Dude has a new toy.
A few weeks ago I recorded an essay about Harper’s early retirement for Chicago Public Radio, and the piece aired last Tuesday onWBEZ.
Harper didn’t retire until a few days after I recorded the essay, so he was there in the studio sitting quietly at my feet while I sat at the microphone. I don’t cry during the recording, but if you listen closely you’ll hear me get a little choked up. I had assumed my terrific producer Joe DeCeault would cover up my stammers with music, but I guess he decided my verbal stumbles help tell Harper’s story. It’s all me. No sound effects.
Harper’s new family heard the piece, and Chris e-mailed Mike to send a review:
I heard Beth on the radio the other day – her and Harper’s story is always so moving and when I share it with others, they also seem touched by the two of them.
You know what? I find Harper’s new chapter with Larry and Chris very moving, too. I am touched by the three of them.
Chris updates Mike on Harper regularly, and they’ve found that taking him off leash and just walking alongside Harper makes him feel at ease. Soon as the leash goes back on, though, Harper shows anxiety again. Handsome Harper is charming all the neighbors, Chris says, and even George the cat comes out of his hiding place from time to time to say hello to Harper. The biggest news of all, as far as harper is concerned: Larry and Chris bought him a new squeak toy.
If you missed hearing the Harper essay on the radio last Tuesday, you can still check it out online. Listen closely, and maybe you’ll hear the little charmer jiggling at my feet!
Harper was a charmer for us too. We will miss him. I’m sure he will be fine…and you too.
Audrey
Thanks, Audrey. You are right — In such a short time with me, he even charmed the memoir-writing class. He was at Jean’s party with me, wasn’t he? What a charmer!
Harper is a great…nah, special dog. This from a dog lover wanna be. There’s always been something special about Harper. Loved him from the get go. Guess savin your life Beth, met my expectations. So happy he’s enjoying his well earned retirement ‘leash free’. He deserves it!
And so interesting that you were visiting the day of our near miss. I readily admit that I had no idea that day what an impact that would have on our hero — so relieved to think of him happily retired now.
Glad Harper’s doing well! I’ve been reading all your posts about Harper’s early retirement, but now that I listened to you tell the story I’m even more touched by how Harper saved your life! I wish you and Harper the best!
Hadn’t considered that hearing my *voice* tell the story would make an impact. Thanks for letting me know, Sandra.
Nothin’ like a new toy. xxx
You know it!!
Great photo, and thanks for the update.
That photo came from Chris and Larry, of course — they send photos of Harper to Mike periodically, Mike *loves* to get them.
Listened to the radio essay; I think you did a great job of conveying the essentials of the story and the emotion in your voice just added to the overall bittersweet quality of the whole tale. Super. And I love that Harper is doing the Hanni move of lying on his back holding his toy in the air!
So moving – agree, the emotion adds. Thank you for sharing your journey and all it entails. Much love..
Beth, I can’t help but think that one dog-lover named Pat would think Harper is a treasure. I am still speechless about the whole tale. Sending good karma your way for the next dog to have unique talents as well! Marsha
Ah, you are so right. Pat would have *loved* Harper. Thanks for the good wishes for the next dog…
And thanks to NancyB and Becky for listening to the essay on line — you can probably imagine how weird it can be to hear yourself sounding like that on the radio. Your comments give me confidence, which I will be needing the next few weeks in Morristown — thanks!
….than a new squeak toy! Good for Harper. And maybe staying off leash is the best thing for him. I’m glad he’s doing well.
I will have to click on the link and listen to the interview.
Glad you wrote an update.
Hi Beth,
my husband and I were having a late breakfast when I recognized your voice on KUHF. I ran and turned up the sound and yes, we were very touched by the story. Even though I knew it already and I had told him, it was ‘new’ to him. What a wonderful good-bye gift for Harper, a very public party.
Annelore
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