Remembering Our Friend: Phaedra 1994-2009
by Mitch
Today Pepper and I held our girl’s head in our hands as she sighed her final breath – resigned, peaceful even, but finally, inexorably…final. We bit our lips and held her gaze until the light left her eyes and in so doing we fulfilled the hardest, most bitter clause of the contract one makes when one accepts responsibility for a beloved pet: love us; live for us; and in return we will do our best to give you a life of love worth living, and allow you a graceful exit…even if we are not ready to let you leave.
MBIF Phaedra SC LCM NA CGC TDI - 1994-2009
Phaedra has been a constant in my life for the past 14 years. The steadfast presence of her breathing is so deeply etched into my perception of the world that even now as I stare down at her still form I quite literally have to concentrate in order to dispel the impression that her chest is still heaving with rhythmic life. Much as when returning from an extended period at sea one seems to feel dry land ungulate as the ocean for a time, it is as if my senses cannot make sense of a Phaedra that doesn’t breathe, and so they impose their will on the scene, trying in vain to see what they want to be. Is this a hallucination of the mind or an illusion of the eye, I do not know. I just know that it haunts me. But perhaps it is rather a gift of the heart and it is meant to comfort. I have decided – it is not a failure of my senses, but rather an expression of a higher reality – a metaphor made physical for how she will always remain in my memory – living and brilliant, and always by my side.
I have owned dozens of pets and I have loved them all by turns, but Phaedra was something very special and rare. Anyone who spent any significant amount of time around her commented upon it. Some spoke of her intelligence and attentiveness. Others commented upon how self-possessed she was, and ‘un-doglike’. Some were fascinated by her habit of attentively following human conversations while others were merely creeped-out by it. Still others marveled at the competitive heart and spirit. Many have simply been amused by tales of her cunning and trickery. I could attempt to describe her personality here but I would fail to do it justice. I think that her character is best described through her deeds and so I will do so below and ask others to contribute as well in the comments.
But I do want to say this…
Put plainly, Phaedra was one of the most rewarding relationships that I have had or expect to have with another living being, regardless of species. She was my companion, my protector, my jester, my confessor, my pride, my strength, my perspective, my savior and occasionally my pet. She gave me purpose during a very dark period of my life and at all other times she made me laugh. She was ring bearer at my wedding and she was gentle and kind to my baby son. At one turn Phaedra and I shared moments of the deepest wordless understanding, and at others she reminded me not to take things so seriously. I am proud to say that Phaedra was one of the great friendships by which I define my life and I am nothing short of honored to have known a being of such nobility. I will not lie to you that colors today are as vivid as they were yesterday, but they are brighter than they were 14 years ago. Today we are diminished by her loss, but she touched us so greatly that on net we are greatly enriched. My wish for all of you reading this is that you are so lucky as to have such a relationship at some point in your lives.
I love you Phaedra, and I will always carry your memory with me. Thank you….thank you so much for everything.
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David Perry of David Perry Films was kind enough to put together this video of a walk we took with Phaedra and Minx about two years ago. The password is ‘dog’.
Sadly, it was one of the last times when either of them were up for a hike of their spot, which I guess serves as an indicator of just how long they’ve been in decline.
The video is probably a bit mawkish to anyone other than ourselves, so be warned. It does feature the famous ‘Phaedra hug’ early on, as well as Minx sporting her rediculous summer puppy-cut (it made her happy though). The music is the Dead Can Dance song quoted above.
Thank you, David! The silhouette shot of Phaedra is stunning.
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Rhodesian Ridgeback’s are a breed out of colonized Africa who are known for being hearty, strong and independent dogs capable of extraordinary endurance and great tolerance for heat and drought. They were used to hunt game of all sizes but get the most attention for the fact that they were successfully employed in the hunting of lions. Those who hear this often conjure a vision of a fierce, aggressive dog, which is the furthest thing from the truth. Ridgebacks are generally calm and confident, their muscled frames and confident bearing allowing them the ability of being protective without the need to resort to aggression. The boys are clownish and affectionate and the girls are conniving and independent with a something of a sense of humor. Both sexes will do virtually anything for food.
