Molly

With heavy hearts, we report the passing of our friend 'Molly,' who hailed from McLean, Virginia.  Long-time readers of The Long and Short of it All will remember reading about this sweet gal way back in December of 2009.   Her human, Melinda Fancher, writes of her beloved one:

Dear Joey,

I was so saddened by Maggie's passing, but am glad to see the blog is back up and running.

My sweet little Molly passed away suddenly, at just 8 1/2, on September 21, 2011. She was diagnosed with IMHA, a blood disorder, on Tuesday, September 20, so losing her was a complete shock. There is a line from a Lyle Lovett song, "she wasn't good, but she had good intentions." Molly was always a bit mischievous and never let the opportunity for a good time go to waste. She had an intense love for playing with balls and destroying stuffed toys. She was a true friend to my mother when she was terminally ill, sitting quietly in my mom's lap in her final hours. I was lucky to have been her friend.

She was a grand Dachshund. 

We're so saddened with the passing of Molly and many of our Dachshund friends over the last few weeks and months.  It was painful to read about them in the comments of Maggie's passing, every single one touched our hearts.  Now, it's really time for all this to just stop.  Hug your furry friends tight and live in the moment like all dogs do, because these wonderful little animals are often with us for such a short time.

Beloved Maggie - December 23, 2000 - September 13, 2011

Dad's Little Girl Goddess

Our hearts are overflowing with unbearable pain and sadness as we relay the passing of our sweet baby Maggie, your Long and Short of it All hostess.  We're hoping to be able to write something to honor our beautiful girl in the next few days, but for now...we just can't, and nothing would ever be good enough, so how do we even proceed?   Suffice to say that you may not hear from us for some time.  Maggie's ultrasound today showed that she had liver cancer - unrelated to the Cushing's disease, and not treatable.   The tumors were "too numerous to count" and did not exist just 4 short months ago when she had her last ultrasound.  She was put to rest just a few hours after the ultrasound results with friends and her Dad at her side on the floor with her, as she lay comfortably and content on a warm blanket.  We were hoping to have Joey by her side as well, but sometimes things just don't go as you would like them to.  We've got a good feeling that "Joey knows."   We spent a lot of time reminiscing with her, loving her, stroking her, hugging her, kissing her, caressing her, and telling her of how special and beautiful she was and how all her friends - both near and far, loved her very much.  She passed quietly in our arms.

Now if only the pain would pass - oh God, the pain.  Our home is empty and cold.  Please hug your little ones tight.

I wandered today to the hill, Maggie
To watch the scene below
The creek and the old rusty mill, Maggie
Where we sat in the long, long ago.
The green grove is gone from the hill, Maggie
Where first the daisies had sprung
The old rusty mill is now still, Maggie
Since you and I were young.

And now we are aged and grey, Maggie
The trials of life nearly done
Let us sing of the days that are gone, Maggie
When you and I were young.

A city so silent and lone, Maggie
Where the young and the gay and the best
In polished white mansions of stone, Maggie
Have each found a place of rest
Is built where the birds used to play, Maggie
And join in the songs that were sung
For we sang just as gay as did they, Maggie
When you and I were young.

They say I am feeble with age, Maggie
My steps are less sprightly than then
My face is a well written page, Maggie
And time, time alone was the pen.

They say we are aged and grey, Maggie
As spray by the white breakers flung
But to me you're as fair as you were, Maggie
When you and I were young.

When You and I Were Young, Maggie; words by George Washington Johnson, 1864.



It's unfortunate that the original video we posted here, a beautiful acapella version of When You and I Were Young, Maggie, was removed from youtube, but this version by Donna Stewart and Ron Andrico is also quite beautiful.

Jeeves

Our dear friend Melinda from downtown Chicago, Illinois lost her beloved 4-year-old Dachshund rescue 'Jeeves' just last week. He was quite a handsome boy - he had a beautiful deep red color and an amazing Roman nose - the likes of which we rarely see.  Like any good Dachshund, that nose had a penchant for trouble, but his heart had a penchant for love.   Our heart goes out to Melinda and her friends and family who were lucky enough to know Jeeves well.

Horror in Texas: Jasper Animal Control Officer Accidentally Euthanizes Family's Dachshunds

Our hearts go out to the family and friends of 'Smokey' and 'Bandit,' two little Dachshunds who lost their lives while staying at the Jasper Animal Hospital in Jasper, Texas, while their humans were on vacation.   Read more and see more photos at KCENTV.

