Friday, January 04, 2008 8:42 AM -
We are sad to let you know that our older dog Mora (Morwen) had to be put down today. She was 12 years old and so weak from cancer that she couldn't get up any longer. She was about the best dog that anyone could imagine; loyal, smart, obedient ,and loving.

Most of you know that Bob is a big fan of the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien, (yes, from before there were movies!!). The Tolkien/Lord of the Rings fans among you may know that her name (Mor-Wen) meant Black Maiden in the fictional Elven language Quenya created by J.R.R. Tolkien. Tolkien really was a linguist by profession not an author. While he is best known for writing the Ring Trilogy and The Hobbit, Tolkien was also a poet. Death always brings to mind his most famous poem, The Lay of Luthien. Here's a link if you're not familiar with it http://www.luthien-tinuviel.net/luthien.html

Spooky Coincidence:Today's date, 1/3/07, would have been J.R.R. Tolkien's 116th birthday (Eleventy-sixth to the Hobbits). There is tradition amongst the British members of the Tolkien Society that each year on his birthday a toast "The Professor" is made to the memory of J.R.R. Tolkien. See link- http://www.tolkiensociety.org/toast/index.html .

In that tradition I propose you join us in raising a similar toast to Mora with your favorite beverage: "The Dog"

Sadly,
Bob, Barbara, Pete and Rich