tribute

	*"Sophia"* Cy'Era Sophia 06.07.01 ~ 10.09.06 In Loving Memory of Cy'Era Sophia aka "Moose" and "Luna" (As in Lunatic). Loving Family Member of Barbara, Andrew, Justin and Adam Faithful friend of Benji Our Dear Sophie, You came through our lives and went much too quickly. I thought we'd grow old together. You left an imprint on our hearts and anyone who knew you. You were a wonderful girl, so gentle and easy to love. We will miss you and never, ever forget you. Love Always, Mommy, Dad, Justin, Adam & Benji. P.S. I heard there's a Ben & Jerry's up in heaven and it's all you can eat! P.S.S.: Mommy Dearest (Camilla), Grammy Karen, Aunt Maria, Sister Dona and Nick love and miss your kisses and smiles!
*"Cicely"* Cy'Era Cicely 10.16.99 ~ 09.15.06 Tosca, known as Cicely the first 3yrs of her life and later lovingly known as Titi, doodie, piggie, princess, shu shu, bunny, pigpie, neenee, hunnybunn, punkin, and Big Mouth had to leave Dante and me on Sept 15th, 2006. She would have been 7 yrs old this November. It was so unexpected, so unbelievable, it's still very hard to grasp both her being gone and now navigating the massive empty space she has left behind. She was the sweetest, most loving, sensitive dog I have ever had. When she came to me Lucia brought with her a stuffed pig. She slept with the pig every night under a blanket. She would actually put her whole mouth on the pig and her arms around it (it was almost as big as she was) and she would fall asleep breathing through her nose. She added so much to my life with her amazing little personality that became more evident as time went on and she was able to be more and more herself. Every day when I would come home she would be waiting with squeals and smiles, kisses and hugs. Her life with me was as good as I could make it for her. She got long walks off leash in open space rain or shine (much to the chagrin to the rodent population). She and Dante slept in my bed, had cookies every night, cheese snacks every day, stuffed squeaky toys to gut and play tugowar with and as much love and freedom as I could give. Dante and I will never forget her. It will take a lifetime to mourn her.
	*"Frisu"* Frisu dei Casorati 09.05.93 ~ 03.15.06 Never having seen a Cirneco before, one Sunday we visited Lucia simply to meet one. When Lucia introduced Frisu he promptly climbed into Jan’s lap, ears bright red. No doubt about it, that was one smart dog who immediately understood who he had to win over in the family. However, from day one, there was never any doubt that Frisu adored Bill. Together they took every step while Frisu patiently listened to Bill’s long conversations and lectures. Frisu came to the States only knowing Italian but promptly learned English and “Texan”. Likewise, he, too, would talk when we came home or when greeting someone he knew. Frisu always had a story to tell. Frisu was distinguished, a real gentlemen. He didn’t really play with doggy toys (other than balls and Frisbees) or like junk food. But when getting treats, if Bill told him “all gone”, Frisu would quietly climb into Bill’s lap and covertly glance at the table or plate just to make sure. Frisu blossomed when we moved to the country. Every morning Bill, Frisu and the girls (by then we had Cara and Pupa) would go out back to the brush pile to hunt rabbits. What a grand time they had except for the time Frisu flushed out a skunk and got sprayed in the face. Months later when the girls found another skunk Frisu simply turned around, flattened his ears, and returned to the house wisely letting the girls handle the situation. We miss him so much. I still see him out of the corner of my eye or down by the lake running from tree to tree happily chasing the squirrels. I still hear him howling when Bill left the house and didn’t take him. And we both miss his stories and enthusiastic greetings. He was elegant, graceful, and a huge part of our life.
*"Eric"* Eracle 05.15.99 ~ 12.30.05 Eracle "Eric" was such a joy to have at our home. We thought farm life would be great for him and he did love the outdoors and running with our miniature horses and chasing the squirrels. We formed a bond with Eric that still seems like he is still here. He always sat in our laps when we watched TV in the evenings, and every time we opened the door to go out, he was right on our heels, not wanting to be left out of whatever we were going to do.... Sometimes certain animals come into your life and have a profound effect, Eric was one of those special animals that will forever live in our hearts.
	"Teddy" Aetnensis Tamusnomineteddy 07.22.96 ~ 10.25.05 Teddy loved ice cream, shrimp, Alma, and me. He was so compassionate and he would not just worry about you, he would try to help. Having him around was like having a little person who couldn't speak but who understood you perfectly and a year later there is still such a hole in my life that he filled so beautifully. Did you want stories? I don't know how to pick.... there was the time he caught the opossum and dropped it happily at my feet.... the first day we met, at Lucia's, when he heard Pupa coming and ran over to stand between her and me ("MY person!!").... how constantly he cared for Alma and how careful he was with her puppies.... how quickly he appeared when you opened the freezer door and there was any chance of ice cream.... how lovingly he cuddled on the bed with me at night taking his half out of the middle! When I think about him now, I think of him standing in a field, healthy again, meeting other dogs interested and friendly, but then he misses me, and when he turns around to look for me, I'm coming. I'm crying now and if he were here, he would have his chin propped on my knee, worrying about me. We were a perfect pair.
"Godiva" Giltedged Godiva Seta del Oro 07.31.97 ~ 09.28.05 Godiva loved to run! In fact, she loved it so much that she ran off one early morning in search of whatever the lure was. As always, it was difficult to get her to change focus and come on back to the comfort of her house, her bed, her buddies (Enzo and Rosy and me). Wherever she is, I sure hope she is still happily chasing the lure. We all miss her feisty yet loving, independent self. Life ain't the same without her.
	"*Ami"* Dear Ami, You will always live in our hearts, and in the hearts of your babies. I know you watch over us, and also that you have a special place amongst the stars. There aren't words to express our pain and sorrow, you were gone too soon. You live in your kids, Faustus, Ferrari, Fedra, Farah, Fatima, Fendi, Farid, Finale, Falco
	"*Toto"* February 07, 1991 ~ June 25, 2002 World Champion 1994 Veteran World Champion 2000 Italian Champion An unexpected loss of a heart and noble nature that overshadowed a regal and distinguished physical beauty. Too young, too vibrant, too willing to try all the new "American Adventures" Lure coursing and hunting rabbits that don't burrow into the sandy soil. A new land embraced as a "Veteran" and never missed a step.
	*"Carlo"* Cy'Era Carlo Salvatore May 10, 2000 ~ March 30, 2002 You made the world a happier place for everyone and everything you touched. Never a bad moment for this brave and sensitive "Little Squirt", knowing only goodness and love. Although they are braking, thank God for hearts that hold a part of your essence. ...until we meet again.