My name is Peggy Behnke. My husband Terry & I adopted Sophie in July of 2004. We want to write a tribute to our beloved Sophie. She went to the bridge on April 6th, 2009. We lost our little sweetheart to cancer & I think the main reason we want to honor her on your webpage is because of the strength and courage she has shown the entire 5 years that we were blessed to have her as a part of our family. She was a very strong girl right up until the end.

She also had quite the personality! She made us laugh a lot! We used to ”try” to get her to fetch. She would retrieve the toy quite nicely, but she’d only make it halfway back to us, lay down, and proceed to destroy the toy by tearing it apart. She also loved her walks. I’d go to hook her up on the leash and her butt would be wiggling so fast I could barely hook her up. Boy, she would run out the door with gusto and we would start our walks with so much energy. After we went about 2 blocks you could tell she was ready to go home. She slowed right down and hung her head. We finally realized that she just liked little walks, so we’d go around the block, come home, and she was happy as can be!

Another funny thing about Sophie was that she took comfort and relaxation very seriously. (see attached picture). Boy, I tell you, she searched out the most cozy place she could find (as long as it was near us) and lay down….letting out a big sigh. We pretty much let her lay down where ever she wanted to. She also used to wait patiently (well, not always patiently) while we finished our meals. When we got up to clear the table she would literally race us to the kitchen sink in the hopes of getting some of the leftovers. (She did get lucky every once in a while). I have to admit that we spoiled her–but she gave us so much love in return! She was very loyal.

Losing Sophie was one of the hardest things that my husband and I ever went through. We loved her so much and she loved us back. In fact, she loved just about everybody…..except cats!! She holds a very special place in our hearts and she always will.

A very special THANK YOU to Sue and Merle for rescuing Sophie and for giving us the opportunity to love her. We are forever grateful to you and the wonderful work you do for Chessies.

With warm regards,

Peggy & Terry Behnke