Remembering Pam Haig – Mia Pharaoh Hounds

Pam served for many years on the Board of Directors of the Pharaoh Hound Club of America, taking on multiple different roles. She was the editor of the Pharaoh Hound Scribe newsletter and served in multiple offices on the Board, wherever she was needed.

She coordinated countless PHCA Nationals, the Western Regional Specialty, handled both Judge’s Education and ringside mentoring, as well as conducting seminars on all things pharaoh hound.

Despite her decades of breeding success – producing multiple top winning pharaoh hounds decade after decade, Pam’s tireless and unparalleled work with PHCA Rescue was where her heart beat the strongest.

If there was a pharaoh hound in need – whether here in the US or abroad – Pam Haig was the first person who, without question, could be counted on to have her arms wide open and her personal checkbook out. Dr. Thom Haig was right there beside her, offering free veterinary care if that is what the situation called for. In their thirty plus years in the breed, Pam and Thom opened their own home to more than fifty rescued pharaoh hounds – the seniors, the ones who were short-tempered, suffered from chronic illnesses or anxieties – those that others considered “disposable” – that were taken in and allowed to live out their final (and not always pretty) years in a final, safe forever home.

Less than a month ago Pam was awarded the Pharaoh Hound Club of America’s inaugural Legacy Award. Pam spoke to those present about the importance of remembering that it is ALWAYS about the dog and not the win. Pam lived that very message.

There is, of course, another side to this story; Pam Haig was no saint. Like all of us, she had her faults. She was frequently too blunt for some people. Pam would stand toe-to-toe if she thought someone was on the wrong path where pharaoh hounds were concerned and tell that person they were wrong. (Small wonder she and I clicked almost immediately.) Pam did not suffer fools gladly, and had little time or patience for those who were unable or unwilling to learn the lesson she was attempting to impart.

However, for those anxious, willing and desirous of learning about the breed she loved, Pam’s patience was endless. She was willing to give of her time and tremendous knowledge of the breed for those wanting to learn.

She welcomed and encouraged those new to the breed, and would spend hour after hour attempting to guide and encourage those who were new to either the breed or the dog fancy itself.

I spoke to Pam yesterday and we discussed pharaoh hounds and breeding and life – there was always something to take away from a conversation with Pam.

I pity those who only saw an exterior that – at first blush – was rough and, at times, downright intimidating. Only those who got past the sometimes gruff exterior got to witness the real Pam Haig that I came to know and love – a woman with a heart as big as the sky, a wicked sense of humor and a genuine love of our breed.

Like many others, my life will be forever altered for having known her. She was a friend and a mentor – part partner in crime, part critic, part guide, and part Jewish mother.

I know I speak for many when I say, “I love you Pam Haig. I will miss you, my friend.”

Rest in Peace.

There won’t be another like her.

In lieu of flowers, Dr. Thom Haig has asked that donations be made in Pam’s name to the Pharaoh Hound Club of America rescue fund.

Posted by chesliepickett on Oct 4 2018. Filed under Breaking News, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.