A Tribute to Our Dog. Te amo, Reina.

One week after Frank’s birthday and the week before Christmas, Reina left us. It was only two weeks ago, but this is the first time I’m able to write about it. The new year may be my reason. I want to start with the ability to sort out precious memories and give our loving dog, Reina, the tribute she so deserves.

We adopted our Ecuadorian queen at 2 ½ years old from the Southampton shelter. Yes, Ecuador. When we got her paperwork, we learned that a family brought her to the United States, and then, for some reason (you never know a person’s story), they gave her up for adoption. We were the lucky ones who found her.

One year after she was with us, we were in a car accident that forever impacted our lives. She cared for Frank for six months while I was recovering away from home in the hospital and rehab.

Once we were able to, we did some traveling. Always by car so Reina could come with us. Asheville, NC, was a favorite destination. We visited the Reina (French Broad) River, the Reina (Blue Ridge) Smoky Mountains, Reina (Great Smoky Mountains National) Park, and Reina Lake (Lure). Everywhere she went, she left a lot of happiness and a little magic behind.

Frank said she was the happiest dog ever, and her happiness often turned our tears into smiles.

She was loved by so many…both her two-legged and four-legged friends. There are too many to name, but you know who you are, and we thank you for being a part of Reina’s life.

To her first family…if by chance you should ever read this, know that we are grateful to have had Reina in our lives. She had a great life and helped us through some of our darkest days.

I promised Reina that I would do everything possible to make her as well known as the Famous Phoebe of Long Island. This is one of my main goals for 2024.

¡Te amo, Reina! Rest in comfort and peace, our Queen. You finally can meet your big sister Phoebe.