10/22/03

In Memory of Reese

As many of you know, Reese was diagnosed with an inoperable tumor in her spine and on September 29th we had to say our final goodbye to her. 

Through our tears, we see that Reese was a very special dog and she touched so many lives.  We wanted to share some of the things about Reese that made us all smile.  

 Reese the retriever endlessly sought out tennis balls to chase or logs and lake debris to drag on shore when swimming.

 Reese the swimmer decided that she liked to swim at around age 1-1/2 in all sorts of ponds and lakes.  She took to the pool at around age 6 after a round a particularly fun game of catch when she went into the pool after the ball and finally figured out that there were steps that could take you in and out of the crazy concrete pond.   My morning wake-up call on the houseboat was always Reese looking to get out for her morning swim.

 Reese the protector guarded with a sure bark and growl but always turned to give you a wag of the tail and a lick when she discovered you were friend not foe.

 Reese the greeter was ever ready to greet you with her fuzzy bone in tow( Which was as big as she was!!), a madly wagging tail, and requests for a belly rub.

 Reese the ice cruncher would find her way from wherever she was in the house to get an ice cube when you activated the ice machine on the fridge.

 Reese the food robber was known to partake of some forbidden foods including 4 whole cinnamon buns in one sitting and an eggplant casserole just set on the stove to cool.  She might even try to sneak that bagel out of your hand if it comes down to her level.

 Reese the traveler loved to explore new places and was always eager to jump into the car to go to her next adventure whether on a trip to 7/11 with Rich or to Lake Oroville (her favorite destination).  Reese traveled, camped and lodged at many places, including San Francisco, Pismo Beach, Santa Barbara, Lake Tahoe, Newport Beach and so many others. 

 Reese the volunteer dog made visits to a senior convalescent home most Friday mornings and walked many 10K walks for Multiple Sclerosis.    

 Reese the hiker got me out of bed most mornings to go on our walks in fog, mist or shine.  She did give me the “why are we out here” look when we would get caught out in a hail storm. 

 Reese the lover always wanted to be right in the middle of things and before you knew it, there you were petting her and getting a face full of sloppy doggie kisses. 

 She has left us with so many wonderful memories that we can carry with us always.