Dear Friends & Family,
It is with unbearable sadness of being that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Baci Weissberger Fanelli. At 17 years, 25 days, he’s had a good long run, definitely what we would term an “ultra.” But, unlike the sport of running, when it comes to a dog’s life, long is never long enough.
“Dogs’ lives are too short. Their only fault, really.”
From puppyhood to young stud to elder statesman, this boy has had an extraordinary adventure.
He’s logged countless miles on the trails of Mt Tam (mostly off leash and with only one ticket to his name, I might add), courted many a lady friend from his first love Rosie to his last Jasmine, traveled to all the best places (he was the first canine guest at Willamette Valley’s elegant Allison Inn), swam with the seals in Mendocino, celebrated every 49er touchdown (hey, we had a few good years), loved cows and chased deer (in an instance of karmic comeuppance, he was once pursued by a very large buck). And, one of his absolute favorite activities was walking to the Russian River from our house (just saying the word “river” would send him into fits of delirium).
Baci understood abstract concepts like “later,” was widely published, resilient as hell, and could turn water into wine (well, maybe not that last one). Most importantly, though, was the love, laughter and light he brought to our lives and, in one of his niftiest moves, singlehandedly turned a household of two into a true family.
All of the pain and grief that we are now experiencing pales in comparison to the joy he’s given us and we are eternally grateful.
We are also grateful to all those who loved and appreciated him, and particularly to those who provided such compassionate care:
Rob – Our San Anselmo vet who’s looked after Baci since he was a baby and was there for us in every way, every minute of every day (Saturdays & Sundays included) during the end of this journey.
Kelle – She introduced us to the benefits of Eastern medicine, specifically acupuncture, and developed an incredibly loving, trusting bond with him.
Kristy – Words are inadequate. She may be known as “dog walker extraordinaire” but it’s more like “human extraordinaire.” Every dog and person should be lucky enough, privileged enough actually, to have her in their lives.
We do feel so fortunate to have had a great last week with our boy and to have shared that joy with John, Lisa and Gary, who captured this final regal image of Baci.