ch. skylar's screaming mimi

             November 1997 - March 2004

Mimi

Ch. Iron Hills Paint Your Wagon x Skylar's Angel Among Us

Bred by Ann-Marie McDonald of Skylar Mastiffs

Mimi, Mimers, the Mimster, my heart dog, and my very best friend.  I love and miss you, Mimi!!!!  I will forever be grateful to my dear friends Ann-Marie McDonald and Virginia Wind (known as "V" by many) for bringing Mimi into my life.  Virginia and Ann-Marie co-owned Mimi together for the first 18 months of her life.  The story of how Mimi came to me is a great one.  My first Mastiff had passed on, and I was inconsolable.  Ann-Marie was scheduled to have a surgical procedure that would leave her under the weather for a while.  She and Virginia knew that I had no interest in obtaining another Mastiff, so they asked me if I could "babysit" Mimi for a few weeks.  When I asked "Why, Mimi?" (knowing that Ann-Marie had 7 other Mastiffs in the house) and they replied that she was super-demanding and needed more attention than the average dog (thus the name, Screaming Mimi!).  Somehow, they pulled off their plan, and Virginia drove down to Maryland with Mimi.  They showed up at my door, and it was love at first sight.  One thing that V and I always laugh about now is how she came and left in such a hurry!  I had the guest room and a great meal all planned for V, assuming she would at least stay the night b/c it was a LONG drive!  V says that she came and left so fast so I wouldn't witness Mimi's "demanding nature" while she was there and have a chance to question my "babysitting job."  ;)  Well, let me tell you, there was no turning back for me.  I have never loved a dog as much as I did Mimi.  Her personality was so humanlike, and she loved me more than words can describe.  I'm sure it's evident how much I miss this beautiful, sweet, loving soul. 

Mimi's type and conformation was near perfect.  She is a perfect example of how Mastiff bitches can have as much (or more) type as males.  She had a perfect headpiece, and incredible depth of body, width, bone, and presence.  Mimi is what I strive for in future generations of Muddy Creek Mastiffs, and the reason I went back to her pedigree in a recent breeding.  Her temperament was really incredible.  She was incredibly engaging with people - never met a stranger.  I believe that she and Jed (Ch. Greiner Hall Jedadiah, CGC, TDI) passed this trait on to their offspring.  The temperaments in their kids are like very few other Mastiffs I've seen.  Ch. Muddy Creek's Twist & Shout, CGC, TDIAOV "Harry" is a perfect example of this.  He has done therapy work in nursing homes for years and also participates in a children's reading program up in NH w/ his mom, Kim Morrell of Brodancroft Mastiffs.  Harry resembles his mama in looks and personality, and has always held the nickname of "Mr Mimi."  Louie, Ch. Muddy Creek's Louie Louie, CGC, TDI, was also a Jed & Mimi son. 

Mimi will live forever in my heart, until we meet again.

Mimi's 1st point!

Mimi (front) at age 5 1/2 w/ sons Harry & Louie at the MCOA National Specialty - Mimi was the 2003 MCOA National Specialty 2nd Place Brood Bitch winner w/ help from Harry & Louie - owner-handled by her mom, Harry owner-handled by his mom Kim, and Louie professionally handled by Jessica Carson - a very proud win for us all!

L to R:  Baby Chachi, Baby Louie, and Mama Mimi on our Pier in Deale

A Word About Ann-Marie (Breeder/Owner of Skylar Mastiffs):

Ann-Marie is the most ethical, caring, loving, attentive, perfectionist Mastiff Breeder I have ever had the great pleasure of knowing.  Her dogs received the very best veterinary care, diet, grooming, and lots and lots of love.  I learned more from Ann-Marie about health, raw feeding, the Mastiff psyche, and raising puppies than anyone I know.  Mimi came to me at 18 months of age, and though she was healing from a very invasive knee surgery, she was in pristine condition.  She had the most beautiful coat, not a scratch, callous, etc. to be found.  She had excellent house manners and basic training.  This Mastiff received every ounce of love that Ann-Marie and her hubby Kim had to give, and I am so thankful to them.  Ann-Marie entrusted me with what was left of her line, and I will be forever grateful.  This page is dedicated to a great breeder, friend, and mentor, and to the 15 years and 4 generations of dedication that Ann-Marie put in.  Ann-Marie's departure from breeding Mastiffs is a huge loss to the breed and Mastiff Community.  I could never have asked for a better mentor than Ann-Marie, and I aspire to be the breeder that she IS.