in memoriam

A bit late, but I feel as though some recognition of a great loss should be duly noted.

On Thursday, June 22, 2006, our nation lost one of its greatest heroes, a friend with whom many people felt a close connection. Moose, the dog who played Eddie on the TV show Frasier, died at the ripe old age of sixteen of natural causes. While my formative years were spent watching Wishbone and the like, I always mourn the death of an animal, especially a celebrity.

For those unfamiliar with Moose's life, there is a nice brief summary of his accomplishments on www.thepoop.com (Harlan K-Poo, I think this website is calling your name...). Included in this biography: "A Jack Russell terrier born in Florida as one of ten pups, Moose graduated from Orlando University with a bachelor's degree in obedience. He taught sign language after college at Canine Corral, but he grew tired of teaching and decided to give show business a try." And the rest was history...

Many people were personally touched by experiences shared with Moose. Their stories can be found here:

http://www.thepetpress-la.com/articles/eddie.htm
http://www.thepoop.com/mediahounds/frasier/default.asp
http://www.rateitall.com/i-14256-eddie-frasier.aspx

And, a must-read: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/spotlight/2001-06-04-dog-bites.htm

Some final words about Moose:

On Frasier, Moose's character Eddie was "known for responding to Martin and Daphne with human-like understanding, but often seem[ed] to taunt Frasier. An early recurring gag had Eddie staring unceasingly at Frasier, to Frasier's increasing annoyance."

It doesn't matter that the story [of the movie "My Dog Skip" in which
Moose played the title character] (adapted by Gail Gilchriest) is
closer to TV drama than, say, the classic southern poignancy of Carson
McCullers. It doesn't even matter that no one sounds as if they've been anywhere
south of Dover, Del. – except Harry Connick Jr., who provides the narration for
the older Willie.

What matters is a Jack Russell terrier licking Willie's face. Or bounding up a tree to catch a squirrel. Or sneaking a slurp of Dad's drink while the old man's reading the paper. Or nearly disappearing into a commode as he tries to drink the water.

So touching, so poignant.

Moose, you will never be forgotten here at BlogNAC.