This is Splash, the oldest of Ted Kennedy's three dogs and rumored to be his favorite. He's shown here in Kennedy's Senate office, sitting beneath a photo of JFK. But the great thing about dogs is that Splash doesn't know about the Kennedy Legacy and wouldn't care if he did. He was just sitting there with the light of his life, his favorite person, the one who gave him treats, scratched his ear, gave him rides in the car and took him sailing. In return, Splash gave his #1 person comfort and unconditional love. Not because Ted Kennedy was one of the most famous men in the world, but because that's what dogs do.If you visit here often, you know I feel a special bond with dogs and cats. It's such a part of my heart that can't help looking at Ted's death through that prism. Splash can't possibly understand what has happened in his furry world. I wonder how long dogs mourn.
Living in the Boston area we are overrun by Kennedy coverage. Were you in my place I am sure you would have been lined up to pay respects or to send off the motorcade. Our local sports radio is doing a 2 day telethon ending today in an attempt to raise $5 million for cancer research for the local Dana Farber hospital and their children's facility - The Jimmy Fund. Several radio hosts have encouraged all Kennedy supporters to donate in his memory today since he was a contributor every year and guest to the radiothon. as someone whose life was taken by cancer he would have appreciated the small donations to help children and cancer research from his supporters more than the turnout his death received.
ReplyDeletewww.jimmyfund.org
I wonder if Splash sensed that Teddy was ill?
ReplyDeleteInteresting perspective on Teddy's passing. My Molly's been struggling with the loss of a fur-friend who moved away a while back so I know first hand that dogs grieve. I've shared photos and haiku over the past few weeks documenting her behavior, most recently this weekend at Small Reflections.
ReplyDeleteHugs and blessings,