Kerry, you left too soon.
When you went away, you
left me with memories that live on even
though you're not here.
I remember meeting you for the first time in
Palm Springs, being a bit
starstruck, but knowing that we'd become fast
friends. Even though you
didn't show our Agha Djari boy, you worked
your magic on him and I
learned so much more about show coat prep! I
remember you working with
"Ralphie" that first time in Mesa and how my
stubborn, beautiful, cranky
dog tried valiantly to unnerve you but also how
you ultimately prevailed
in getting him to see your point of view -- he was the
only Special that won an
Award of Merit all three days of the Arizona spring
specialties in 2010. What
a thrill and an honor to have Kerry Pope
showing our Big Boy, a
memory we will never forget.
I remember how pleased
you were when I called you as I drove away from
El Paso for the last time
and headed back home to Albuquerque after I'd
finished my PhD coursework--I
told you, "I never have to make these weekly
trips again," and I think
that you were as happy as I was.
I remember how excited
you were when you first saw "Aldo," and how you
praised our Little Boy
Boy to Chuck and Victor the next year in Palm Springs.
Your enthusiasm that day
and again in 2012, and this year, about our
"Comment" son filled Kurt
and I with pride; I hope he turned out
the way you would have
liked.
I remember you sitting
with Kurt and I at the Windemere just two months
ago; I groomed while you
and Kurt critiqued the class dogs at the specialties.
You could get very quiet
when you talked; I couldn't hear some of what you
said but it was enough
just to have you there, sitting with us, doing nothing
more than talking dogs.
What a comforting presence you always were, at the
set up, in the show ring,
at your home and on the phone.
I will always remember
that, Kerry.
You taught me well, my friend.
I wish I could hug you just one more time so that
you would know how much
I loved you. I hugged you that last time, when Kurt
and I were leaving the
Silverado shows, just last month. And I hope you know
that we traveled to California
and Arizona not only for the shows but because
we wanted very much to
see you. I was worried about you even then. We were
so happy, so excited to
see you, and Frank and Robin, and Lori and Marty. I
think I worry about all
of you. Kerry , you left too soon. And I've cried long
and hard since you left.
But now I laugh with all the memories that you left
me. And I have the photos
and the videos, and that works, for now.
Rest well my beautiful friend.
I will never forget you
and we'll meet again, Kerry.
And we'll talk dogs
because I still have so many more questions to ask you.
Roland Rodríguez and Kurt
Simmons
Albuquerque New Mexico
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