Bree is in the center, with Daniel on the left and Howe on the right.
Bree joined their family in October 2001, an alpha-bitch clear to her core, and she promptly took her place as the leader of the dog pack. She and Kim would frequently have 'discussions' about who was in control of the household ... and Bree found out each time that NO ONE can out-alpha-bitch Kim.
Bree and Kim were a superior Therapy Dog team, mentoring dozens of new dogs and handlers.
When I saw Bree last Saturday, she looked so tired ... Kim told me on the phone Monday that Bree told her that her work here was finished and it was time for her to go.
Howe
Andy and Kim's Howe passed away in July. Howe was one of the last remaining Therapy Dogs who visited the families of victims of the Pentagon attack at the Family Assistance Center in September 2001. He was also the first greyhound to be certified as a Disaster Stress Relief dog, a grueling certification at which only the most determined Therapy Dogs succeed. Howe was THAT kind of Therapy Dog.
Happy TJ!
... and now there is one, TJ. He was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in July (shortly before Howe's death), and he has sailed through amputation surgery and six rounds of chemotherapy, and he is doing very well so far.
I spent yesterday trapped inside by the results of Monday night's ice storm, spending time with my own dogs. Emma will be 14 on Friday .... I don't want to think about it.
Hug your fur-kids ... be they dogs, cats, or whatever. They are with us for such a short time, and there is such sadness left behind when they are gone.
Godspeed, sweet Bree.