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. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Oh no. I am so very sad to hear this. Ricki was a major part of so many of my favorite times here on DK. She was always so much fun, and always the first to reach out to any doodle (or doodle owner) in need. My heart goes out to her family.  I never had the chance to meet her, but always thought of her as a friend. I still do. May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing. 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Karen, I agree. Ricki sure could start some fun. One of her last messages to me, she talked about Flat Laurie. LOL I am going to miss her so much! Thanks for adding a picture!

[Leslie and Halas]

That’s so sad, and I’m so sorry. I remember her from the early days of DK. The first thing that came to mind when I saw this was the confusion everyone always had over which name was the dog’s. I’m glad you mentioned that.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thanks, Leslie. I think at one time she had something like Ricki and Tara (the dog) and people still got it confused! It always made me laugh when someone referred to her as Tara and Tara is pronounced differently than I thought, too. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I remember that discussion about how to pronounce Tara's name! That was a fun one! 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

That WAS such a fun discussion.

[BG and Gavin]

Yes! Terra vs Tar-a. 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Hmmm....I thought it was Tar-a, not Terra! LOL Now I am not sure!

[BG and Gavin]

I think you are right!! If I only had an award to give you...

[F, Calla & Luca]

I thought somehow there was a w sound in there like Tawra.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That's what I remember too, F. Taw-rah. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I just checked Ricki’s page and she did list the pronunciation as Taw ra.