In Memoriam

"Honest to Pete"

Jack Russell Terrier

August 15, 1995 - August 2, 2010

Born in Aaronsburg, PA, Pete was a most loved member of our family. He wanted to be part of all of our activities. He had his nose into everything. He just loved our new motorhome. Pete was really Katie's dog. She mothered him as he was only 5 weeks old when we brought him home. They bonded. He was Katie's constant and trusted companion here at our mountain home. They enjoyed the outdoors together, venturing into the woods looking for stuff. Pete would lead her through the woods. Pete was Katie's "study buddy" for years always at her side helping her study even through nursing school. He missed Katie when she married and moved away. He would look for her throughout the house for days. Katie aways came to visit us, well to visit Pete mostly. Katie came to be with Pete in his final hours. He hadn't wagged his tail in two days. As soon as the little guy saw her, he stood and wagged his tail!

Pete was also the Fair Maiden's most trusted companion. She fondly called him "Peck" because of his size. Pete was small even by Jack Russell standards. Whether in the garden, washing clothes, reading books, picking berries or on morning walks, he was forever by her side. They napped together. Sometimes she went for walks just to take Pete because she knew he liked to check things out. He would ALWAYS greet her at the door when she came home. They had a very special relationship. When I would leave home on a business trip, I knew Pete would protect her and keep her company. Diane was with Pete and loved him at the end.

With all his love and devotion for the girls, Pete still had time to amuse the Chief. We were partners in crime. Pete was a cute, little dog for the girls; for the Chief and invading critters he was a destructive lightning bolt. He loved riding on the Mule, he loved going to camp, he loved to sit by the fire, relax and drink Straub beer. He loved to chase things. He loved to sit with me on the recliner and watch baseball games sharing pizza, peanuts and popcorn. He usually fell asleep by the third inning. We would sit on the porch and watch for things like chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, snakes and deer. If we were lucky, Pete would demonstrate what a Jack Russell does best. I put Pete out on the porch during his final days to watch for things. He had no energy to chase now, just look I thought. Well, he spotted a whitetail fawn sneaking through the vineyard. Off the porch he shot, a white streak across the yard! I had to carry him back to the porch. He had no quit in him.

Pete was the most intelligent dog I have ever known. He knew only one trick, "Roll Over". I believed it was not fair to make this wonderful dog do tricks. He was not a circus dog. He quickly learned hand signals when he was losing his hearing. He sensed our emotions, he knew how to get his way. He loved Christmas. He knew which presents were his. He knew if you fished with bait. I was sitting with him on a picnic table at Poe Paddy. Two fishermen walked by. Pete lowly growled. This was unusual as he normally wiggles and wags his tail when folks approach. Pete looked at me and then I knew. "You guys fishin with salmon eggs?" I asked. One angler responded, "How'd you know?" I chuckled but I didn't tell him that my dog told me.

Pete loved everyone, especially children. Well, he didn't like cats. He just loved being a part of this family. He loved going out for the mail, especially with David. He guarded our property. He knew what presented danger and what just came to play. He once made friends with a ruffed grouse. They played together for a couple of months. Turtles amused him.

Many stories could be told here about the wonders of this remarkable dog. They would be hard to believe. But he lived with us for 15 years and we know and believe. The Lord gave us this little fella for many reasons, some we may not yet know. Our family has been blessed by the presence of this wonderful, loving dog.

Pete loved wood-fired cookery when we went to camp. He's eyeing up the venison pot roast and lickin' his chops. He knew the Chief always made him up a plate.

Pete was loving, trusting, loyal, strong and brave every day of his life, an example for all of us.

I will miss you, my friend.