Trini, one of author's dogs, dies

Trini, one of the dogs of author Sandra Philipson who is bringing her pets and books to St. Paul School for Literacy Day on February 3. died on January 15, 2011.

Trini was obtained in November 2005 after having been rescued by English Springer Spaniel Rescue of American, mid-south region. Three-legged from birth, Trini was a spirited and resourceful springer whose story is told in the book, Forever Home.

“Trini's courage and persistence in her quest for a home showed us that hard times can be endured and conquered with humor, determination, and a little help from those who rescue the abandoned,” Philipson wrote. “Trini's story made us all realize that despite the odds, finding a place to belong is possible. She belonged here in Ohio with us and her brothers, the late Max, and Tak and Ollie. The house is quiet since she has left; Trini always had something to say! She was noisy, sweet, and tough. Trini helped raise Ollie, teaching him manners and to defer to his elders! She was a faithful friend and loving therapy dog (TDI) who knew just what to do at the bedside or at the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital where she worked most recently.

“Trini retired from most public appearances and school visits in 2010, but she was always an active family member--running to the van and barking loudly every time anyone put a coat on! It seemed she was saying,"Don't forget me!" She will be remembered in her stories, Forever Home and Ollie's Monsters and Other Stories, by the thousands of school children she visited, and by the hundreds of people who petted her at libraries, bookstores, book fairs and around Chagrin Falls. Trini always wanted to" belong," and now she belongs in our hearts and memories.”