Date of Death:
It is with great sadness that I write to inform you that Duchess (fka Bryson) went to wait for us at Rainbow Bridge today. She was diagnosed with kidney failure last fall and her condition progressed to the point that we made the painful decision to let her go. Duchess came to her forever home in March of 2007 and quickly became the focal point of our daily routine. Dogs pick their humans, and Duchess picked my wife. Those two were inseparable; whenever I suggested that we go somewhere or do something my wife's response was "can Duchie come too?" My wife grew up with dogs but says that Duchess was the best dog ever! Duchess loved playing Chuckit, or any kind of catch. She would sit on the landing at the top of our stairs and catch a ball lobbed at her and then drop it, then with her foot she would push it back down the stairs for us to catch. She would do that for hours if she could. Another game she would play was to lie down on the kitchen floor with a ball in her mouth and flip it or kick it towards you to see if you would kick it back.
Duchess became a dual citizen in the summer of 2007 upon her first trip to Canada. She was a reluctant traveler at first – the only time I ever saw her show teeth was when the nice Northwest Airlines baggage handlers loaded her onto an airplane. But as time passed she became more used to travel. She really loved our farm in Canada and the freedom it gave her and was pleased when we retired here last year. She especially loved our walks through the fields off leash and free to explore and sniff. Unlike me, her favorite season was winter; she couldn't wait to play in the fresh snow! Duchess was very patient with children, although we don't have any.
One of our most favorite sayings came from the three year old daughter of good friends who was unsuccessful in trying to catch up to her and said in frustration, "but Duchess, I just want to hug you." We have been telling her that ever since! She got along with just about every dog around (and even cats), but her beau was the next door neighbor's Dachshund. It was comical watching the two of them play.
Our girl was a great ambassador for dogs. Even people who didn't like dogs would comment on how well behaved and sweet she was and many came to love her. We would like to thank the staff of MAGSR for all the work they do. We would adopt from you again except we are now in Canada. We loved our girl very much and are very sorry that she had to leave us, we will miss her.
Rest in peace, Duchie until we meet again. We will never forget you.
Tim and Mariane Harroun
