Phred has Passed, the Prayer Pups join our family & funeral news (pg. 13)

[4 Dog Mother]

You only have to have a kennel's license if you are breeding the dogs. As long as you are keeping the dogs as just pets, you don't have to get a kennel's license. Somebody told me once it would be cheaper to have one but I don't think that that was true in reality. Our town does not have a limit as far as number of dogs go but if the neighbors complain about the noise, smell (gotta clean up after all those dogs) or you are not taking care of them, they can take them away. We are outside of the city limits though so I am not sure that would apply to us anyway and I know the county does not have a limit.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

I'm in deep shock right now and can't believe Phred is actually gone.

Diana & Carl, you two are truly angels for keeping the prayer pups and Heidi in your family and the PT family. I know Phred is smiling down knowing his kids will be so well taken care of. Like someone said, if/when you need help, please send up the flare. Phred has done sooo much for sooo many people that the least we can all do is make sure his kids are taken care of for as long as they may need.

The picture that MOFF posted has our first motorhome in the background from one of the infamous Memorial Day gatherings - that Phred was so instrumental is setting up.

When Tubby died, Phred made a donation to Best Friends in Utah. We had the pleasure of visiting Best Friends this past summer. What a fantastic place for pets in need of a home & medical help. You can bet I will be making a donation in Phred's name real soon!

Yes, God must have needed a very special angel, but what are we all to do down here on "the 'ol dirt ball" without him?

[Vermontcat]

I'm so sorry to hear that Phred is gone.
He has always been a special part of Pet Talk and he had done so much for so many people and pets that make up the Pet Talk family.
I'm glad that his dogs will be able to stay with a Pet Talk family.
I think that there should be some kind of memorial plaque or tree planted at the Findlay Dog Park to honor him.

[cyber-sibes]

Wow, Diana & Carl, you guys are the best! Can't think of anywhere else Phred would rather have his pups stay now. Paws crossed it all works out with the kids, granddogs, & all.

[wolf_Q]

I'm so happy to hear that the pups will be staying with Diana and Carl. You guys are saints. I hope that everything will work out and they will be okay with all the other dogs and kids. Could you let us know where you buy dog food and such? I'm sure a lot of us would be willing to chip in to help you with food/other supplies for their care.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so glad to hear that Diana & Karl will be taking Phreds pups in. PT homes are the best. I too would be willing to donate towards their care.

[captain]

Diana & Carl,
My offer still stands ......... you just holler, OK??

Truly a wonderful thing you are doing ..... you are absolutely amazing people ...

[lvpets2002]

I am so so sorry to read of Phred's Passing.. RIP Phred & may you be with Corinna now in Heaven & with all of our Beloved Pet Angels..

I so aggree with you Vermontcat.. Having LES now..

I'm so sorry to hear that Phred is gone.
He has always been a special part of Pet Talk and he had done so much for so many people and pets that make up the Pet Talk family.
I'm glad that his dogs will be able to stay with a Pet Talk family.
I think that there should be some kind of memorial plaque or tree planted at the Findlay Dog Park to honor him.

[AdoreMyDogs]

Dearest Phred--
You were my friend. You were so darn funny. You were tough as nails, but as sweet as a cookie. You left this earth way too soon. God must have needed you and your delightful soul.

I will never forget you. Pet Talk will never be the same without you. The world will never be the same without you. I wish you didn't have to leave, but I'm glad you are at peace. You certainlly didn't deserve an ounce of pain. You were an earth angel and now you're God's angel.

Enjoy your wings, you dear, dear man. Please say hi to my dad, my grandma, and my dog Graham (who loved you and your endless dips into the cookie bag you wore around your waist).

With love forever,

Leslie

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Spent a good part of the day today thinking of John. And really wishing that I knew him better like so many of you do. Gosh, I am sure going to miss that sweet, kind-hearted man.

[4 Dog Mother]

I wanted to let every one know that the Prayer Pups are home with us now. Carl and I went on Friday to get them from Phred's good friends and neighbors, Pat & Joan. It was a 3 1/2 hour trip but Joan had a delicious lunch waiting us. When we walked in the door, both Cinder and Smokey came up to us to be greeted. I think Joan was a little surprised that they remembered us. I am having trouble posting pictures but Smokey sat right down next to Carl and waited patiently for him to pet him. Joan had called us in the morning to let us know that we would only be bringing two dogs back - Heidi's original owners came and got her once they had heard Phred had passed. We obviously have mixed feelings about that. While being a little relieved that we had one less dog to add to our family of 4 fur kids, we were also disappointed because we knew that Phred loved Heidi too and the idea of having all of them had really grown on us.

Joan and Pat are wonderful people - obviously very good to Phred and his pups. We spent the rest of the afternoon visiting with them and telling Phred stories. Pat was a fireman with Phred but they were surprised to find a side of him they didn't know. Joan was shocked to hear that Phred had arranged firemen to visit Staci and friends when she was visiting in California. They didn't know about the "Prayer pups, clam juice or many of the other "Pet Talk" stories. In some papers Phred made out when he had the heart surgery in 2006, he said that the would not know much about this side of him - he "had never invited them to join because he didn't want them to know what a total FruitCake I was."

We didn't begin our trek home until about 4:30 or 5:00. It was kind of strange but I had a feeling that the dogs knew we had come to get them. The way they greeted us, the way Smokey attached himself to Carl, And the way Cinder got up with his front paws on my lap and into my face a couple of times. In fact, one time I thought they were telling us it was time to go. I have no doubt Phred had visited them and told them that we were going to be taking care of them and it was okay if they loved us too. They are such great riders. They laid down in the back seat and we did not hear a word from them.

When we arrived home, our crew was very happy to see us. They were a little uncertain about us bringing Cinder and Smokey with us. They were kind of liking the extra attention as our numbers were going down. But, (knock on wood) everything has gone wonderfully. No disagreements, no growls, no fights. It seems as though they have always been here.

Cinder and Smokey always slept with Phred and I was a little concerned about that as Dazzi and Taggert sleep with us now and a queen size bed doesn't really allow the room for more dogs to share our bed. Joan and Pat did not allow them to sleep with them so they haven't tried so far. The first night they slept in the family room on the couch. Tucker sleeps out there in a crate so they all seemed okay with that. The second night they started off in the family room again but when I got up in the morning, they were both sleeping in the hallway outside our bedroom door. Last night, Cinder slept next to Carl on the floor. Smokey moved to the living room. It is kind of interesting to watch them adjust.

We have been leaving Dazzi, Taggert, Smokey and Cinder loose in the house when we are gone and at night. That has been going wonderfully well too. I think our decision was the right one. They seem to fit right into our family! And we are very glad to have them with us!

[Freedom]

Somebody told me once it would be cheaper to have one but I don't think that that was true in reality.

Yeah, I'm not sure that would be true, either. Here, to have a kennel license, you also have to have kennel facilities: fenced in dog runs which are indoor and outdoor, and the indoor facility has to have drainage for washing it down.

Blessings to you Diana and Carl, for taking the 3 Amigos!

[Daisy and Delilah]

I'm just seeing this. I'm speechless. The world has lost a wonderful wonderful wonderful man.
Rest in Peace Phred. It was such a pleasure to know you.

[Taz_Zoee]

I am so glad to hear that his dogs will be staying with a Pet Talk family. I would also be willing to help out with costs for their care.
It is just very strange to think that I won't see any posts from the prayer pups, or Phred helping someone out with the details most of us wouldn't even think of.
I was telling someone yesterday about Phred and couldn't help the tears that welled up in my eyes.