Today at Pets Alive, we lost our canine behaviorist.
Today I lost one of my closest friends.
Today the dogs of the world lost an amazing advocate.
I’ve started and stopped this blog a dozen times because I don’t think there is any way that I can get the words to come out right.
To try to explain to you all how much he meant to me personally, how much he helped me, how much he meant to our organization, how much he meant to the dogs here.
There wasn’t a dog here that wouldn’t see Pat coming and start wagging their tails.
Dogs that most people would have given up on, he couldn’t wait to start working with. He would be delighted to find out there was a new project dog coming in, and would immediately start devising a plan for them.
Pat had off Sunday’s and Monday’s but because he lived at Pets Alive he was never “off” and would most days come down and help volunteers, or walk the more difficult dogs or spend some extra time with a new dog or a shy dog.
I loved Pat.
I can’t even explain to you how much he meant to me.
He would come horse back riding with myself and my husband, or hiking with me and Karen, or kayaking with me for 5 hours at a pop. He was just a GREAT friend.
Pat was NEVER judgmental. You could tell him anything at all and he wouldn’t judge you, or anyone else.
He never spread gossip. He never had a cross or rude word to say about anyone. In all the years I knew him I don’t think I ever once heard him say a negative thing about another person.
Pat was also the guy that you could sit in the middle of any group of people – rednecks, snobs, hillbillies, democrats, republicans, liberals – it didn’t matter….Pat could talk to anyone and carry a conversation and he always had something interesting to say or add to any conversation.
Also in all the time that I knew him, I never once ever ever heard any person have a complaint, derogatory remark or criticism of Pat. EVER. I don’t know anyone else in my life that I can say that about. Everywhere you go, someone doesn’t like SOMEBODY else. But not Pat. EVERYONE liked Pat. Everyone. He was just that kind of guy.
He was humble. He was self deprecating. He was funny. He was game to try anything. He was so much fun to be around.
He and I rode our motorcyles together, we hiked, we kayaked, we went out drinking…. and no matter what any of us suggested, Pat would give it a try. We even dragged him to Zumba classes! He went, and laughed and said at the end that maybe it wasn’t for him.
I learned a great deal from Pat. I learned that often there is more than one solution to a problem. That may sound oddly simple but I think I used to get caught up in “THE” answer. Pat taught me that there were a lot of answers and one may not really be better than another.
Pat taught me to look at problems and be able to see solutions that might not be the ordinary fit. He taught me to think differently.
“Technically” I was Pat’s boss, but whenever I had a serious issue or a problem, he was always the person I would go to and discuss it or twirl it around in his head and see what came out. He made me see failure as a growing experience and not something to be upset about.
Some days when the stress of my day got to me I’d seek him out and I would pretty much accost him, usually as he was walking a vicious dog. I would start talking a mile a minute and start petting the dog and patting my chest for the dog to jump up on me ,while he smiled at me and advised softly that he had just been teaching the dog that jumping was not something you do when greeting visitors. Oops. 🙂 And he would laugh a little and say he was done anyway and why didn’t we go get some coffee?
He was a great person to talk to you when you were upset or stressed because he had such a calming and soft way about him. I so enjoyed his company and so loved doing things with him, or having conversations about tons of different subjects. Pat was super smart and had a lot of knowledge about so many things.
For almost a year we hunted for houses with him. His requirements were small. A tiny living space, a tiny place to wash up, and a HUGE garage! That was what he was looking for…and any of us that saw such a dilapidated shack with a HUGE garage would immediately call him and then run back out there with him to check it out. Nine times out of ten the garage was too small. (I tried to explain to him that people living in dilapidated shacks didn’t build big four car garages, but he never really got that). He never cared about the living space…but he had DEFINITE opinions about the garage.
Before Pat came we had about a 10% rate of returns for dogs. After Pat came we had about a 2% rate of return. And the 2% that came back, he would usually “fix” about 1.9% of THOSE and they’d be back out and adopted in a short time. Pat was a wizard with dogs. I’ve been around dogs my whole life, I absolutely love dogs and I know dogs really well – but everything I knew would fit into a thimble compared to how much Pat knew about dogs. And it wasn’t from classes and training and seminars. Yes Pat took all those classes and got all his degrees, but Pat was really self taught. I spent endless hours talking to him about dogs and training and the “why’s” and the “why-nots”. He said most of his training was done by watching a dog and figuring out what the dog wanted.
Pat was instrumental in getting Robert back on his feet and standing and then walking and finally running again. He was one of the few that was able to befriend Kyla.
He helped the the aggressive, the lost, the scared – any dog that was abused or mistreated could find a friend again and learn to trust again because of Pat.
