Sunday, November 12, 2017

Kobe, My Brother (a Memorial)

Kobe James Burton Lare, aged 11 years, lost a brave battle against heart disease on September 13, 2016. Kobe was born in 2004 in the town of Racine, WI and at birth was named Cubbie. Although there are no surviving pictures, the little pup had to be cute as a bug’s ear! He was born with a club foot and was not able to walk on four legs. But his birth family had a vet perform surgery that allowed him to use his foot and walk with a little hop.

Kobe Relaxing on Coach
His early years were marked by chaos in a crowded household of 18 whippets. He lived with his littermates, parents, grandparents and cousins. After their owners died, all 18 were taken in by the national breed rescue group WRAP (Whippet Rescue & Placement).  Among the youngest were Cubbie and his sister, Precious.

The two were adopted by parents Kriss and Mary in Ypsilanti, Michigan and were thrilled beyond belief to be reunited. Cubbie was renamed “Kobe” after their dear friend. He and his sister, now renamed “Barcelona” started a new life in a two-dog household.
Kobe quickly discovered a new reality - it is not OK to pee in the corner! Of course he didn’t let such concepts stop him. He had to adjust to annoying new rules, staying in a crate at times and having to visit the vet. However he also experienced soft beds, chewies, warm coats, romping in the large back yard and lots of attention and unconditional love.

Kobe’s many hobbies included barking at dogs passing the front window, counter surfing and stealing all his sister’s boney bone bones. His enthusiastic forays into plastic containers and bags yielded many wonderful and unexpected rewards, such as ground coffee and thistle seed.  The latter ended in the famous “thistle turd” story.

Kobe was unsurpassed at scavenging. His highest achievements included moving an entire glass cake pan from counter to floor without breakage (and removing the cake). Honorable mentions go to sampling hot pans on the stove, unwrapping Christmas gifts and tearing into the Halloween candy.

Kobe with Halloween Candy
Although he tested the human’s patience again and again, his loving personality and his wish to remain, like the Carpenter’s song, always “Close to You”, endeared them to this creative and sweet whippet.

He was preceded in death by his adoptive mother and father, several litter mates and many aunts of uncles. He always had a kind nuzzle for every human he met. 

Kobe shared his entire life with surviving sister Barcie, who misses his terribly. His human parents will never, ever forget this lovable boy who never failed to exasperate and delight them both. 

With sister Barcie, (left)
He will also be remembered by neighbor whippets Deuce and Tallie. His owner’s friends and family always enjoyed the “Kobe stories” while each privately resolved never, ever to adopt a whippet.

Kobe Posing as Orphan
Kobe’s family would like to thank his expert veterinary team, including All Creatures Animal Clinic and Dr. DeSana. Kobe was cremated in a private ceremony. His favorite possession, - a food bowl, along with his ashes and collar are now enshrined in the family home.  

And Kobe, wherever you are, I hope there is lots of food!




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