RIP little sweethearts.

"I Love Ya, Man"

For more than 15 years, handsome red smooth 'Frank' was the constant and loving companion of Michael Brownstein, keeping him company on drives to Montana

There's nothing more expressive than humans writing about the loss of their furry friends - the friends who are there to enjoy the good times with us, comfort us in the bad times, and are just always there to please - and then one day they are gone.  Michael Brownstein recounts his days with his beloved 'Frank' for the San Francisco Chronicle.  Here's an excerpt.  Thanks to Allen J Burton and David Larsen for sending in the link.

For more than 15 years, Frank was my constant companion. He joined me everywhere, including my frequent drives to a property in Montana. He'd drape himself across his favorite riding spot, my shoulders, until we arrived at our usual motel layovers. Then he'd leap to the ground as the motel keepers greeted him with an enthusiastic "Hello, Frank, welcome back!"

Back in the Bay Area, every day Frank awakened at 4 a.m. to accompany me from our home in Half Moon Bay to my surgery practice in San Francisco. My patients loved Frank and often spoiled him with toys and treats, and considered him a calming influence. At home, he was content to just sit at my side. I often couldn't resist picking him up, holding his beautiful little face close to mine, and saying, "I love ya, man." And I did.

When Frank turned 15, I started noticing subtle changes in him indicating that my little man was deteriorating from age. My wife and friends insisted Frank was fine since he remained active, playful and curious. However, I knew my dog better than anyone else. Turned out I was right.

Read the rest at the San Francisco Chronicle. 

Irene Nolen Clark and Polly

It breaks our hearts to report the passing of Irene Nolen Clark and her pal 'Polly.'  Irene was a long-time supporter of The Long and Short of it All, sending us dozens and dozens of stories about Dachshunds, and her own smooth black and tan rescue 'Polly.'  We hadn't heard from her in some time, and especially wanted to make sure she was OK after the recent tornadoes in her home state of Alabama.  We tried to email her and checked her facebook; she passed away on November 21, 2010.  We inquired to her brother about her beloved Polly, and her vet recommended she be put down due to cancer.  Nolen also had two GSD's which have been re-homed and are doing well. 
Long-time readers of this site will surely remember 'Polly,' the goldfish hunter who later added rats to her repertoire.
Above is the last photo that Nolen sent us of Polly in September of 2010.  It's just beautiful.
Nolen left us with these words on her last facebook post in November:  I wish my friends the happiest holiday season ever, with all the love the world has to give. Nothing is better than friendships and dog-ships.

Dachshund Lover Elizabeth Taylor Passes

We're so sad to report the passing of Dachshund Lover Elizabeth Taylor, who died today at Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Hospital. She was a legend of the likes we will never see again.   
Her son Michael Wilding stated:  "My Mother was an extraordinary woman who lived life to the fullest, with great passion, humor, and love," he said. "Though her loss is devastating to those of us who held her so close and so dear, we will always be inspired by her enduring contribution to our world. Her remarkable body of work in film, her ongoing success as a businesswoman, and her brave and relentless advocacy in the fight against HIV/AIDS, all make us all incredibly proud of what she accomplished. We know, quite simply, that the world is a better place for Mom having lived in it. Her legacy will never fade, her spirit will always be with us, and her love will live forever in our hearts."  Source.

Related:  Dachshunds in Pop Culture:  Elizabeth Taylor, Part 2

Zeppelin

Zeppelin napping just a few weeks ago

Our hearts have been heavy this week with the passing of one of our very dear friends, handsome frosty-faced 'Zeppelin.'  It's never easy to write of the passing of Dachshunds here, and it's especially harder when you know them personally and count them as friends.  Zeppelin lived to the ripe old age of 17 years, 7 months, and 13 days; we should all be so lucky, and his longevity is a testament to the love and care given to him by his humans. 

Now, we've met a lot of Dachshunds in our own ten years on this earth, but we've never met one quite like our pal Zep.  He was just a bundle of energy and quite the talker - even as he grew older he didn't really slow down that much, always looking for that scrap of food that the food gods may have dropped on the floor for him, or enjoying his plethora of toys.  And he pranced when he walked.  Yes, he pranced - we've never seen another Dachshund do that; but like a prancing pony his paws would rise high in the air, channeling the great spirit of famed Dachshund Royalty. 

