Splash, the Kennedys' beloved canine sidekick, is dead at 13

[n2doc]

by Andrew Ryan, Globe Metro Desk December 23, 2010 03:03 PM


Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff
The late Edward M. Kennedy, his wife, Vicki, and their dogs, Sunny, left, and Splash walked towards the senator's sailboat, Mya, at the Hyannisport Yacht Club in May 2008. Kennedy sought solace on the waves as he battled brain cancer.


By Michael Levenson, Globe Staff

He was a published author. He inspired a president. He barked at members of Congress and foreign dignitaries.

Splash, Vicki and Edward M. Kennedy's beloved Portuguese water dog and a constant presence at the senator's side, bounding and romping as he rumbled through the halls of power, has died.

The death of the 13-½-year-old curly-haired canine is eliciting fond tributes, fit for the passing of such a famous fixture of official Washington. Splash, after all, hobnobbed with Elton John, leapt around the Oval Office, and once growled at Joe Biden and Paul Wellstone when the two senators wouldn't stop talking during a Democratic caucus meeting.

Edward Kennedy, who died of brain cancer in August 2009, was famously devoted to Splash. The booming-voiced lawmaker cooed like a baby around the dog, whether sailing with him off Cape Cod or holding him by his feet during an important meeting in his Capitol Hill office. Kennedy was especially fond of starting his mornings by hitting tennis balls off a racquet for Splash to fetch.

"I like to think that he and his Master are playing tennis ball fetch again tonight," Vicki Kennedy wrote in an email announcing Splash's death.

more

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/12/splash_the_kenn.html?p1=News_links

[montanacowboy]

1. RIP

big puppy

[niyad]

2. may the lady of the beasts welcome you to the summerland.

[glinda]

3. That is sad. Hope his passing was easy.

[BrklynLiberal]

4. Teddy will be happy to greet him at The Rainbow Bridge..

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

[tblue37]

5. The reason the Obamas ended up with Bo specifically is that when Teddy tried him out, the

puppy was too rambunctious for Splash to tolerate in his old age.

[flyingfysh]

6. I met that dog

I was at a fundraiser (two, actually) at the Kennedy compound at Hyannisport. It was a lot of fun, and the dog was having a lot of fun running around with the kids who were there.

Between the lawn and the beach is a small sand dune, with wooden steps leading over it. The beach side has a sign "beware of dog", but this dog would not scare away anyone; it was very friendly.

[KurtNYC]

7. great dog - great obit thanks

[Raine]

8. Aw I'll never forget seeing Sunny & Splash greeting

Teddy when he got out of the hospital, they were all so happy to see each other. I cried then and I cry now. :cry:

R-I-P Splash

[Tx4obama]

9. RIP :( n/t