MBIF Phaedra SC LCM NA CGC TDI (or ‘Phaedra’) was born to a Rhodesian Ridgeback dam and a sire that was never determined. My girlfriend at the time, Amy, knew that I had had an encounter with a Ridgeback in the forests of Big Bear, CA, and that the breed had left an impression on me. And so it was that when we happened upon this insistent little pup in need of rescue that Amy strong-armed me into taking her in….for my own good, as it would turn out. Phaedra very quickly began to show a knack for just being the best dog in the world. Stable, well-behaved, attentive, and extraordinarily bonded to her humans, Phaedra could be counted on even as a pup to be a calm and respectful house guest. At least that is, until the age of one, when we introduced Phaedra to the sport of Lure Coursing, during which her instincts kicked in and all Hell broke loose. Phaedra was a maniac at the line – clawing and yowling and making noises not normally associated with dogs who were not being tortured. Her instinct and drive to get those evil white bags (aka ‘the Bunny’) along with her considerable strength made for some highly entertaining viewing….as long as you weren’t the one releasing her. On more than one occasion Phaedra pulled her hapless handler to the ground and would readily drag a full-grown adult on their bellies until they released the lead. Getting her off of the ‘bunny’ at end of a course was similarly harrowing and several strategies were employed including blindfolding, bribing with liver, or simply picking her up and carrying her off the field.
On the sidelines not-so-patiently awaiting her turn. Special thanks to Amy Balthrop for these coursing images.
Phaedra intent on the 'bunny', resplendent in her custom mudcloth sliplead made by Amy.
Phaedra learned that at the and of the course she had approximately 10 seconds to get all three 'bunnies' before a handler grabbed her. She had a pattern of 'middle, last, first'
In a Best of Field run-off against a Pharaoh Hound.
Rarely the fastest, but frequently among the most agile.
Phaedra learned pretty quickly that she was not the fastest dog out on the field, so she adopted new strategies of predicting where the course would go and cutting across the field to intercept and snag the bunny as it past. This behavior earned her the nickname of ‘The Shark’ as well as a few unofficial epithets given to her by lure operators such as ‘That Little Shit’ and ‘Damn Dog’. Undoubtedly however, Phaedra’s crowning achievement was the discovery that if one were to just reach down and bite the line in half, the bunny magically stopped moving, making it very easy to catch and shred into a hundred tiny white pieces of plastic. This approach was bold, it was cunning, and it was unprecedented. It was also highly illegal and her competitive days were over from that time forward. Phaedra was still allowed to run, but it was more or less understood that she was there in a similar capacity to a rodeo clown – comic relief and team spirit. Before she outsmarted the game, however, Phaedra won a raft of titles in Lure Coursing as well as other events. For those of you that are confused by the alphabet soup that surrounds her name, let me parse her titles for you so that you can have a better appreciation of what this little rescue dog did in her lifetime:
- MBIF Phaedra SC LCM NA CGC TDI -
MBIF – Multiple Best In Field
A Lure Coursing title in recognition of dogs who merit Best In Field on more that one occasion. Best In Field goes to the dog who renders the best performance in competition against all of the winners of Best of Breed, ie, all of the top dogs in each breed race against each other. Speed is not the only consideration in Lure Coursing, but it is a considerable portion of it. It is fairly common for a good racing Whippet, Greyhound, or Pharaoh Hound to earn MBIF recognition in its career as such breeds enjoy the advantage of speed. It is another matter for a Ridgeback – rarely ever the fastest breed on the field – to take a Best In Field award. Phaedra had two.
SC – Senior Courser
A Lure Coursing award given by the AKC in recognition of a certain number of awarded points.
LCM – Lure Courser of Merit
ASFA honor awarded to hounds who have achieved a high number of points over a prolonged career. Many coursing hounds lose their interest or get too old to compete before amassing enough points to earn this achievement.
NA – Novice Agility
Canine Agility is a sort of combination between gymnastic floor exercises, a track meet and a steeple chase. It involves multiple obstacles that must be mastered in a timed fashion by the dog in the order that the handler specifies. While Ridgebacks certainly have the agility to handle the course, it is generally mastered by smaller breeds. The level after the Novice Agility title involves mastering a course of slalom poles. Phaedra learned this well enough to prove that she could do it, but made a point of defecating in the middle of such a run, sending a clear message that she would really rather be chasing plastic bags.
CGC – Canine Good Citizen
The CGC title is an American Kennel Club program to promote responsible dog ownership and to encourage the training of well-mannered dogs. Dogs are put through a series of stressful situations and they are expected to react calmly.