Rest in Peace Sweet Prince.

Remembering Fred, America's Largest Wiener Dog

Our hearts go out to Chicago WGN radio talk show host John Williams and his family, who lost their beloved 'Fred' on Sunday.  Mr. Williams wrote a beautiful memorial.  Excerpt from wgnradio:

....If you've gone through this before I suspect you know that the most painful reminder of Fred's absence right now is the act of coming in the front door. It's quiet. There's no bending over. There's no happy admonishing; I don't have to say, "Okay, Okay, we're home, we're home. I know. Yes, I see you." That we should all be greeted so happily every single time we walk in a room, our days would be that much better and the world that much happier.
So we miss that. And now we're talking about the nice life Fred had. Rather than that last day of his, which must have been so confusing, we're thinking about how happy and well fed and peculiar he was. I'll bet your dog was or is unique, too. I'll bet you and your dog have a special relationship and that you can tell me about the funny things he does or the odd, inexplicable demands he puts on your life.
Fred, as a dachshund, was very territorial. He loved his people. He didn't love people with hats, for some reason. Small wheels agitated him, which was bad news for the children zooming around the neighborhood sometimes. He was never, not once, kind to our mailman. Some neighbors and friends he instantly came to like, others not so much. It wasn't clear exactly who would get his blessing, but in general I'd say he was wise and just. And spoiled, something that today we don't regret.
I'll bet, too, you have a funny vocabulary with your dog, your own nicknames and phrases you use to interact. Brenda would say that Fred was her "trusty steed." This much was clear: our Fred was very, very long and thick. I didn't call him America's Largest Weiner Dog for nothing. He was celebrated in our neighborhood that way and people seeing him for the first time would do a double and triple take. Almost everyday, just to keep his ego in check, I'd hold his head and tell him, "Fred, you're not popular. No one likes you." That was almost a cue for Brenda to chime in, "EVERYONE likes Fred," or words to that effect. It was just one of our little dances.
So dance with your dog today. Feed him a piece of chicken for me. And celebrate the acts of kindness our pets pay us everyday; payments we cannot return in kind.

Read more about Fred at wgnradio.  Rest in peace little one....er...BIG one!

Jimi's Sundown: Our Dachshund's Last Day

There is nothing in the world like the Love of a Dachshund, and there is nothing so devastating as the loss of that love. 
Via youtuber AdoredAustin:  Jimi Hendrix Adams was the best dog in the entire world. Once dubbed the hummingbird of dogs, we had a very full and very loving but very short five years with him. Jimi became suddenly afflicted with a GI disorder and IVDD that turned out to be inoperable. He loss the use of his legs, was in a lot of pain and was suffering complete incontinence. After much prayer and veterinary consult, we made the heart wrenching decision to let him go. Before we had him put to sleep we took him all around Austin, Texas to say goodbye to all his favorite spots. We chose to hire a mobile vet who specializes in at-home pet euthanasia. We laid him on our bed that he shared with us as the Texas sunshine streamed through the windows. The five of us huddled close (us, our child, and our other dog June). We fed him a donut and two Reeces Peanut Butter Cups, kissed him goodbye, and told him we loved him. We wrapped his much loved tennis ball and his frail little body in his favorite towel, and buried him in his favorite spot in our backyard with a scoop of peanut butter as tears rolled off our faces.

Our hearts are so very heavy.  See more photos of Jimi at adored austin.

Molly's Last Day

Via the Las Cruces Sun-News out of New Mexico:  Molly, a 12-year-old longhaired dachshund, plays in the leaves Tuesday at Young Park with Ginger Barkley for the dog's last hour before being euthanized. Molly's back had been getting progressively worse, causing the dog to become partially paralyzed, Barkley said. So, Barkley threw Molly a party the night before and Tuesday "went through the car wash because she loves to bark at the soapsuds and then we shared a Little Caesar's pizza."

We're woofless.

