In Memory
If you have a story that you would like to share of your senior Doberman who has gone to the rainbow bridge, please send it in and we'll post it here. Click here for the submission form.
You have been warned... have tissues ready....
Kali
Feb. 25, 2010
Kali was a female fawn doberman Born in 1996. As you can see, she was a long life for a Doberman: 14 wonderful years. When she came to my family she has just 2 weeks of life and was barely capable of seeing all that was going on around her. We don’t have all the details, but she probably was born in the garden of farm, very close to the earth in the ground. We believe that because during all the days of her live she loved to play, sleep and just be close to the ground, especially if there is green grass on it. When she made 1 year she was fully grown and shown signs of an always present hunger: if you feed her 10 times a day she will eat all that you show to her. This has one problem though: she eat a lot of things that are not supposed to be eaten, such as gloves, clothes and other things. In one occasion she eat a mouse’s ball, that iron covered plastic ball that was used in old computer mouse, not to be confused with the optic ones. Well, we have to take her to surgery where she lose a part of his intestines. Nevertheless, she have a quick recovery and in a few days she was ready to learn some tricks with a dog handler. After that we choose a suitable mate to her with lead to 8 beautiful fawn Dobermans that she take excellent care, 6 of them males and 2 females (the males were born in one day and the females are born in the next day). We decided to keep one female that was named Dolly just because she was so similar to her mother that we thought that Dolly was a Kali’s clone. Anyway, Kali have many experiences in her life: hit by a car, physiologic pregnancy, a wound on her left ankle that never was completely healed and another surgery to remove all his tumors so frequently in his breed. She was present when we lost his companionship daughter Dolly after 2 months of struggle with another cancer in 2007, which we did almost anything to save, include a blood transfusion. After that she become gloomily and begin to lose weight. In the end, she was a fighter, a warrior and never give up. We have to put her to sleep after seeing that she was not able to do all her biological needs without asking to us by a sorrowful bark. There is no words that can help me express better what my family felt for her during her live and we can only wish she rest in peace in heaven after all that she gives to us.
Maura C.P.
Poppy
Feb. 15, 2010
Triple B Hell's A Poppin OA, AXJ, CGC 2/7/97 - 1/28/10 To
know Poppy is to never forget her. Her life was like a roller
coaster ride. Her regal elegance was betrayed only by her
mischievous ways. She was named after the beautiful red poppy. .
. instead of the noun, I got the verb. She was a magnificent
dog. Neck arched, ears ever alert and the look of eagles in her
eyes. In Agility she literally flew over the jumps like Pegasus
taking to the air. You could hear the people's exclamation of
wonder. She was a gentle creature and doing demos gave her great
joy. She always insisted there be order in this world. While
working with a drill team she became noticeably disturbed at
people and dogs making mistakes and would leave the group. She
delivered newspapers, slippers, shoes, notes and whatever was
asked of her. She also holds the record of consuming 13
bratwurst in less than 5 seconds. She always thanked me for her
meals. Her presence is sorely missed by all of us. How we love
her! Her sister, Paige's addition to this memorial was, "Watch
out Heaven, here she comes!"
Pap
Feb. 15, 2010
I just lost my beloved Dobe to DCM. Mikadobe Mai Tai V Amoore.. AKA, Pap was a great agility dog, fantastic protector of property and family, a wonderful companion, and my best friend. Anything I wanted to do was fine with him, whether it was run agility, or snuggle on the couch, or spoon in the bed. He was always there for me. I miss his smiling face and wiggling butt every time I come home. Pap excelled at agility even though he was my first agility dog, and therefore had to learn with me. He forgave my mistakes, and figured out what I wanted. He was #1 Master Gamblers Doberman after his last show! Smart as a whip. I look forward to the day we get to run together again. RIP Pap. June 14th 2003 - Jan 29th 2010
Shelby Rose
Jan. 25, 2010
Shelby Rose 2-12-01 to 1-13-10 We miss our Shelby Rose more than you can imagine. She was our fierce protector, never letting us out of her sight. She was not only beautiful but she was the smartest animal we have ever encountered. Shelby was also a wonderful teacher for her puppy siblings. She is gone from our lives much too early and we will miss her always. Shelby I still look for you next to my side of the bed every night. I know you are in heaven with Maddie and Saba watching over all of us. I hope you know how very much you were loved and how much happiness and joy that you brought to our lives. You were truely our "Rose".