TDI – Therepy Dog International
The TDI certificate is a temperament and empathy test to prepare dogs for use as therapy animals in hospitals and the like. The temperament component is like that of the CGC, but amped up considerably. Dogs are surrounded by the infirm and by persons in wheel chairs and other assistive devices and expected to behave calmly. The examiner cut this part of Pheadra’s test short and awarded her the highest possible mark after viewing something that went well beyond the standard temperament test: one of the patients in a wheel chair had accidentally rolled over Phaedra’s tail. Phaedra flinched, but otherwise waited patiently for the patient to move along before getting up. Phaedra never put her TDI into practice as an actual therapy dog, but she was a very emphathetic dog.
This shot, taken on Kodak's old IR film, was taken just seconds before Phaedra ate this flower.
Actually, she ate flowers a lot...
Actually, she just ate things in general...
Long walks in the wilderness were always a big part of our life together
Late in life she just liked being outdoors
The bridge at Tanner Park
Phaedra sitting proudly on 'Phaedra's Rock' - a tough jump.
Phaedra was quite fond of wrapped presents...
...so Christmas and Birthdays were a favorite...especialy if there was something edible in some of the gifts.
Phaedra was the ring-bearer at our wedding
Sean and Eddie of Sax Romney Flower Design worked hard to give her a nice wreath of flowers for the occasion. She shook them off in under 5 seconds.
Eventually she would suffer ONE flower for the ceremony.
One of my favorite photos - Pepper dancing with her dad at our wedding while Phaedra watches from the side.
Phaedra discovers treats under the 'kids table
The yard just doesn't look right without her sleeping in the sun.
Phaedra has never really been a fan of puppies, and she was just as wary when we brought our human puppy home.
Phaedra pretty much kept her distance...
Until she learned that babies are endless source of disgarded food. Phaedra shown here grazing Zen's leavings with her 'cousin' Chubbs.
Zen was fascinated with Phaedra, but by this point she was too fragile to really play with such an energetic kid.
Sometimes Zen had to settle for playing with Phaedra's jester bowl...
...still one of his favorite toys.
Goodbye, girl. We will always remember you.
Pepper and I would love it if some of you who knew Phaedra would leave some thoughts and stories below in the comments. Thank you for sharing and remembering with us.
- Mitch
June 2nd, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Phaedra Fun Fact:
There are often more dogs than handlers at lure coursing events. Once in Wyoming a bystander in a dandy Stetson was recruited to release Phaedra at the line. That man, who was visiting a friend who had Deerhounds in the hunt, was pointed out to us as being the former Secretary of Defense. We would know him later as Vice President Dick Cheney. In passing, he observed that the ‘bunnies’ would be far easier to catch if they were staked to the ground and suggested that we try shooting them in the face. Everything but that last part is true. He actually did a pretty good job considering what a monster she was.
June 2nd, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Phaedra Fun Fact:
Phaedra is the ONLY rescue Ridgeback to have triple qualified in the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States (RRCUS, pronounced ‘rucus’) Triathlon competition which she did in Agility, Obedience and Lure Coursing at the National Specialty in Winter Park Colorado. What’s more, she always will be the only rescue because RRCUS has subsequently changed their rules to disallow ILP dogs from competing (we do not believe that this was a reflection of her performance, though she did bite the line in half during the coursing component).
June 2nd, 2009 at 5:52 pm
When I think of your house, though I have been over only a handful of times, I automatically think of the dogs. How they were truly at home there. How they added that perfect character to the warm environment. How they were loved. None of those things will ever fade.
Animals understand and love you in very pure forms, and Phaedra’s love was (IS) as true to life as that of her caretakers.
My thoughts and tears are with you.
June 2nd, 2009 at 6:04 pm
My thoughts are with you guys as you grieve….what beautiful photos & beautiful memories….. love some of those of Zen & Phaedra communicating together in their own little language! hugs…..
June 2nd, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Phaedra’s Sense of Humor
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When the old black cat Gwydian had lost his sight, sense of smell and most of his hearing, Phaedra found an opportunity to amuse herself while getting revenge for many years of unprovoked cat-slaps to the face. If Phaedra was laying down in one of the rooms of the house when Gwydian came in, she would wait and watch silently until the cat came as close to her as its current vector was going to bring it. Then, without lifting her head, Phaedra would give a little half-bark – ‘Moof!’ The cat, startled, would jump straight in the air, and then upon landing run in whatever direction it was facing until it ran into a wall. Phaedra would only then lift her head to regard the cat and give a little self-satisfied pant. Gwydian never hurt anything other than his pride from these episodes, but he did take to hugging walls rather than risking the unknown middle of the floor.