Clancy

It's hard to write of the passing of Dachshunds here, and even harder when you know them personally.  So, with tears streaming down our face, we report the passing of our dear friend, incredibly handsome red smooth 'Clancy,' who left this planet on Wednesday, October 20th, 2010.  He had just had his 11th birthday, and his passing was quite unexpected.  Words can't express our sorrow, and words can't express the love and admiration we have for him, and his humans - true friends and Dachshundists to the core.
Clancy was a "special needs" dog - a breeder boy who had gone blind - and his humans found it in their hearts to adopt him and give him the best life he could possibly have.  And while his blindness may have hampered him in some situations, his lovable Dachshund personality would always shine through and quickly bring a smile to your face.
Clancy and his humans have been big supporters of this site for many years now - a cursory look details submission after submission from our pal Clancy.  And if you don't know his humans, you know his Dad's work - he writes most of the fine monthly columns at Dachshund Delights - which most recently included a beautiful poem about your 'Long and Short of it All' host 'Joey.'  And you've no doubt read his Dad's work in other places around the net and you didn't even know it - surely you've read Poe's First Draft of 'The Raven'?
We took the above photo of Clancy at a local Dachshund meetup here in Chicago.  His dad would always carry him in the blue checked knapsack because that is where Clancy felt comfortable.  We will sure miss you, little guy.  You were so loved.

The 'Muhammad Ali of Wiener Racing,' Baron Passes

One Handsome Smooth

Our hearts go out to the family and friends of 'Baron,' the "Muhammad Ali of Wiener Racing," after hearing of his passing on October 3rd.  The Placentia, California native was just a month shy of his 18th birthday.  Excerpt from the OC Register:

Baron, a mahogany, standard dachshund who made numerous television appearances during his racing career – including two on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" – died at home last week.

Even with winning the 1997 Wiener Nationals, 1998 Champion of Champions, and 1999 Ultimate Challenge at the Los Alamitos Race Course, Rowland said he will remember his dog's greatest accomplishment as being a wonderful pet and companion.

Ron Rowland and his wife, Betty, bought Baron from a Northern California breeder when he was 14 weeks old. The Placentia couple didn't intend to race Baron when they bought him, but quickly realized their dog had the gift of speed.

Weighing in at 35 pounds, Baron trained at Champion's Park in Placentia and the Yorba Linda Community Center.

Baron was featured on numerous television programs during his career. His last major appearance was in the 2008 documentary "Wiener Takes All."

Read more and see lots of photos of this Wiener Champ at the OC Register.  Watch him run at his official website.

'The tremendous heart and courage Baron displayed throughout his life not only helped him win races, but also helped him tackle his later years with grace and dignity,' his owner, Ron Rowland wrote.

Hollywood Legend and Dachshund Lover Tony Curtis Passes

Kisses from Tony Curtis via his blog Tony Curtis, The Art of Hollywood

Our hearts go out to the friends and family of actor Tony Curtis, who died in his Las Vegas area home yesterday.  Mr. Curtis was 85.  In addition to his wife, Jill VandenBerg, Mr. Curtis is survived by Kelly Lee Curtis and actress Jamie Lee Curtis, his two daughters with Janet Leigh; Alexandra Curtis and Allegra Curtis, his two daughters with Christine Kaufmann; and a son, Benjamin Curtis, with Leslie Allen.

He is also survived by his lovable black and tan smooth Dachshund, 'Bronx.'  Thanks for the memories Mr. Curtis.

Related:  Dachshunds in Pop Culture:  Tony Curtis

Sir Samson the Stout

Kisses

Maggie and Joey,

On April 11, 2009 you helped me celebrate the first birthday of my handsome Dachshund, Samson-- little did I know, it would also be his last.

Samson passed away this weekend in a tragic accident at his grandmother's house. Our entire family feels lost without our little Dachshund running beneath our feet. It is strange how someone you love so much can be stealing a piece of bacon from the table during breakfast and have slipped out of this world by lunch.

Samson was a strong, handsome, loving and amazing dog. He was CGC certified and was working to become a therapy dog at children hospitals. His little life was cut too short.

I ask that all doxie moms hold your babies just a bit tighter tonight, and think about my Samson. He was fierce, he was stout, he was my cuddle bug and my digging pal...and he was my entire world. I miss you Samson. Momma misses you.
-Kate

Kate, we're so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy.

Related:  Those Special Dachshunds:  Happy Birthday Samson!

