August 27th was a very sad day for Follansbee Inn and for all who know us; we lost our Angel, my constant companion and so much more for over 17 years. Angel brought so much joy to my life and to the lives of those who knew her. She was beautiful and she was full of personality. Several guests now share their lives with Miniature Australian Shepherds because of Angel.
For the many years that I ran the inn alone I was never lonely; Angel was always at my side. She was often the reason for a hike, or a swim, or any outing to get me away from the inn so that I would at least have a chance at maintaining my sanity. I don’t have the words to aptly describe our relationship. I could just list every superlative I know to describe Angel, all of which would be a fitting description.
I had nicknames for Angel. “The sweetest dog in America” was one, one that was well based. “The most in-the-way-dog in America” was a second. She habitually placed herself where one’s only option was to step over Angel, she would allow no getting around her. Many times I made waffles while straddling Angel. But in truth her real name described her perfectly. She was always an angel.
Of all the amazing things Angel did for my life, introducing me to Kendall was by far the most beautiful. Kendall’s dad was staying at Follansbee many years ago when, as was her habit when she was younger, Angel scratched on his room door before breakfast. He let her in for a visit. When Angel repeated her scratching the next morning Kendall’s dad insisted that Kendall come to the inn “to meet this dog.” And so Kendall and I met. It was many years before we realized what Angel knew from the beginning, that we belong together for life.
As a youngster my favorite book among those on my parent’s bookshelves was a very thick book with a light blue cover titled “All Dogs Go to Heaven.” It was a fun to read collection of short stories about special dogs. I do not know about the fate of all dogs but I have no doubt about where Angel is bound. After all, she was already an angel.
I miss you Angel.
We would love to hear any anecdotes and to see any photos of Angel that any guests might wish to share. Please send to Kendallperkins88@gmail.com