June 2nd, 2009 at 6:23 pm
I’m so sorry Pepper and Mitch. I wish there was something I could say to make you feel better.
June 2nd, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Being a ridgeback owner myself, I know of their special ability to be almost human like. And Phaedra was exceptional at this, almost wanting to interupt our conversations with her own point of view on the topic. My best memory has to be Mitch and Pepper’s wedding. She clearly let it known how much she did not want to wear the flowers, but she knew she just had to or she wasn’t going to be the ring bearer! The moment came for her big debut, and as Mitch wistled she ran quickly and obediantly…. Just not to Mitch. You see, we forgot to practice with the speakers on!
God bless..
June 2nd, 2009 at 6:56 pm
I have lost as you have lost and I do not wish that feeling of holding a pet in a vet’s office on anyone. I have felt your pain and loss and I am saddened that you both had to experience that sense of profound loss. But from what I have read here and the images that you have chosen to share…we can all see that Phaedra was more than than a pet but more of a family member. My heart and my prayers are with you. Know that she will never leave you. She will be in your memories and in your dreams.
June 2nd, 2009 at 9:30 pm
How strange to be dogless. In the same month we have had to say goodbye to both our girls. I know you should never play favorites with your kids, but Phae was the golden child that could do no wrong, the scholar that goes to law school and becomes president, whereas Minx will forever be the child being called into the principals office…. One of my favorite stories that demonstrates that dynamic….
There was a certain couch, upon which only 1 dog would fit. It was a very comfy couch, and Minx liked to relax up on it. Sometimes Phaedra wanted to lie on it, and she and Minx would sniff and whine to each other, their meaning clear. Phae wanted up, Minx wasn’t having any of it. Phaedra would skulk off somewhere and return with a bone she had hidden away someplace away where her sister wouldn’t find it. She would lie down a respectable distance away from the couch, and begin playing and chewing on this bone or toy or whatever, like it was the best thing in the world. Nothing could be finer than this treat! She would toss it in the air to herself, Oh what a fabulous plaything! Minx would be watching the entire time, very intently, and at some point WHOOPS! The toy/bone would fly through the air, apparently Phae made a bass toss to herself. Minx would bound up and snatch the toy before it even hit the ground! Such reflexes!
Minx would turn around, triumphant, holding her prize in her mouth, and you could visibly see her smile falter as she saw that her coveted place on the couch had been usurped by another, cleverer dog. And Phaedra would lie very still on the couch with her head down as though sleeping, as though she had been there for ages and ages……
June 2nd, 2009 at 9:38 pm
I heard a rustling at the dog door this morning and went quickly to make sure Phaedra hadn’t fallen again trying to get in or out. I was met with an empty door and the wind blowing leaves through the flap. I closed it permanently with the metal grate it comes with, we haven’t put in metal door blocker in at all since we bought the house and took it off… I keep looking for her in the house before I remember that she’s gone.
More funny stories…. For years we would come home to find trash all over the floor, and Minx looking very guilty. We always punished Minx, but we wondered if secretly it was Phaedra getting into the trash and pinning it on her sister, leaving cans and debris on Minx’s bed. Eventually we got a new trash can, which it turns out is not dog proof, but only a dog as tall as Minx could penetrate its defenses, so it was Minx, but for several years, we did wonder if we had an evil genius on our hands….
June 2nd, 2009 at 9:55 pm
I really am trying to think of something funny……. Nothing is coming to mind, everything about her was almost noble, regal. To dig in the trash was beneath her, to bark at anything besides a stranger or a bunny was simply not in her nature. She shied away from our son Zen from the moment we brought him home. I think she knew she had been replaced as the favorite child, btu she took it pretty well… Even thought she didn’t seem to like to be too close to him, I did notice her several times move in a protective position if we were out and strangers or strange dogs ere approaching. She just gave and gave, and I suspect that she has been ready for some time to move on, but was holding on for us, because we weren’t ready to let her go….