Sense of Peace Arises During Beloved Dog's Final Days

Meet St. Petersburg Times staff writer Arleen Spenceley and her special pal 'Rocky,' who passed away this past March at 13-years-old of cancer.  Ms. Spenceley talks about how she learned to cope with her boy's illness and final days in a nice little column.  Here's an excerpt:

Rocky didn't need a human who avoided him. He didn't need one who felt as if his death would be worse for her than it would be for him. He needed companionship. He needed care. When he stopped walking on March 21, he needed to be carried. When I focused on being the person he needed when he needed me, I could finally cope.

It wasn't easy, but being with Rocky in his final phase of life was part of my purpose. A privilege. In it, I found peace. And on March 22, Rocky's last day, I said goodbye.

Don't miss this touching tribute at the St. Petersburg Times.

Related:  When It's Time To Say Goodbye

Related:  Saying Goodbye to Bart

Lost Star Jorge Garcia Heartbroken After Losing His ChiWeenie

Our hearts go out to Lost star Jorge Garcia, who announced yesterday that his Dachshund-Chihuahua mix 'Nunu' was run over and killed by a motorist on Sunday in Hawaii.  Excerpt from the Daily Mail:

Writing on his blog, Garcia said: "It breaks my heart to tell you that yesterday as we were preparing to all go to the airport Nunu was struck by a car as she crossed the street.

She died in my arms.

We are burying her in the Pet Garden at Valley of the Temples in Kaneohe. Nunu hated the water.

So we couldn't bring ourselves to having her ashes scattered in the ocean.

Three months from now you'll be able to find a bronze plaque inscribed with just her name there. If you'd like to leave a flower or a toy, I'm sure she'd love it.

We love and miss her very much.

See lots of photos of Nunu at Mr. Garcia's blog, Dispatches from the Island.  RIP little girl. 

Thanks to our Kansas City pal 'Dash' for the story tip!

Noted Dachshund Author, Breeder, Judge Dorothy O. "Dee" Hutchinson Passes

Humble thanks to Helen Paradise for sending in the unfortunate news of the passing of Dorothy O. "Dee" Hutchinson - Dachshund author, breeder, and judge.  The hearts of the Dachshund community go out to Mrs. Hutchinson's family and friends.  Helen writes:  I thought you might like to know that one of the great Dachshund show breeders (Rose Farm Dachshunds) and author of The Complete Dachshund and a well know AKC show judge (including six Westminster assignments) has passed away in Connecticut. Below is some of the information on her, her life, book and one of the Best in Show winners one of her dogs had sired. The death notice is from the Greenwich times. I am also attaching her photograph. Those of us in the Dachshund world have lost a great lady who will never be replaced.

Thank you,
Helen Paradise
 
DOROTHY "DEE" O. HUTCHINSON died in peace at home on May 15, 2010. She was 71. Born in Boston, Mass., and raised in Greenwich. Dee graduated from the Low-Heywood School in Stamford, after which she married her lifelong mate and best friend, the late Bruce O. Hutchinson. Dee and Bruce had lived in Pound Ridge, N.Y. for 30 years before moving to Westbrook in 1998. Dee enjoyed an admirable career as a noted and respected breeder of Rose Farm Dachshunds. She was a valuable member of the Greenwich Kennel Club, the Dachshund Club of America, she served for many years as a delegate to the AKC and she was an irreplaceable mentor to countless dog enthusiasts. She spent more than 30 years honing her skills as an AKC judge and in 2001, she was appointed the title of All Breed Judge. She earned a reputation as a renowned international judge and she had the honor to judge groups at both The Westminster Kennel Club as well as the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. She was a member of the Indian Harbor Yacht Club in Greenwich, CT and Old Lyme Country Club. Dee is survived by her children, Nancy H. DeLorenzo of Middle Grove, N.Y., Sandra O. Gray of Annandale, N.J., the late John O. Hutchinson and her twin sister, Katherine Brown of Sarasota, Fla. She was the proud grandmother of six and she had one great-grandson. A celebration of her life will be held at Old Lyme Country Club, 40 McCurdy Rd., Old Lyme, CT on Friday, May 21 at 1 p.m. Arrangements by Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook.
 
