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Rhena, an Austrialian Shepherd and therapeutic help dog, was my best friend, my baby, my assistant, my true love who never judged - she affected so many lives in her short stay here, said Harbeson photographer Sarah Greene.
One of Greene’s former art camp students, Lexi August, recalls, “The night she passed on I had a really good and familiar dream. I was 7 or 8 and we were playing with the red chewed-up Frisbee in the back yard. I hugged her and rubbed all over her coat. I think she came to me that night to tell me how much she loved me - loved everyone.”
A client of Greene’s, Valerie Chastain Baker, noted, “In 2004, when I hired my wedding photographer, I met a most unique and loving spirit - Rhena. Our relationship, like that of her ‘parent’ and me, evolved into a friendship. With her intelligent and soulful brown eyes, she could speak to my heart without a sound.
“She amazed me with her ability to intuit, and reminded me that devotion, love and friendship are unconditional from dog to human. We will miss you, Rhena. Thank you for being a light to me and to all who were fortunate enough to have known you.”
Debby Riddle, director of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance Center, said, “Rhena was one of the most intelligent and caring animals that I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Rhena could remember names, read signs from her master and be as gentle as a lamb all at the same time. Rhena brought many of our people with disabilities out of their shells and those who did not like animals learned to realize that animals could be full of love and affection. Rhena brought many hours of enjoyment to everyone here at the center and will be sadly missed by all. Thanks for letting me share in her life.”
Linda H. Ragin, director at the Georgetown Center, said “We at the Georgetown Center would like to honor her, for all of us have fond memories of her. On behalf of Georgetown Center, a donation of $50 was contributed to the Delaware Animal Disaster Services (DADS).
Rhena was a top-10 finalist for the Delaware National Bank’s new mascot contest. A lover of soccer, Frisbee, belly rubs, apples and visiting Ruby, a young cock-a-poo whom she had the opportunity to help train, and her trips to the ocean were great loves for her. Her greatest joy was giving love to all who crossed her path in the way they individually needed it most.
Greene asks that in Rhena’s memory people open their home to a lovable pet and cherish that pet companion, share the surplus of love they have by visiting those who are not able to have a pet of their own and donate to a charitable animal cause.
Those wishing to learn more about DADS may contact them at DADS4pets@aol.com.
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