To this day people still ask me how are my dogs, people I haven’t seen in years, clients, brides, vendor peeps… My two girls are pretty good I’m sure, but I’m not… We will get a new puppy sometime, but not until after wedding season, and maybe not until the spring. We are most definitely a dog family, but right now it’s too soon. Many thanks to those breeders who have kindly offered us the pick of the next litter….
Oh wait I DO have a funny story!!!
Phaedra used to give people hugs by walking between their legs! We always fantasized about getting a group of 20-30 people and having her walk through everyone’s legs, but anytime we did get a big group together to do it, she’d chicken out about halfway through and duck out.
We were at a friend’s party several years ago and Phaedra was stalking a 1 year old little girl. Well, not stalking the little girl, but the cheese-ladn cracker she held precariously in her little outstretched hand. At one point as she toddled around, Phaedra close to her, me not far behind, the little girl turned her head far away from her cracker to see her mother. In a FLASH, the girls entire hand was in Phaedra’s mouth, and then it wasn’t. I started forward, panicked that my dog had just bit a child! The little girl looked back at her hand, and I was waiting for the scream that surely must follow, but she just looked puzzled that her cracker had vanished. Mitch told me there was no cause for alarm, had me hold my hand out with a cracker and turn away from it, and all I ever felt was a quick but gentle tongue and very quietly my cracker too had disappeared. Phaedra was not only a secret evil genius, but a master thief!
June 3rd, 2009 at 6:11 am
We are so sorry to here of your loss. We dread the day when we lose our little Yorkie Matisse.
June 3rd, 2009 at 6:39 am
Pepper and Mitch, I was so sorry to get this newsfeed update. For a brief moment I was confused as I remembered reading your heartfelt eulogy to Minx, and then an instant later I realized that you had lost another member of the family. I am so sorry for both of your losses and in such a short time. My heart goes out to you. My father has owned several Rhodesian Ridgebacks over the last 25 years and they are truly amazing animals. Phaedra sounds like she was a magnificent dog. This eulogy to Phaedra is just as beautiful as Minx’s was and it is clear how much you loved them both and how much joy they brought to your lifes. Now Phaedra and Minx are waiting for ya’ll at the Rainbow Bridge. Bless you both. Hugs.
June 3rd, 2009 at 11:16 am
No dog has warmed my heart more than Phaedra. I remember her intelligence and compassion, her patience and good manners, and her ‘hugs’, pausing right at the end for a little rump scratching. Thinking back on it now I did get to spend more than just a little time with Phaedra while hanging with Mitch, house sitting, walking in Tanner Park or in OC — for that I’m very grateful. I’m not much of a dog person but Phaedra’s not an ordinary dog. I don’t talk with dogs but Phaedra and I had a few conversations. Her response of rotating her head to one side may very well have been as meaningless as the english drivel I was sharing with her, but the experience was moving for the sole fact that she inspired me to try.
Constant, indeed. Phaedra has been present as long as I’ve known Mitch. The two have always been inseparable in my mind. To Mitch and Pepper, my sincere condolences and much love.
June 3rd, 2009 at 11:26 am
Thank you all so much for your comments, Mitch and I read these several times a day and smile through our tears, it’s great to see so many people remembering what a unique and special creature she was, thank you all so much for your love and for your friendship….
June 3rd, 2009 at 11:58 am
I firmly believe that humans can be divided into Dog People and Non-Dog People. Pepper and Mitch are with out a doubt fabulous Dog People. Either category is definitive of a life and character in a way that precious little else is. A true member of Dog People folds animals into their lives as a beloved family member. (A family member whom just so happens to be some version of revered royalty.)
Dogs seem to contain all the best humanity has to offer only to improve upon it. To be loved by such incredible beings is a testament to the kind of people you both are. Dogs are there for you in a way that people, even loved ones, can never be. My heart goes out to you both. Your family is wonderfully blessed to have Phaedra and Minx as members.
I look forward to meeting the puppy that Phaedra and Minx pick out for you as their fur baby sibling. Like most wonderful things, love and puppies have a way of showing up when they are ready (which never seems to match my timeline). Hopefully you aren’t potty training in the dead of winter, but we’ll see what Minx and Phaedra have in mind for their beloved humans.
Love you both.
