Ricki and Tara

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I have been on DK for many years and made some incredible friendships along the way. Sometimes, people stop commenting and we lose track of them and wonder what happened. It is with a very heavy heart that I have to pass the word along that Ricki (of Ricki and Tara) died this morning. She had been ill for quite some time. When she told me that the doctors had not given her long to live, she asked me not to say anything and I have honored her wishes. Thankfully, before she died, her wonderful husband contacted me and dictated Ricki's thoughts to me. Ricki wanted to say goodbye to me and let me know I no longer had to keep her illness a secret. She also had this to say about DK, "Please let the DK'ers know how much I enjoyed their friendship, kindness and understanding as I traveled my Doodle journey with them."

So many people on here knew Ricki and knew her incredible sense of humor. She made me laugh many times with her quick wit and wicked sense of humor. Her dog, Tara, and her cat, Amber, were such joys in her life and many of us in the Photography group helped her get Tara a spot on the Doodle calendar and she was thrilled. We had many a laugh over discussions of Apple Cider Vinegar and that so many people didn't know if Tara was the dog or Ricki was the dog!  In one of her last emails to me, we were joking about Flat Laurie and she cracked up over a picture I sent her. I know Tara was a very good nurse for Ricki at the end and provided much comfort for her on her journey. I will miss her so much. Please say a prayer for her husband, Larry, and Tara and Amber. who loved her dearly and now must go on without her. 

Ricki asked her husband not to have a memorial service for her, but instead, if anyone wants to, she requested donations be sent to The Jackson County Animal Shelter, 5595 Pacific Hwy., Phoenix Oregon, 97535.  

It was just like Ricki to want to help animals in need. RIP my dear friend. 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thank you, Stella!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so sad to hear this. I really enjoyed Ricky's friendship on doodlekisses and wondered what had happened to her and to Tara.  She was such a fun member here and her absence has left a hole in our fabric. Condolences to her family.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thank you, Nancy!! 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I've been thinking about this since yesterday, and I'm just so sad.  I was one of the ones who got confused and called her Tara and her Doodle Ricki....there were a few of us.  I loved our discussions where we all got really silly...and she was often the one who got us started.  It's such a special thing how we have friends here on DK who mean so much to us and yet many of them we will never meet in person.  We touch each other's lives through our Doodles's.  I'm so happy that Tara was with her to the end.  She will be missed.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I know, Jane. I am very sad, too! I just adored her and we messaged back and forth often and she could always make me laugh. You are right...she will be missed!

[Carol and Banjo]

I've thought of Ricki so often over these past few years, wondering how she was doing.    I'm heartbroken to hear this news.   There are so few people in this world who can bring smiles and laughs as easily as Ricki did.   I always loved seeing her name pop up on DK, for I knew she'd make me laugh.    Rest in peace dear Ricki.   Sending my deepest condolences to your family.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thank you, Carol! I am hoping her husband, Larry, pops in and sees how much we all loved Ricki!

[BG and Gavin]

Thank you Laurie for delivering Ricki’s final message. It is surreal how people I have never met in person can have such a real effect on my life. I am deeply saddened. RIP Ricki. 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I know...that is exactly how I feel. We have made many wonderful friends on DK!

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Thanks, Laurie, for letting us all know about Ricki's passing. We all share such a special and unique connection here, don't we? I will miss Ricki and send support to her family as they struggle to find the strength to cope without her. 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

We sure do. I am, at the moment, in Newfoundland visiting Donna (and Quincy). Who would have thought our dogs could bring friends together from other parts of the world? I never met Ricki, but I considered her a great friend. Thank you!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Please send our love to Donna!