We love you and always will, Daddy, Mommy, Hannah, Triton, Sienna, Cisco and Crissy
Canela
Jan. 13, 2010
My Doberman name was "Canela", we call her baby girl, she was a very special dog, sweet, smart and always happy dancing showing her teeth when she was going for a ride. She was 12 years old, she pass January 8, 2010. We miss her so much, she brought a lot of happiness in our lives.
Virginia
Randi
Jan. 9, 2010
Randi, our beautiful red girl. DOB: 10/01/97, DOD: 09/25/09 (less than 1 week from her 12th birthday). She was so special to us. A true "Velcro dog" she loved all living things (animal or human). She was a true "good will" ambassador for the Doberman breed. Her true joy in life was a good long walk. My husband and she would go out for a brisk 5 mile walk, he would come home ready for a break and she would lay down waiting for him to say "let's go walking!" like they had never been out. She became sick only 4 days before she had to be down. The tumor on her liver was massive and the cancer too extensive. I made the decision to do what was best (and most humane for her) and not what would make me feel better. She was old (although still walking at least 3 miles a day - only slower), hurting and tired. As a palliative nurse at a major cancer center I did for Randi what I truly belief in - Quality is more important than quantity and what we want for our loved one is not always what they want or the best thing for them. We agreed to do what was best for Randi in a humane manner. I laid her pillow on the exam floor at our vets and spooned with her while I talked pat her and spoke calmly. They injected her with me holding her. It was one of the sadly memories of my life and I will always be glad that I was there with her to the very end. We now have Sammy, our 9 month old Dobie male. We could tell from the beginning he will also be a wonderful addition to our pack and even though he will never be a Randi he will be special in his own way. With his help we will continue to try to educate others on the wonderful traits and temperament of a truly loyal, gentle, noble breed.
Ivan
December 8, 2009
Ivan (b. 5/9/94, d.4/4/07) was also known around here as "My
Doberman" and "Houdini". He could escape any confinement, no
matter how secure. A gentle soul, Ivan outgrew his destructive
puppyhood to become the best dog I ever had or could have. He
had the ages in his eyes. He and I loved each other. He died
while keeping me company as I worked in the yard, a fitting
tribute to a working dog with a huge intelligence and
independent spirit. He left behind Ozzie, another Doberman (b.
11/19/02) and three grieving cats (Frank, Dino and Sammy). Since
his passing, I have acquired an aged (about 9) Labrador
retriever (Whoopi), who but for my intercession, would have been
euthanized in the city shelter. Also joining the household was
Lawford, my fourth (and last, I mean it!) cat, a baby stray
needing a meal but choosing a forever home. I miss Ivan every
day. He had heart, soul, spirit, brains, love, and stamina. He
will always be "My Doberman."
Kachina
November 24, 2009
My beautiful girl's name was Kachina. She was 14 years, 3 months old. Putting her down was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life! She was my girl before my wife and I had children. She traveled everywhere with us. A constant companion always at my side. She was definitely a "velcro dog." She always greeted us when we came home from work with a shoe in her mouth, a wagging of her tail and a whimpering crying "I'm so glad you are home so that I can be with you now" cry. A friend and protector of my children when they were little, she "played" along when my girls would play dress up and was good sport. She loved the outdoors, going for walks and riding in the car. I miss the nudging of my hand with her head which was always followed by patting of her head and a kiss to the cheek. I miss the nightly hug and kiss before going to bed and the wet nose on my hand in the morning letting me know that it was time to get up and start the day. I miss EVERYTHING about you Kachina. I could not have asked for a better dog! How you loved to play ball and fetch. The many, many joys you brought to our lives...God I miss you! I would give all of my possessions that I own to do it all over again with you girl. There is a void in my heart and my life now that is just does not seem right. I've cried so many tears over losing you, there is not a day goes by that I do not think about you. Zoie and Zia say a prayer every night for you and it breaks my heart every time. I looked through the photographs of you last night, what a beautiful dog you truly were. The puppy years were wonderful as well seeing you with your ears cropped, made me chuckle. I still have visions of you running as a puppy and how clumsy those big paws were. Sharing our bed with you as well. You always liked to stretch out and crowd us out of bed, but we would not have had it any other way. Even as a senior, you still had spirit and spunk. You are sorely missed girl...yet, I know there is no more pain. We will be reunited some day on the other side. Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart....YOU WERE PRICELESS! So many wonderful memories, I could fill a book. I was blessed to have 14.3 years with you. I hope we showed as much love to you as you gave to us Kachina. Rest in Peace. I love you with all of my heart, and my heart aches for you. Thank you God for this wonderful dog. We were blessed to have her. Deeply missed....by all in our family, but never forgotten!
