~*Memorial Day Weekend Gathering SUNDAY ~*May 29th, 2011~*

Thanks for sharing the pics & memories of this wonderful day with those of us who couldn't be there. I'm so glad the weather turned out well, you bet Phred had a word with the Almighty's Weatherman! That is a beautiful letter, Karen, thanks for posting it. The rock is truly touching - looks like its on that little rise at the far end? The dogs all loved that little hill!

I combined the silk bouquets Phred sent us when we lost Star and then Tori so soon afterwards. They are a constant reminder of what a caring person Phred was, always extending himself to others. We live just up from the Naval Fire Fighting School, and I always think about Phred when I go by. He was one of a kind, for sure!

Thanks for the bench photo - those trees have gotten really big! Spent many happy hours on that bench!

I'm so sorry I couldn't be there. I really want to go see his rock. <3 It's gorgeous. And now everyone who goes there will wonder who this man is... but only a select few will truly know what a wonderful guy he was. If I ever return, I only hope someone asks if I know who he is so I can tell of a great man. The tribute is just wonderful... I truly was amazed at how much he cared for people... that's one of the first things I recognized about Phred. It amazed me that people cared that much, even for people he knew mostly over the internet. We need more people in this world like Phred.

I can't wait to see everyone over Labor Day weekend, I am hoping I will be able to come if my new job allows it. :-D

Where is the final resting place of the rock?

Love your pictures, Anna and Karen your tribute was wonderful!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Freckles

Where is the final resting place of the rock?

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in the back of the park there is a small area (grove?) of trees, and they put it b/n two trees so as to not interfere with the mower.

Everyone's pics were great. We missed those that weren't there, but were glad of those that were there!

Nice pics everyone! It was great to see all of you again. It was strange for Phred to not be there though. :( The memorial service was very touching. I'll try to get my pics up soon knowing me it will probably be a while though.

Here are my photos: :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ramanth...7626771111227/

Kimmy, your photos are terrific. Thanks so much for posting them. They are so good because you get to see everyone including pictures of the actual park so you get a real sense of where thiings are.

I think Phred will be very happy there............he can keep an eye on things now. Things are sure different now that he is gone. I didn't think that I would miss him as much as I do. But he had become a very dear friend and I valued that so much. I know that there are many who feel exactly the same way I do.

His pups look great - and they look happy,,,,thanks again Diana and Carl.......for giving them a loving home.

It's taken awhile but I finally got my pictures on shutterfly. I had planned to take so many and I don't know what happened but there are hardly any! Oh, well, we had a good time and Phred was there in spirit. Cinder and Smokey were so glad to see his sister Nancy and friends, Pat and Joan as we were. It was great that Amy and Corby came all the way from Utah and of course, Nancy came all the way from Maine.

Anyway here are my pictures.

Smokey and Cinder in their usual spot to greet everyone.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1...D550/ry%3D400/

A funny one of Cinder
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1...D550/ry%3D400/

Taggert in his summer haircut
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1...D550/ry%3D400/

The "kids" welcoming their Aunt Nancy and Joan
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1...D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1...D550/ry%3D400/

Smokey cooling off his feethttp://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1...D550/ry%3D400/

Group Shot
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1...D550/ry%3D400/

Another picture of the "kids"

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1...D550/ry%3D400/

And the rock

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1...D550/ry%3D400/

I had a kind of rough week leading into the weekend. First the place I bought the stone called and said that with the weather being bad they didn't know if they could have it ready. I said I paid extra to have it ready and I had people coming from all over to see this rock and I HAD to have it. Then on Thursday she called and said that the rock was too big for their box whatever that meant so did I trust her to pick a different one. What could I say after I told her that I HAD to have a rock.

She did okay but it was half the size of the one I chose. I was disappointed but Carl was happy because moving it became less of a problem. On Friday the Director of the park called and said it was against the law to bury any ashes in a public park so that is why I came up with the memory box which is yet to be buried. I will have to get at it soon before the Ohio soil becomes brick.

But after all the worry with the rain, change in rocks, change in what would be buried under the rock everything came off wonderfully well. I am sure Phred was up there saying, Relax, everything is okay - everyone is talking and having a good time and what more can I ask for for a memorial tribute?

On a different note and I hate to bring it up, but since my sister put up half of the money for the rock, I could use a few more contributions to the cost of it. It cost over $200 and I have just over half of it. If you can even send $5 or $10, it would really help us out.

Check is in the mail. Incidentally, how much does the stone weigh?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Freckles

Check is in the mail. Incidentally, how much does the stone weigh?

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about 78 pounds Carl guessed that day.

Well, that shouldn't walk off by itself.

Obviously they have to weigh the stone to know how much to charge. I guess that probably isn't too obvious if you have never bought large stones before. Anyway, they charge by the pound, different rocks cost different amounts. The first rock I chose weighed 200 lbs. It wasn't as sparkly but no one could really walk away with THAT stone. I knew this weighed less than half when she told me what she chose. She had said this weighed 78 lbs. A man could pick it up and take it but it would be a heavy load and the gate is pretty far from where it is.

This one is prettier - it has some shiny bits of rock in it - but the other was one no one could move on their own. But I am sure it will be safe at the dog park. In fact since it is not close to the gate, I am sure a lot of people won't even know it is there. Many people stand close to the gate and never venture around the dog park at all. They let their dogs run or play for a while and then leave. Which makes the spot even nicer. Any one who wants to go spend quiet time with "Phred" can do so and be almost unseen by others near the gate. I am really grateful to the Park Director for suggesting that spot because it is away from the gate and is quiet and peaceful. And I can remember many a time we set at the picnic table with Phred to talk and be out of the sun.

Here in Delaware there are specific places you can and can't bury cremains. Even at sea, it is supposed to be 5 nautical miles from land. But they also turn their heads - don't ask/don't tell seems to work - and who is to know???

Staci, I will contact you and send you a check.

I've just viewed the pictures for the first time since getting home. I so appreciated all that was done to honor my brother's memory and his participation in the Pet Talk Family. Karen, your words are beautiful. Diana and Staci - your hard work and planning paid off!!! And Carl's cooking was the best.
You all were his adopted family, just as the members of the fire department were his second family for many years. I enjoyed meeting everyone and hearing your stories of Phred. He was and will be so special to me and I'm proud of his life and contributions to the lives of others - both 2 and 4-footed!!! Thank you all again for honoring him in such a wonderful and moving way. He would have pshawed the hoopla but enjoyed the commaraderie and all those good eats!!!! He definitely would have approved of the barbeque!!!
Love to all - Nancy

Better late than never? :o

Cinder and Smoke
http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/t.../pettalk13.jpg
Huney
http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/t.../pettalk12.jpg
Anna with a mastiff
http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/t.../pettalk11.jpg
Tori
http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/t.../pettalk10.jpg
Chipper with the stone
http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/t.../pettalk07.jpg
Robin
http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/t.../pettalk06.jpg
http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/t.../pettalk05.jpg
Freyja trying to get Kia to chase her
http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/t.../pettalk04.jpg

Freyja and I
http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/t.../pettalk03.jpg
Cisco
http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/t.../pettalk02.jpg
http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/t.../pettalk01.jpg
Roxey
http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/t...1/petalk09.jpg

Well, its about time, Amy! You are right though, better late than never!

Enjoyed the pics, except that one of me...Yuck! LOL

I was so happy to see you again, Amy and to meet your hubby. I really hope we can get together again someday and spend more time together. {{HUGS}}