Re Dena Lynn Kimbrough When my Jack Russell Terrier, Tango, died on March 12, 2014, one of my first thoughts was to call the lovely young lady who brought me rescue dog Tango from Texas to Santa Barbara on Sunday, May 20, 2001. Though I only briefly met and spoke with Dena a few times in 2001, and perhaps a time or two later, I was thoroughly impressed by her good nature, kindness and honesty. I admired her selfless efforts to rescue Jack Russells, and other breeds, in need of shelter and love. She was someone I was glad to know... making sacrifices, very few, including me, are willing to make. I often wanted to call Dena to say what a happy match she made with me and Tango. Though casual internet searches produced her name, activities and whereabouts, I was unable to get a phone number or address. However, on March 12, a few hours after Tango passed, I finally succeeded in finding Denas phone number on the internet. I called, and thankfully, Dena answered. She vividly and affectionately remembered both me and Tango. We spoke at length about Tangos good life and recent death. She also had recently put down her beloved Simon (8-28-2013?), the JRT she was with the day I met her near Butterfly Beach, so we connected and commiserated.. again on that level. Underneath, it’s a dog conspiracy. Denas compassion assuaged my grief. Her heartfelt emails brought tears to my eyes. Over the next few months, we continued to communicate and build friendship through e mails, messaging and Facebook. We were in harmony 95%, but she wasn’t afraid to challenge differences. I liked that. Over summer Dena said she would be visiting her family in Santa Barbara in the next few weeks. I looked forward to seeing her again soon. She was delayed first by heavy rains in Tucson (where she lived), then a friend needed her. Not only dogs, but friends could count on Dena. The FB posts continued... September 19, a CS Louis quote from Chronicles of Narnia Someday you old enough to start reading fairytales again. She friended another friend, David Rubenhold, and was know to friend Mark Mittermiller through her compassionate writings. When I didnt hear from her after 3-4 weeks, I texted a hello. I didnt get a response, but wasnt particularly concerned, thinking she was preoccupied at home. Then, on November 20, I checked her Facebook page expecting happy news of her latest adventure. Instead, I was devastated to learn Miss Dena Lynn Kimbrough passed away on September 25, 2014. We would never meet again. I wonder the odds, or purpose, of meeting Dena, and fulfilling my destiny with Tango. And, again, after a long absence, a few months before her death at age 47. Perhaps to share, with words sadly deficient, what wonderful person Dena Lynn Kimbrough was. She will be dearly missed... not only by family, friends and me... but by an unknown number of homeless dogs
Posted on: Mon, 24 Nov 2014 01:19:02 +0000