Mark Smith
Duchess
November 20, 2009
March 19 1981 --------- April 16 1996 A Tribute to Duchess
The day we met I had no clue, that I would be going home with you. He let you off your short old chain, you looked at me and over you came. I kneeled right down you came to see just who this strange young woman might be. Your eyes looked deeply into my soul, at that very moment my heart you stole. You took your nose and lifted my arm you wanted some petting you had such charm. I made the deal and home I ran to get the cash for my Doberman. Dobermans' they said a ferocious breed, thank goodness dear Duchess you did not read. A kinder dog with the biggest heart, always so good and so very smart. You thought your job was to take care of me, but you dear love became my world you see. Just being with you was such a pleasure, every moment with you I always will treasure. I almost lost you when you got so ill, but you toughed it out with your iron will. Six weeks we worked to get you healthy, we made our vet so very wealthy. There is no price for one so rare, just for the pleasure of stroking your hair. An inseparable pair our bond was deep, so at the hospital your cage I did sleep. Every night they let you come home, IV and all for I would not leave you alone. On borrowed time they always would say, life is always like that we cherish each day. We showed them all that never say never, even though we knew it wouldn't be forever. One day I saw that there had been a change, that lipoma you had was looking so strange. Once more to the vet just to see he nodded his head and did the biopsy. For the first time Dutch I had a strange feeling and after the Doctor called my head was reeling. Inoperable untreatable malignant he said I hung up the phone and I felt such dread. ts never enough fifteen years is so short it seems only yesterday you'd bark and cavort. I promised you love that on that inevitable day that I would help you go in the easiest way. The doctor came here so home you would be, and I told you to go and sleep peacefully. Now you are gone the house is so bare, I look at your photos and see how you stare. They say the eyes you know are your souls mirror I've never seen goodness or kindness shown any clearer. The day will come when you are back with me, for without you my love no heaven could be. My beloved friend DUCHESS March 19 1981-April 16 1996
Dorann LaPerch
Lucky
October 12, 2009
Lucky Gingerbread Boy, "Lucky", was born April 26th 1997 and lived to be 10 1/2 yrs. old until congestive heart failure brought him down. We said our goodbyes on Nov. 30th, 2007, and it still seem like yesterday! Oh what a outstanding boy he was! His favorite times were retrieving the clay pigeons while trap shooting, yes, he brought back more missed pigeons than hit ones. He loved to snowmobile, it was understood by him that we were to keep up with him. Lucky showed his courage one summer afternoon when he would not allow our daughter Michelle, in the basement door, we learned later his reason was there was a 5' 3 1/2" in length snake lurking behind the air conditioning unit! Lucky was accompanied by our two Scottish Terriers, oh the playtime were most active times. I am so waiting upon the day when I can retire from work to bring home another Doberman baby boy into our family to again fill the emptiness that Lucky has left us. I miss you so much Lucky! Love mom.
Ceasar
September 30, 2009
I remember the times we hiked together, the quiet times we spent together, you were there for me when I needed a friend, you always wanted my attention I gave you as much as I could, I am so sorry that at times work and life got in the way of that, I will never forget the morning of the 25th I knew you were not feeling well, I gave you a hug and said I would be back after work, when I came home you had died in front of my office door, I know you were looking for me, I am so very sorry I was not there for you. this feeling of emptiness will be here for a long time. My tears just will not stop flowing Ceaser, I love you so much my pal. You were the best. You will always be in my heart. I miss you so much..............