Bec
June 3rd, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Pepper and Mitch! Oh my goodness.. what can anyone say… you loved your dogs as if they were children, what a wonderfull part of your family they were and I am so sory for your sadness. Your LOVED and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Brookie
June 3rd, 2009 at 10:01 pm
To Mitch: I know the feeling of losing a companion that had an immeasurable impact on every level of your life…the bond between us and our “beloved” pets was voiced so eloquently above….Your Phae lit a spark in my heart the instant I met her at your wedding..and I looked forward to those stolen moments with her the precious few times I have visited…her unique hugs, her warm eyes and her pure comfort will be missed….
To Both Of you: To have the ability to go through this month takes a heart bigger than I posess… I will light a candle in memory of the girls and in prayer for a calm and canine energy to help you through it all…I love you both very much…and I am glad that I was able to have both Minx and Phae welcome me into their hearts,
Sean
June 6th, 2009 at 9:52 am
Phaedra will always be a member of our family. I have never known a more wonderful or intelligent animal. Her qualities of confidence, patience, loyalty, and dignity were obvious to all. Because I am Mitch’s Mom, I worried about him when he was far away and going through difficult times. It gave me a sense of comfort to know that Phaedra was with him as a loyal best friend and protector. Once Mitch brought Phae to stay with me while he was on a short trip. Phaedra sat by the gate every day waiting for Mitch to return. She would not leave her post.
There are so many things to remember: Phaedra was a good traveler with many long road trips to CA, AZ, NV, WY, CO, ID. She would shake hands with Alexa, Brett and Christopher or anyone else to get treats. How amazing it was to watch this athletic creature on the lure course. The way she tilted her head when you spoke to her as though she understood every word. How protective she was of Zen even though it was clear that she was not at all sure that bringing this noisy little human home was a good idea.
Goodbye beautiful Lady. It was my privilege to have known you. I will always love you.
June 13th, 2009 at 4:44 am
Phaedra…I don’t know where to start. Please forgive me Pepper and Mitch…I’m sorry it has taken me so long to write, but it has just been so difficult. The thought of coming to visit Pepper, Mitch and Zen, and Phaedra not being there to greet me…breaks my heart. The tears are still flowing even now.
Phaedra was my first grandchild…and I think I was her “bubby”. She had this little greeting thing she would do where she would go through your legs…a couple of times. It was her special greeting. I watched her do it to Mitch and then Pepper. It was sooo cute…and it was obvious that this was one of her ways of showing love and affection. She would do this if Mitch asked her to…but on her own she did it to the special people in her life. So…when she did it to me…of her own accord, I felt special. Because to me it meant that I had been accepted by this loving soul…Phaedra. She greeted me that way ever after when I would arrive from out of state to visit. Even as she grew older and it became more difficult for her to get up and do her greeting she still made the effort at least on the first day of each of my visits.
I was honored when she would sometimes choose to sleep by me…even though I suspect it had something to do with the fact that I was quite responsive when she let me know she “needed” a t-r-e-a-t. We had to spell around Phaedra. She was SO darn smart.
It goes without saying…but I’ll say it anyway…Phaedra was special. She was loving to everyone, but her devotion to Mitch was especially touching…an extraordinary bond. Mitch, what a lucky person you are to have had Phae to enrich your life. We are all better people for having known, and loved, her. I know I am. And I do.
I’ll never forget you Phae.
June 13th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
I had no idea your “puppies” were gone! I didn’t know them very long. I just know it made me happy to be greeted by them. I’m just heart-broken for you now. [Belated] love for you all.
June 15th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Mitch and Pepper, it is so hard to know where to begin. Losing a loved one is so difficult that there seem to be no words that would help stop the hurt for you. I would love to help stop your pain, but there isn’t anything that will do that. I would like to say that she had a sweet soul and was wonderful to be around. Knowing her was a privilege and I will miss her even though I didn’t get to see her very often. I will never forget her at your wedding. She made the ceremony so memorable and was so funny when she couldn’t tell where you were because of the microphone and speakers. I will never forget that night. Please know that you are in my thoughts so often and I am here if you need a shoulder. I love you both so much.
June 19th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
For the short time I worked with you two, I always enjoyed being greeted by Phaedra and Minx and remember noting how quiet and calm they were, just lying around on their beds in your offices. It was really nice to have their presence. I remember the first time I went to your house, Phaedra wanted to go under my legs and I didn’t know what she wanted, but found out that was her “thing” and of course, let her through. I know how important they were to you and understand how special animals are in our lives, being a two dog human myself. I am truly sorry for your loss.