Three Boys on the Hill

And then there was one…

Eddy June 5, 2001 – November 24, 2005

Zorro
November 25, 1994 – May 23, 2006

A very dear and irreplaceable sweet presence left our physical world two nights ago. Best known for his famous “Kleenex Trick,” Zorro was so much more than just an intelligent and beautiful Collie, good at doing tricks. Everyone who met him – even people who said they didn’t like dogs – couldn’t help but fall in love with this particular dog. I really think it was his unconditional acceptance of them that opened up their hearts to him. He had a special way of making you feel secure and content just by being near. He was a loving and beautiful animal spirit. And he will be remembered and missed by all who knew him.

When I try to remember the last time Zorro was able to walk without a limp and run flat out, barking his gorgeous deep-chested bark at any would-be trespasser, it seems like an awfully long time ago. In looking back, he had been struggling with health issues for quite a while, yet they were overshadowed by Eddy’s more immediate and critical health concerns. I’d known Zorro since he was a puppy; but I didn’t take over as Zorro’s “person” until he was eight years old. At that time he had a little limp and head-bob when he walked, from residual nerve damage due to heartworm and the treatment for it. However, that didn’t stop me from schlepping him to obedience classes for two years! (I couldn’t help myself, because he made me look SO good, having been pre-trained as a service dog by Kate.) I loved going to classes and he cooperated because that’s the way he was. He was totally THERE for me whenever I needed him to be. My dreams of a CD were dashed when a judge at a match told me his limp was considered as “lame” and he would be asked to leave the ring in a real trial. I was crestfallen, but I imagined Zorro was elated that he would NOT have to do all that dumb heeling stuff anymore! Finally, done with dog school – woof-woof hooray! He could finally spend all his time doing his favorite thing – lying in the driveway, looking out at the hill. Heck, it is a pretty great view.

Zorro had actually come back to California from Florida with Kate on a mission for being Eddy’s “nanny dog” during his recuperation from double leg surgeries to correct a severe deformity in his knees. He served Eddy well, being excellent company for him during the five long months of surgeries and rehabilitation. As it turned out, we became so attached to Zorro during this Nanny period, that we couldn’t imagine life without him. We begged Kate to let him stay with us, and painful though it was, she went back to Florida minus her service dog. (A totally selfless act, which we all appreciated more than I can say!) And so it was that Eddy had his permanent friend and bark partner. Life was pretty good for a couple of years, even with the introduction of the young upstart, Vinnie, from the 181 Collie rescue in Montana. Zorro taught Vinnie the ways of the household, and the two-some of Tri Boys became a three-some of Tri-Boys. Everyone got along really well, and I lovingly called them “The Three Tenors,” and “My Gentlemen Collies.”

Unfortunately, Eddy’s woeful genetic package didn’t stop with his legs, and it soon became apparent that he had kidney failure as well. Shortly before Eddy’s health took a major downturn, Zorro seemed to be having some problems of his own, which at first I thought were seizures or senility, and later arthritis in his neck. As it turned out, it was actually Lymphoma – a death sentence. After Eddy passed away on Thanksgiving Day, I was able to finally concentrate on Zorro’s health issues 100%. Sadly, despite my best efforts, he gradually got worse and worse. The Prednisone bought us 5 months, but eventually that and the holistic treatments couldn’t stop the cancer. It was heartbreaking to have to help this big, proud boy get up, and witness his deep and resonant bark going from bass to soprano, and finally to a hoarse whisper.

So… sadly Zorro has now joined his good friend Eddy at Rainbow Bridge.
There remains but one of the Three Tenors on this side of the veil…Vinnie. I choose to believe that Zorro’s vitality has been restored, he is happy and free, and that after his recent struggle, he is at peace . And of course that we will be reunited in the future.

Most of you know that after Eddy left this realm, I spoke with him through an animal communicator.

I asked how I might honor his memory and suggested starting a fund in his name. He seemed very pleased and touched by the idea of my finding a way to help “other dogs like him.” So I have started such a fund. It was a very painstaking process, but I finally managed to put a web page together in his honor through NorCal Collie Rescue’s website: http://www.calcollierescue.org/eddy.htm It will fall under our 501c3 and therefore donations will be tax deductible retroactive to our incorporation last August.

What am I getting at? So many of you expressed the desire to do something when Eddy passed away. At the time, I was so bereft, I had no answers for you and didn’t even want to talk about it. But I do want you to know how much I appreciated all the kind words and support and notes you all wrote. I saved all those notes and they currently reside in a binder within the Eddy and Zorro “shrine” in my home. There is something you can “do” now to honor Eddy and Zorro. Even though the web page is not set up yet, what I would like, and what Eddy would like, and I believe what Zorro would also like, is for you to make a donation in either or both of their names to the Eddy Fund if you are so inclined. Here’s how you can do that:

Andrea
5-25-06