Emanuel Bellio
Winston
August 3, 2009
Winston CD MX MXJ NJP NGC NJC CGC TDI - 10/28/1996 to 8/3/2009
Today I helped Winston cross over the bridge. Winston came
from a rescue group who had obtained his mom from a backyard
breeder who was not providing her with what she needed. The
rescue group whelped the litter and after lots of discussion
they left one black and tan puppy with his dew claws, tail and
ears all natural. Winston joined Max and me when he was 7 weeks
old and they became best buddies. We started taking obedience
classes and he earned his CD in 3 straight shows finishing at a
Doberman specialty. Then we started agility classes when he was
2. He was one of my Novice A dogs and during training loved to
put me on my butt with a big grin. We made it to Excellent B
when his weaves fell apart and later in that spring I sent him
into a chute during the rain and he came out and showed some
neck pain. So after an MRI he was diagnosed with Wobblers in
July of 2001. We competed for a short time finishing his MX MXJ
and a couple of other titles before he was retired to be just
the household best buddy.
Winston always greeted me or anyone who visited with something
in his mouth and loved to be with people. He was truely a gentle
giant amongst the sea of little SFT's. He and Hunter were very
close. The day Hunter joined us he figured out that if he
growled Hunter would pee and he did it frequently which is why
Hunter was fed in the bath tub when we were on the road (to this
day he still runs and jumps and stands in the bath tub waiting
for his dinner). Fortunately Hunter got past the peeing. Hunter
would always lay next to Winston on the couch and even if
Winston was grumpy he always let Hunter come and visit.
Winston has been healthy until recently when the wobblers took
its toll and he lost control to his back end. Thus I made the
difficult decision to let him cross. He will be missed by his
SFT buddies and especially his mom.
Rest in peace my big guy, you can once again run and jump
Denise and SFT's Max, Lexie, Hunter, Gidget andFat Boy Slim
Baccardi
June 2, 2009
A TRIBUTE TO MY DOG BACCARDI
4/86--10/1/98
When we first met he was just a puppy and I was much younger. No
one else in the family really wanted him. They had all heard
rumors and stories about Doberman's and even though he was so
small and just a puppy, it took some time for them to get over
their fear.
But to me he was the dog I had always wanted and together we
shared our lives. We both saw my children grow up, leave the
house, marry and return with their wife’s and children, my
grandchildren. He accepted them all and welcomed them into our
family. No matter what they did he tolerated it and when he
couldn’t, he just got up and left the room. When required he
could be protective, but usually he was just sweet and gentle,
and everyone's friend.
There was a time when we were both younger, stronger, and more
energetic , but that was some time ago. No matter how hard we
try, time catches up with all of us eventually, and it seems to
have caught up with him before me.
He doesn’t hear much now anymore, he is sort of deaf. But then I
can't see well either. We have both sort of grown old together
and have reached that stage in life where we have climbed to the
top of the mountain and are now sort of coasting down the other
side.
He has been ill the last 2 years and like the warrior he has
always been, has displayed courage in the face of an enemy he
could not defeat and a battle he could not win. Even now as
death approaches and he sleeps most of the time, there are still
moments when he is young again, and the dog he once was. Let
someone come into his yard, and although he may not hear them,
if he sees them, for a period of time he is back to his old
self. The protector of our home and his domain. But that doesn’t
last very long and before any time has passed he is back to
sleep, one that he has earned.
We will not run through the parks or take our strolls together
any more. Those days are gone forever and are just a distant
memory. But wherever I go in the house, he still follows me and
sits by my side. I don’t move around too much because it is
difficult for him to get up and down. He is still comfortable
however and seems to enjoy whatever life god has granted him.
Instead of the runs, walks and romps followed by his cookies, he
now just gets the cookies.
Time has passed and things have now changed. He no longer
follows me around the house because it is too much effort for
him to get up. Now he just sleeps. Even cookies no longer seem
to have any attraction for him. There can be no question that
time can only offer discomfort.
I wonder if he feels the sorrow that I do or can notice the
tears as they run down my cheeks. I hope not. I will never let
him fade away. Death to him will be merciful, and will come
swiftly like a friend to take him to a better place where the
fields are always green the sky blue, and there is no suffering,
only peace.
I will be his friend like he has been mine for the last 12 1/2
years. I will take him into my arms and hold him while he goes
to sleep, a sleep that will last for eternity. I will then lay
him to rest in the yard he has guarded so faithfully and try to
remember all the wonderful moments we shared as we grew old
together.
I will also remember the words of the eulogy about a dog that
ended with " he is your one true friend who will stand by you in
sickness and in health, in prosperity and in poverty. He will
kiss the hand that has no food to offer, and when all other
friends desert he remains, faithful and true, even to death".
