To ours beloved

The Rainbow Bridge poem - Author unknown... Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together..

TAPEATOM GRACE AND FAVOUR (born 27 December 2002 - passed peacefully away 14 July 2015) We had to say Goodbye to our beloved Grace this morning, quietly and peacefully, she has done so much for her breed around the world, she lives on in many Labradors, it is very hard just now as we see her funny little ways everywhere, we will always treasure her. I publish her picture with her father, Gusto, who she joined today over the rainbow bridge. Betty and Michael Howard

TAPEATOM GUSTO (THE GREAT GUSTO) (born 2 July 2000 - passed peacefully away 23 May 2014) Gusto was born in Jersey by Sh Ch Sandylands Gad-About, out of Tapeatom Lucy Locket. His brother Tapeatom Gadding Around was sent to Erica Jayes of the Sandylands Kennels as a token of my appreciation for the friendship and mentoring afforded to me by Gwen Broadly. Gusto was sent to France, but sadly he could not retrieve out of water and was offered back to us. Thank goodness for that! Gusto made the “trek” to South Africa 10 years ago to found the bases of a phenomenal line of national and international champions. What was Gustie (fondly named by Michael and myself). A classic old English Labrador, type unfaulted and his strong dominance of this type was stamped upon his progeny. But more to the point, Gustie was a beloved friend, a gentleman and loyal companion to the end, wagging his tail as we bid him goodbye. He will be in the basket each night, a bowl will be put out for him, until our hearts heal. We will meet again old friend. Betty and Michael Howard

Tapeatom Labradors are sad to announce the passing of Ardmargha Gin Fizz At Tapeatom, at the wonderful age of 16 years and 5 months, at her home in the Channel Islands. She was the foundation of all our labradors we have today. She was the beloved companion of John and Doreen Le Cuirot these past 10 years.   picture taken at 15 years old

She has been joined by her daughter Tapeatom Faith who died at the age of 14 years               and her Granddaughter Tapeatom Gilly With A G who died at 11 years

Tapeatom Faith

Tapeatom Gilly With A G

Woody, born April 1997, left us on 20th February 2008. Now he is with his very best friend Bella, Tapeatom Faith, Gilly,Tapeatom Gilly with A G, and not forgetting his griffon pal Polly.

We are saddenned to post the passing of Tapeatom Lucy Locket, on Saturday the 15th November in the loving care of Emily Kirby and her family. Lucy only had one litter,in that litter was Sh Ch Tapeatom Gadding Around at Sandylands, Tapeatom Gusto and Tapeatom Good Time Girl, all three making their mark in many pedigrees worldwide, very sadly missed by her adoptive family.

Joe, our whippet, passed over the bridge on the 22nd of April '09 after a short illness, at 5 years. Great for his pals waiting for him; beloved companion and great pal to Michael; great character to Betty

Michael and Betty are very saddened to record the passing of Good Time Girl. Time to her friends.  A most beloved companion and friend. She leaves a large gap in our lives, united with her ancestors in that special place, over the rainbow bridge

It is with deep sadness we have to announce the passing of our dearest Libertine on Wednesday the 14th November at 12 years of age she went into the vet for examinations of her throat,she had been unwell and choking for several days whilst under anaesthesia the vet called me to say she had a mass on her Larynx and could shortly suffocate we made the decision that she should not wake up she has been a phenomenal brood bitch many beautiful labradors both here in South Africa and worldwide have come down through Libertine always the gentle loving girl,we miss her so much around our home never to be forgotten. Betty Tapeatom Labradors