HorsesDaily's Canine Corner

Almost everyone who owns a horse has a canine companion who travels with them to shows. Here at HorsesDaily's Canine Corner you will meet some of the dogs who, are often as well known as their owners and horses, but get little recognition for the tremendous contribution they make.

Winnie Hathaway, of horsesdaily.com, is the older of two Corgis who live with their owners Mary (Phelps) and JJ Hathaway. Now 10 years old, she has traveled the country covering over 35 shows a year, and has developed many friendships of her own. The second corgi, Gizmo, is cute but not nearly as intelligent as Winnie, hence Winnie has been chosen to host HorsesDaily's Canine Corner.

Ever the enterprising Corgi, Winnie contacted the folks at PetSmart, who are happy to host this section. Winnie will get a percentage of all sales made through HorsesDaily.com, so feel free to do your pet shopping with us, by clicking on any of the links you see on our site.

This section was inspired by the friendship of Winnie and one of her very good friends Achie, Betsy Steiner's West Highland Terrier. Both friends come from a long line of Dressage canines; Winnie is the great-granddaughter of one of Kay Meredith's corgis, granddaughter of Dennis Callin's Chloe, and daughter of Lisa Goldman's well known Bandit. Achie, named for Aachen, the number one dressage show in the world, was a gift from Ruth Klimke who owns one of her relatives.

The two have known each other since they were pups, and bonded over the years. They rescently had a lovely visit in May when Mary and JJ worked with Betsy on her book project. As Mary and JJ were packing up their camper after a three-day photo shoot, Winnie was heard barking "e-mail me!" to Achie who was driving off with Betsy in her BMW to go ride Rainier, Steiner's newest grand prix mount.

It turns out, that when Mary and JJ were sleeping, Winnie was sneaking onto the computer and having all night chats with her good friend. We snooped a bit and found a delightful correspondence going on, and asked them if it was all right to share it with our visitors. We have edited some of the content in respect for their privacy, but for the most part, this is exactly what we found….

May 1, 2001

Winnie; I hope you get this e-mail. I know you've been traveling, and that you are moving yet again soon, but I miss you and wanted to catch up. How are you feeling?
Achie: Hey Winnie, it's me!!! We are in Virginia now, but things are nuts! Mom and Jessie are packing for the move to New Jersey, and mostly I just supervise. They seem to have things under control. I'm glad to be back in Virginia for now, 'cause I go to this really good place near here to get my achie-puncture treatments for my back.
Winnie: I've had some health problems too, probably from all that junk food I sneak at horse shows, so now I am on a boring diet and taking steroids (which I have to say I like). It's nice to be home again without packing off to a horse show every weekend. Mary and I are resuming our morning walks. She has to be reminded (by me, JJ doesn't dare) and I do not let her forget, our morning walks are essential to my health and figure :) .
So what do you think of Rainier?
Achie; Well, I like his color, we match :) . Mom (Betsy) sure is happy. We were driving to Robert's (Dover) barn every morning when we were in Florida. I'd be jealous but the drive give Mom and me quality time together, except she's always on the cell phone! I always get to to watch, and even I who has seen it all am impressed! With any luck, this will be my ticket back to Germany this summer to visit my cousin at the Klimke's.