Although my dog has grown old and ill, he has always remained
faithful and true. And as I look into his eyes another time,
there is one more thing he has asked me to do.
Didn't sleep much last night. Got up at dawn. I know when the
day is over my buddy will be gone. So lay your head down my old
friend and I will be with you until the end. And this I also
know is true. There will never be another like you.
As the new day approaches and I gaze up at the sky, I remember
the saying "when you live in the hearts of those you leave
behind you never really die".
Mel Appell
Diamonds
April 24, 2009
Diamonds was born 7-22-96. He lived for almost 12 years, passing away 5-4-08. Shortly after his 10th birthday he showed me that old dogs CAN learn new tricks.
An attempted break-in sent him and sister Dobe Hallika out of the doggy door at mach speed both growling and barking. I saw flashing lights in front of the house and called them in to prevent any harm to them. I noticed one of my patio chairs against the back fence, sunk into the lawn. I informed an officer that someone had been through my yard and that my dogs had chased them off. He told me there were two men, one still on the loose.
After awhile we went out to move that chair back and as I passed my shed, I got the creeps. Being a crotch-height dog, he had been told "no sniff" all of this life. I took him to the chair and pointed, telling him to sniff, he did, then looked me in the eye like "What's next?" We went to the shed and I told him to search. He sniffed that shed all over and then looked at me over his shoulder as if to say "There's no one in the shed." He had never been told to search, but pulled it off like a pro. He was a hero.
Shortly before his 12th birthday his job in this world was done. Four days after he passed, my puppy "Dancer" was born. I believe that Dancer did not have a soul until Diamonds passing and that beautiful was passed on to him.
Jennifer Williamson
Kadee
April 15, 2009
Kadee was a special girl who I loved more than I could ever
explain.
I really do not know the best way to say this.
She was put to rest this afternoon.
The cancer had taken over, so much so, that she could not carry
herself.
She never gave up, even when she could not stand on her own, she
never stopped trying.
People look at Dobermans and make judgment, but I wish the
world could know the heart Kadee carried.
She was by very definition courage, intelligence and strength,
all balanced by compassion and kindness.
I am not sure how much of this is shared with the community.
Two things.
1. Dr. Lutz gave me a girl so special I could never repay.
2. Animal Hospital of Polaris, Dr. Niki Eaton, the entire staff
is phenomenal. They always treated us like special members of
family, and today was no different, the entire staff was in
mourning at Kadee's loss.
I believe I will be lucky enough to share life with another Dobe
in the future.
I do not know when, but I believe when the time is right, he or
she will find me.
Kevin Layne
Wilhelm
November 18, 2008
On November 14th, 2008 at 7:38pm, I sat with my best friend and companion, Wilhelm, as he succumbed to DCM, complicated by a lung tumor. It was 5 months from diagnosis to death. Willie was 9 1/2 years old. Had it not been for the tumor I believe he may have seen 10. In my lifetime I have never seen an animal fight death so hard, he all but refused to leave me. For hours we gazed into each others eyes, both trying to measure the depth of one another's despair. It is said that your eyes are the windows to your soul, any one who is fortunate enough to have a Doberman as their chosen friend knows this to be true. What I saw was an animal whose unconditional love and devotion was shining through and nothing was going to extinguish the flame. Sadly, the flame was blown out, but in my mind it burns bright. For well over 9 years Wilhelm has been by my side and involved in almost every activity that I have undertaken. Where I went, he went and our bond was set in stone. My house is now quiet and my bedroom feels empty, all his medications are out of sight. My tears are constantly flowing, because my mind is showing me a constant steam of his life, that is how I found you. I have been searching for a diversion, but try as I might Willie seems to lead me back to the Doberman's. I know Willie missed the longevity program by a few months, but it was not for his lack of trying. Wilhelm has been one of the most important things in my life, and I believe that I was in his. Despite the requirements, I wanted to share a little bit of him with you. It's ironic isn't it, the very thing that a Doberman is known for, is unfortunately his weakness, his heart.
