Eli's story actually began long before he was born.  

In 1979, a  sable dog was born  named Sunnybrook's Heritage Spirit.  Bred by Charles & Rebecca Cram, "Ryan" would go on to make Sheltie history; and change the face of Shelties for many years to come.

Am.Ch. Sunnybrook's Heritage Spirit ROM/C

Owned by:  Robin Sommers & Neil Castaldi

I met Ryan  and his owners in 1983, at the ASSA National, and fell in love with the dog.  Many of his beautiful children won their classes that year, and as I looked at face after beautiful face, the course of destiny for my breeding program was set.  This was the look I was after; the full plushy muzzles, beautifully defined underjaws, and soft quizzical expressions.  All of the dogs in my kennel today go back to Ryan; my foundation bitch was his adorable daughter Ch. Silverdrift's Fancy Dress ROMC.

As Ryan's notoriety grew south of the border, Canadian breeders began to use him.  Only one however, had the courage and foresight to closely inbreed on this prepotent dog.

Diane Fitzpatrick of Alfenloch Collies & Shelties bred one of her best bitches to Ryan; a carefully planned breeding that yielded the top producing Sheltie sire in Canadian history:

Am.Can.Ch.Alfenloch Ryan O'Neil ROM/ROMC

"Sonny"

Top producing sire in Canadian history

Sire of 115 American, Canadian &  Japanese champions

including 2 ASSA Winners dogs, and 2 American ROM's

His  Inbred Son:

Japanese BIS Am.Can.Ch. Alfenloch Whirlwind ROM/ROMC

"Tate"

Eli's sire

Fortunately for me, Bonnie & Ted Taylor (Bonnyville) had the foresight to breed their Ryan O'Neil daughter, Bonnyville Forever A Diamond to Whirlwind.

Bonnyville Forever A Diamond

Eli's Dam

The rest, as they say, is history...

It is with heartfelt sadness, yet with a great sense of accomplishment, that I write to extend my warmest thoughts to you on the passing of "Eli" - 
CH. BONNYVILLE'S FAIRFAX NIGHTHAWK ROMC.

It gives me an incredible feeling of pride to know that people like yourselves have worked diligently and with tremendous dedication and professionalism, to promote and carry on this excellent family of Shelties that we all treasure.

"Eli's" record as a sire is extremely noteworthy, and he represented the continuance of a line of Shelties known for their beautiful type and expression, as well as outstanding temperament and personality. It was a great responsibility, that "Eli" has fulfilled with the exceptional quality that he has produced.

Go now, not to mourn, but to celebrate the wonderful life that you gave and shared with "Eli", and the tremendous legacy he has left behind in all of his children and grand-children. "Eli" is happy now, as he has gone to stand beside "Tate" and "Sonny" - his own place in the sun, with the "great ones".

Diane Fitzpatrick - Alfenloch Shelties