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.

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.

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

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

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.