Dorothy O. Hutchinson, of Westbrook, Connecticut, the daughter of Dachshund breeder Nancy Onthank, was born into the sport of dogs. As the breeder of well over a hundred Dachshund champions in all coats and both sizes, Mrs. Hutchinson has kept her mother's Rose Farm kennel name alive and well. In addition to her famous Dachshunds, she has owned several other breeds.
An AKC judge since 1973, Mrs. Hutchinson is approved to judge all breeds. She has judged in forty-six of the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and thirteen foreign countries. Of her six Westminster assignments, she recalls her judging of the Hound Group in 1995 as her most memorable moment on the famous green carpet.
Mrs. Hutchinson is a life member of the Dachshund Club of America and has served the club as a board member and AKC delegate. She is also a longtime member of the Greenwich Kennel Club and spent nearly twenty years as the club's chairman.
The Complete Dachshund, published by Howell Books in 1998, was co-written by Mrs. Hutchinson and her husband, Bruce. The Hutchinsons have two daughters and six grandchildren. Between judging assignments, Mrs. Hutchinson enjoys skiing and sailing.


Feb. 11th 2008 Westminster Best of Breed: Smooth Dachshund

Ch Brodny Schoolhouse Rocketman
Sex: Dog
AKC: HP 03886603
Date of Birth: January 02, 2003
Breeder: Judy Anderson & Fred Vogel & Carol Vogel & Kaye Ladd
Sire: Ch Rose Farms Will He Be Good SS
Dam: Ch Schoolhouse Laddland Letsfly
Owner: Donna Caporale & Joshua Caporale & Carol L Vogel & Fred R Vogel

Has John Travolta and Kelly Preston's Dachshund Been Killed?

Our hearts go out to the Travolta family - according to the Bangor Daily News out of Bangor, Maine, two dogs that belonged to actor John Travolta and his family were accidentally struck and killed on the tarmac early last Thursday morning by an employee at Bangor International Airport.  Here's an excerpt:

An e-mail sent late last week by Bangor Interim City Manager Bob Farrar to the nine city councilors, which was obtained by the Bangor Daily News, confirmed the accident.
Asked to verify the details contained in that e-mail, the city released this statement:
“At approximately 1 a.m. on Thursday, May 13, 2010, an airplane carrying members of the John Travolta family landed at BIA. While there, two small dogs were taken for a walk by someone who is not a family member. An airport service pickup truck was approaching the airplane to service the airplane and did not see the dogs. Unfortunately, the dogs were struck and killed. The airport is investigating the accident. Out of respect for the family’s privacy the city will make no further comment.”
It’s unclear whether any charges would be filed against the employee, who has not been named. Airport Director Rebecca Hupp also didn’t know whether the dogs were on leashes or not or what breed of dogs they were. The assistant who was walking the dogs was unharmed. The plane landed and was serviced at the main domestic terminal section of BIA.

All we have heard outside of this is that a spokesman for the family has said that the dogs were indeed on leashes.
Looking back to Celebrity Dachshund Watch:  John Travolta and Kelly Preston, the Travoltas had 3 dogs in 2008:  a Rhodesian Ridgeback, a Cocker Spaniel, and a Dachshund named 'Prudence.'

In somewhat brighter news, the Travoltas are expecting a new human addition to their family.

Dachshund Lover and Fashion/Celebrity Photographer Peter Gowland Passes

vain Dachshund by Peter Gowland

Thanks so much to our friends 'Honey,' 'Teddy,' and 'Chili' for writing in with the news of the passing of photographer Peter Gowland.  Mr. Gowland was an innovative fashion photographer who invented elite cameras and equipment that he used to shoot pinups and and over 1,000 magazine covers over six decades.  He passed at 93 on March 17th.  Honey, Teddy, and Chili note:

The web site for him is outstanding, as you might expect, with the photos he took. (You don't take photos for a living if you are bad at it.)

What is even more outstanding, he was a doxie owner. You will find under "pets" near the bottom of the page, some pretty cute photos of his 'Dickie.'

Peter Gowland Official Site

Under the heading "Best Dog in the World" it is noted:

Dickie was the dog of my life; she could take orders and pose!
As a 4 year old, I lived in London with my grandparents (they owned dachshunds as well),
four doctors, two of which were sons of doctors. A few years later, Dickie came into my life.
She was smart and not a danger to children. Dickie was bought as a puppy;
she passed away under the bed covers next to Alice’s leg. [Alice was his wife]
Yes... she was some dog!