From Shelley

It has been over a year since Valerie left my home and had her accident.  Today would have been her 60th birthday.  We were friends for many years and I miss her more every day.  It is very sad for her brother Gary to not see her any more after all the things she did for him and he has a hard time understanding what has happened.  She was so excited to be on "Pick a Puppy" that night and we were all excited for her.  When we left our home to go out for Halloween, she wanted to stay and watch the show again.  When we got home she was already gone.  When she didnt call me or answer her phone we went to look for her and came upon the accident.  She died alone that night while all her dogs were waiting for her at the house.  It has been a very trying year missing Valerie and I was very lucky to have had her for a friend.  All her dogs have gone to their forever homes except for one little puppy girl born one year ago today on Vals birthday.  Her name is Valerie.  Rest in Peace Valerie and please know I am doing my best to deal with everything and that Gary will be forever loved by us.  Thank you for being my friend.  ---- Shelley

Words from Susan van Dijk

Susan van Dijk

I first met Valerie when I shared a hospital room with her mother at the Scarborough Grace.  I was very ill and not often conscious but it seemed whenever I awoke Valerie was there, visiting with her Mom.  Valerie developed a relationship with my Mother, who was there daily caring for me.  Mom told Valerie how much I loved dogs and one day Valerie smuggled one of her Cotonpuppies into the hospital for me to meet!  A few years later my health was once again stable and I began to think about getting a dog.  I was living in Thunder Bay but as soon as I called Valerie she was willing to help and even ship one of her babies to my Mom and I.  It turned out that Valerie had a ten-week-old Coton whose planned family were unable to take him at the last minute.  "Josh" has been a beloved companion for almost seven years now.  I am so attached to Josh that I decided I wanted to add another Coton to my and my husband's "pack".  I'm now living in Calgary but again my first thought was Valerie and I emailed to ask whether she might know of anyone with an adult Coton needing a home.  Well...it turns out she once again had a special male for me.  This one was her former stud dog, Billy Idol.  Billy arrived October 19, 2011 and I spoke with Valerie several times to discuss how he was fitting in (Billy is very timid as he didn't receive proper socialization in his pre-Valerie days).  I emailed Valerie some pictures and a note on how well Billy was doing.  Sadly, it was Valerie's friend Shelley who responded to my email, informing me of Valerie's death.  I still cannot believe such a wonderful lady is gone.  As events turned out, it's obvious to me that we were destined to have Valerie's Billy and he is the sweetest, cuddliest, beautiful inside-and-out dog you could ever hope to meet.  I know if it's possible, Valerie is watching over us and I try every day to be worthy of the two beautiful furry gifts she has given me.

Words from the Hutcheon Family

Our family has just learned the tragic news of the untimely death of Val Ford. We just wanted to express our sadness at this news. She touched our lives by bringing to us Georgia, our first coton who is now six years old. She is a very special dog who has enriched our lives in so many ways. And Val was also instrumental in assisting us to obtain Sabu, our second coton who is now eight years old. He is a majestic dog who has also enriched our family and our spirits in so many ways. Together, these two dogs embody all the love, caring, loyalty and spirit of adventure which was also what made Val such a leading and compassionate breeder and individual. She will be missed by the coton community and all the people and animals whose lives she touched.  

The Hutcheon family

♥Words from another Carol♥

Hello,

I wanted to write a bit about Valerie Ford and was glad to find your blog.

I have two wonderful female cotons that I got from Valerie and did not pay

her for either.  

One was returned to her from an owner who could not look after her any longer 

as she was going to an apartment.  Her husband had been abusive to the dog hence 

she was very anxious and afraid of everything.  Valerie offered to give her to me

as long as I promised to have her spayed, which I did.  She was 1 1/2 when I got

her and now after 5 1/2 years is a beautiful companion and relaxed girl.

A couple of years later I wanted another coton so my first one would have some

company.  I called Valerie and asked her if she had any females she would no

longer be breeding and would I be able to buy one of them if so.  She did have

one and again gave her to me without wanting any payment.  She had tears

in her eyes as she gave her to me.  Valerie loved all her mamma's and their

puppies.

Now I am fortunate to have two wonderful female coton de tulears that are the

light of my life.  This would not be the case if it were not for Valerie as I am not

in the position that I could have paid the regular fee although they are definitely

worth it.  Thank you so much Valerie, I think of you often and talk to my dogs

about you, I hope you can see them and see how well they are doing.

Carol 

Many thanks for this opportunity to thank Valerie.

♥Words from Carol♥

My name is Carol and I just read about Valerie's passing last year. My god! I am in shock and very saddened by this news. I was searching for her web site because I hadn't heard from her in a while and came across this disturbing news.

I live in Toronto and I have two of Valerie's Cotons. Four years ago when I was researching what breed of pet dog to get, I decided I wanted one of these little bundles of joy! I am visually impaired and after calling several breeders, I found Valerie Ford. She is the only one who would sell me one of her Cotons. Everyone else just presumed I wouldn't be able to look after them. The first female I got was Pippin in 2008 whose father was Billy Idol and mother Chanel. In may 2010, I took another little girl who I named Abigail so Pippin would have a companion. Abigail has the same father but a different mother. I also have a Guide dog Memphis and the three of them get along famously.

I am very disturbed about her passing. She was an awesome breeder and cared about her dogs.

Regards, Carol