay of the household.

When Shecky was about 12 years old, Maxine heard that there was another breeder, Fredith Holt of Wynmark Havanese, who lived not far from her.  Soon, a lovely little puppy who would be known as, Wembley,  joined the family.  Fredith asked Maxine if she could show Wembley since she was such a lovely example of the Havanese. She not only gained her championship, plus a grand championship, but went on to place as Select Bitch at the Westminster Dog Show. This show is considered by many to be the ultimate showcase for those involved with purebred dogs. http://www.wynmarkhavanese.com/wembley/

With Fredith’s full cooperation and urging, Maxine,  after having a long hiatus since Shecky’s birth, decided to breed Wembley.  How could you not breed such an accomplished and beautiful example of the breed?  Maxine  chose GCH Wincroft’s American Hero CGC as the sire.  This time there were four delightful puppies, and yet again Maxine could not part with them. She decided to keep two, placed one with a neighbor, and another with her son, Ben.  Maxine also had the two puppies shown to their championships so now Shecky shares her home with three pretty special Havanese housemates.

Shecky continues to show her spirt and lust for life.  Whenever Maxine thinks maybe it’s time for her to cross the rainbow bridge, she takes her in for yet another discussion with the vet. Each time Shecky rallies and says, “I’m not ready!”.  Well, Shecky we aren’t ready either, and we are here cheering for you to set a Guiness world record for the longest official living dog,  a dream Maxine hopes will really come true

A video of Shecky at the age of 17 still showing her tenacity and joie de vivre.