PHOEBE DIVA DOO

AKA PHOEBE DIVA DON'T

February 20, 2003 November 18, 2013
Life with Phoebe began when we adopted her from VC Animal Shelter at approximately 6 months old.
We were not acquainted with American Staffordshire Terriers and were surprised when the Shelter told
us that this type of pitbull is bred small for fighting...and what a fighter Phoebe was.
Within one week of being adopted, she required hip surgery from a puppy-hood injury. She fought
hard and tough through physical therapy and eventually was able to use that leg fully. But that was just
the beginning of her health issues. During her life, she tore ligaments on both rear legs, suffered from
constant urinary infections and allergies, tore duclaws, had fox tail punctures, a pinched nerve, and
almost died from complications to her immune system caused by pneumonia. Phoebe was always a
model patient and recovered from each incident. She was diagnosed with advanced stages of
lymphoma in May 2013. She underwent weekly chemotherapy treatments for over 6 months. Through
all the drama and illnesses, she never cried or complained; she always kept her positive attitude
showing us that her life was worth living and saving. Sadly, Phoebe lost her battle with cancer on
Monday.

Because of Phoebe's many health issues, we were so very fortunate to enjoy her company just about
24/7 for ten years. Her years were relatively short, but her life was well lived. She became our
Activities Director. We will miss our long walks, trips to Lake Casitas, going down on the dock,
dancing the crawl, doing low rider, bunny lanes, squirrel runs, gopher digs, swimming in
the big pool as well as the drive by field trips mooing at the cows, naying at the horses, calling
donkies jack asses, glaring at big bulls, squawking at big birds, watching deeeer....

Over the years Phoebe had many aliases: Boo, Spooky, Phoebe Snow (from her high pitched voice),
her rap name BBLD Big Baby Little Dog, Sitting Bull, Bullhead, Plum Pudding, Chunky Monkey,
Itchy Bitch, The Humpstress, Phoebe Hoe, Beauty Queen II, Diva, Monster, Limping Lizard, Bully
Lips, Phoebass Butthead, Pheebes. At the end, when she could hardly walk she became our
Goddess rolling around in her pink Chariot.

At work, Phoebe laid on the counter all day where she earned her title as Pawn Dog's Complaint
Department. She greeted and charmed customers, and built herself quite a reputation. She gave out lots
of love, and frequently gave skateboarders a piece of her mind. Over the years, she became known as
the dog that slept on the counter, dreaming, barking, snoring and farting. We were told once that she
looked nasty and that we should put underwear on her. We were asked is this the dog that farts?
Some said she didn't even smell like a dog. She startled so many people who thought she was a statue
on the counter. She made us proud by making friends with so many people who were afraid of dogs,
especially pit bulls. Spa Phoebe became the nickname of the counter as everyone massaged her,
gave her treats, and loved on her.

Precious Moments prayer doll given to her after her first surgery (10 years ago!) by her friend, Rosie,
became her best buddy. While she managed to tear up too many household items to list, and every toy
that ever came her way, she adored her Prayer Doll, especially when it recited the evening prayer to
her. Since Phoebe was often called Baby, human babies became known to her as prayer dolls and
she treated them with the same respect.

Patrick accompanied Phoebe to every doctor appointment, showing his support and giving her
confidence for her treatments. Phoebe became a mentor to Patrick and taught him everything he
knows. VC Star found them cute too as their picture together was published on 3 occasions.

Phoebe had so many friends, whose voices she always recognized and who made her feel so excited
and special. Thank you for all the prayers, gifts and cards over the years and for the thoughtfulness of
cooking especially for her!
Special thanks to Wendy, Richard and Paula for watching over Phoebe up until the very end, treating
her as family and sharing their lunches with her (of course only after Phoebe yelled at them!). Paula
has been a blessing for helping nurse Phoebe at work. Cliff will have to find another hobby since he
will no longer administer 20 plus pills a day to her, weigh her, take her temperature daily, and research
drugs and treatments. Adele will have to watch her food portions because Phoebe won't be here to
share meals, must get back to the gym as she won't be carrying around 45 pounds of bull, and will
have to find another victim to sing to and dance with.
We will be forever grateful to:
Dr. Elaine Fowell, East Ventura Veterinary Hospital, our long-time respected veterinarian whose
famous line became what did you get into this time?! Dr. Fowell diagnosed Phoebe's lymphoma.
The many doctors at Veterinary Medical Surgical Group, Ventura, who saved her life on more than one
occasion.
Dr. Birgette Tan, Oncologist at Veterinary Cancer Group, Woodland Hills, who gave Phoebe an
additional six very special last months with us.

Life is going to be tough without Phoebe. She was such a character; we thank her for all the years of
adventure, laughter and love. With all Phoebe's health problems, the only time Phoebe ever cried is
when she was left home alone (only a handful of times in her life). Phoebe, now its our turn to cry. Y