In Sweet Memoriam...

The little dog to the left is the closest image of our Phoebe. Just like this little pupper, she was always SMILING!!!

I have been putting off writing for several days because there is much sadness in my heart. Last week, family members had to say "good-bye" to our favorite little dog, Miss Phoebe Alouisius, who was 16-1/2 years old. Some would say that it's 'just an animal' but, to us, she wasn't just any animal; rather, she was one of the girls.
Whenever there was a gathering of the girls, she would be directly at our side, especially at the breakfast, lunch, or dinner table. She would make it a point to come sit by me --[she knew me as Dibley -- long story -- don't ask!] -- and look up with those big brown eyes. Uh-huh -- she was right there, just waiting for that little crumb to drop to the floor. Sometimes, she would have to wait quite a bit and that would be annoying to her, as she would "stamp" her little paw, as if to say,


"Hello, Dibley ... don't forget ... I'm down here waiting ... don't forget about me ... where's that crumb of food you promised me ... we can get away with it ... just drop it quickly ... mommy won't know ... she'll never know what hit the floor because it'll be gone faster than she could ever find it ... don't worry, I'll get it ... I'm a fast gobbler ... c'mon ...! WOW! It's about time ... oh goodie ... that was yummy ... can I have more?"

Phoebe and I had our own communication and she loved to play. The minute she saw me coming, first she would stick her nose into my bag to see [or sniff] if I brought her a treat or a toy. Then, satisfying that curiousity, she would run to her "toybox" and find a toy that we could play "tug-of-war" with and, usually, she would win ... a very strong little dog, indeed! She liked to wear her pretty leash and allow us to take her for walks. Actually, she would take "us" for walks ... not the other way around. She knew the way to go and we just followed. She liked to go to the playground where she could run free and we would play ball. Sometimes, she would tease us and hold on to that ball as if to say, "I dare you to take it away!" Her traits were better than most humans because she was quiet and never barked back, friendly and loyal, playful and affectionate, clever and determined, and totally independent!


For 16-1/2 years, she entertained us with her playfulness and special kisses and her love of human kind ... well, most human kind. Phoebe could be very aggressive towards other dogs, especially, smaller ones like herself. She was a brave little dog but always thought that she was one of the bigger dogs and wasn't afraid of being aggressive with them, either!
There will always be other little dogs, but there will never be another Phoebster. She truly was one-of-a-kind ... a very special little Jack Russell Terrier ... in all of her scruffiness! Her sweetness will always remain in our hearts.