I began keeping a journal a few months into Wilhelm's
illness, trying to identify a pattern to his "episodes" and if
there were any environmental contributors. I felt abandoned by
our veterinarian, for a death sentence is just that. Internet
research was rather redundant; however I stumbled upon some new
information during his last days. I watched the rise and fall of
a magnificent individual, and I would like to help others whose
dogs are found to be on the short end of the gene pool. Support
was something I would have welcomed. The day after Wilhelm's
death I tried to recount what had just happened, mainly because
Willie's choice to live and to let go, even the spot he chose,
was dictated by the dog he was. I don't believe I mentioned that
he died on my wedding anniversary. The way the illness
progressed, entwined with periods of "remission", made
euthanasia or should I say the timing, more like torture. I
finally felt that he wanted to stay at home. If there are
others, and I believe that there are, who like me had seemingly
no where to turn, then I would like to help them transition and
perhaps give them an idea of what to expect. I offer no medical
advice, just an idea of how heart wrenching and at the same time
awe inspiring those final weeks or months might be. If you think
that I might be able help someone, could you please pass my name
along.
I would like to share a little more about Willie. His registered
name is "Windancers Baron Von Wilhelm" WP933218/04, and he was
born on May 29, 1999. We wanted to try to show him (we show
horses, not dogs), but he had a missing front tooth in his lower
jaw. He was neutered at the age of 5, because of recurrent
prostate problems. Willie was 28 1/2" at the shoulder and
weighed 100 lbs. He made you look at him, and in turn you were
captivated. He insisted on eye contact and those who obliged saw
themselves, through the eyes of a Doberman.
Wilhelm is survived by his family: "mommy and daddy", Shannon
and Christopher, 12 cats, 5 horses, 20 chickens, 1 turkey,
Hannibal his dwarf rabbit, and Spot his very lonely dog friend.
Willie was also a foster brother to 3 "Paws For A Cause"
puppies.
Thank-you again, not only for recognizing Willie, but also
paying tribute to the relationship that we shared. Several years
ago I asked Willie why he followed me from room to room. I tried
my best to explain that I was 15' away and he could see me, so
he didn't have to follow me. When I was done speaking, he held
my gaze and replied, "Because you complete me."
Added April 20, 2009:
Yesterday I was looking for something in our linen closet which is where I put Wilhelm's medications the night he died. During the past 5 months that closet has become a time portal. No matter the reason for entry one glance at those bottles will take me right back to our last hours. It is usually a brief glimpse, but occasionally I linger. As my eyes start to well up I pick up the prescription bottles one by one and read the directions even though they're etched into my brain for eternity. As my tears start flowing in a steady stream I let myself go back to him. I remember his "doggy" smell, the weight of his head in my lap, his soft ears-that we thought would never stand up, his nose that at full velocity was a lethal weapon...now rests quietly on my knee, the dirt on my hands as I stroke his body...I remember thinking he should have had a bath. As we sit hour after hour I try to not move a muscle, afraid that any slight adjustment on both of our parts will cause you to cough and gasp. You doze off and then open your eyes and just look at me, I know that look, "Hi mommie." As you continue to gaze into my eyes I am remembering our in-depth conversations, most of them taking place without a spoken word. I am prone to fits of uncontrollable sobbing, once I rein myself in and my eyes clear you are still watching me, your expression clearly troubled and concerned. Once my tears subside your eyes are peaceful once again.............I try very hard not allow myself to digress any further. Two broken hearts still remain two broken hearts.
I was still foraging through the closet when my husband
walked up behind me. Already knowing the answer, I asked the
question anyway. "Should I throw Willie's medication away?",
without hesitation he said yes. They are still in the closet.
All I want is to feel a nudge on my hand as I doze off to sleep.
To hear the clicking of nails on the hard wood floors. To feel
the breeze on my legs, associated with a 100 lb. Doberman
spinning around in tight circles on 3 legs, in hot pursuit of
his fourth leg, which always seemed to elude him; but I would
settle for hearing the thud as he dropped to the ground and then
rolled from side to side in conclusion to the afore mentioned
floor show. As days have turned into weeks and weeks into
months, I miss his presence more than ever. I will never have
another friend like Wilhelm, but I will have another friend.
Wilhelm was not a King among men, but a King among Kings.
Wilhelm was a testament to his breed. He never walked into a
show ring, instead he showed his heart out at home with style,
grace (mostly), faith, tolerance, compassion, loyalty and humor.
His innate sensitivity to the human spirit was uncanny. I think
Wilhelm believed that his life's mission was to watch over me.
With tears in my eyes, I concur, Mission Accomplished.
Sincerely,
Lee Ann Thorsgard