Mom told me that everyone in the neighborhood knew you! I can't tell you how much better that made me feel about your passing. It made me feel secure in the fact that you lived a fulfilling life despite all the hardships we experienced as a family. I hope one day we will all be reunited together in heaven.

DAD:
EULOGIES--Our next-door neighbor, Jill, was very upset when she learned of Sophie's passing. Here are the words from the lovely note she sent to our family (10-28-21): "We are so sorry for your loss of dear Sophie. Such a sweet dog. We loved her too. We hope you can be comforted by your loving memories of her."

We left Sophie with our friend, Randy, a couple of times--once when we went to South Africa for a month. Randy's posted appreciation: "I fell in love with Sophie. What a precious little animal!"

MEMORIES--Although, as a dachshund Sophie was low to the ground, she liked to be in on the action, whether in the house or outside. Once, a group of us were chatting outside on our street, including our neighbor, Ed. After awhile Sophie jumped on Ed's shoes to get his attention. He looked down and said: "Oh, hello Sophie."!

Sophie had an uncanny memory: For years we had a one-mile walking route in the neighborhood, which included going up and back down hill 1, then down and back up hill 2, before turning to return onto our home street. One day I decided it would be better to do the reverse: To go down and back up hill 2, before going up hill 1. So we did that, with perhaps a little hesitancy from Sophie. But when Sophie and I were coming back down hill 1, I reflexively started to go down hill 2 again. Sophie yanked hard back on her leash, with flashing eyes of outrage, in response to my foolish behavior!