I remember when he flew out here to help us work with a really shy dog named Amelia. If you haven’t read that story and how much Pat changed her life, and taught us, you can read it here.
I remember when he first walked Cam….the most vicious dog we had ever seen. It took Pat about three days to have Cam out and on a leash and now Cam is a staff and volunteer favorite and handled and loved by many people.
I remember when we were about to do the Arkansas rescue. We had no idea what we were getting into. I called Pat and at the time he was still working for Best Friends and I asked him if he could come and help us. He did. He took some vacation time, flew to Arkansas on his own dollar, and helped us for three days out there while we figured out what we had, what we were looking at, and the reality of the situation. When I started to lose it with the crazy guy running this “rescue”, Pat was the voice of reason that intervened and got the contract for surrender signed.
Pat was just….awesome.
He was so funny too. He had a dry sense of humor, but he had a very funny dry sense of humor.
A group of us from Pets Alive go out to eat about once a week and Pat would always join us. This week he wasn’t feeling well and turned us down for the first time. He had a cough for the past few weeks and also cancelled training class this past Saturday which was very odd for him. We all figured he was coming down with the flu. But the reality was that he was very sick…and while results are not back yet, it appears he had a heart attack. One of the healthiest and fittest men I knew. It is almost unfathomable.
I know this blog is jumbled and disoriented, but that is how I feel and I can’t seem to get the usual flow of words tonight. I invite you all to write in the comments your own memories of Pat and how he changed you, or your dog.
I keep hoping and praying that I will go to sleep tonight and when I wake up in the morning this will all have been a bad dream and Pat will be out walking his dogs, Timber and Kipling, and I will start talking too fast and he will say that maybe it is time we go to my office and have some coffee. I have a feeling though that won’t happen. That Pat is truly and really gone from this world.
And my heart weeps on that reality.
Today Pets Alive lost a great man.
Today I lost a great friend.
Today the world lost a remarkable soul.
RIP Pat.
I will never, ever, ever, forget you.
You will always be a part of me, a part of Pets Alive, a part of Best Friends, and a part of every person you touched.
Most of all there will be many paws that will miss you and your calming and loving impact on their life.
For them…I truly cry. Because to them, they have lost so much more than the rest of us.
The dogs lost the one person in this world that completely, and truly, understood them and was their voice.
I love you Pat.
I will miss you forever.
Rest in peace my wonderful friend.
(Written by Kerry Clair, director of Pets Alive Middletown)
I am so very sorry for the loss of such a wonderful sounding human being. Although I did not know Pat, your blog had me in tears by the end. I am also very saddened for all of the dogs that he seemed to have such a way with. Please accept my most sincere condolences on the loss of such a gem… RIP Pat, may your spirit live on.
I had the privilege to work with Pat for 2 1/2 years. I learned much from him, not only about dogs, but about human nature. Pat will be missed by so many, human and canine alike. He is with Rolly and Peanut now. RIP Pat. We love you.
I am shocked and saddened to hear of this great loss. Pat and I spoke on the phone when we were having issues with Bridge, and when I wasn’t getting it, Pat came down and spent almost two hours with us helping with her, even though she barked and barked and barked at him, he was so calm. He said something I always try to remember when I run into a behavior issue… “Dogs know what is true, so you have to make something true to get the behavior you want (loose quote)”. So when Bridge was anxious about us leaving, I made it “true” that us leaving meant a yummy kong! And it’s helped… I send my sympathy and condolences to his friends and family. RIP Pat.
PetsAlive and it’s animals lost a true friend. The animal world will not be the same without you…
You helped me over the phone when I was having trouble with my dog I adopted from PetsAlive. You offered me advice and said if I needed anything to call you again. Your advice helped me to have a better understanding on how to deal with my Bella.
Thank you for all of your work you have given to so many animals that needed you….
RIP Pat – you will be missed by all that knew you….
This is such extremely sad news. I am thinking of you, all the staff at Pets Alive and the volunteers who had the good fortune to meet Pat. I am thinking of what a loss this is to the animals. He was amazing with them.
You and the others at Pets Alive are in my thoughts at this very difficult time.
Pat will be missed very much.
I’m so sad . What an incredible loss to this world.
I used to watch Pat on the show Dog Town, he was amazing. What a way
he had about him. He seemed quirky and fun, a wonderful man. Kerry, your blog was not just a blog, but a beautiful eulogy and testimonial of what a difference Pat has made in this world. I have a feeling that he has crossed over Rainbow Bridge and is with the ones he loved best.
I can’t tell you how sad I am to hear this. I was privileged to work with Pat at Best Friends. He was such a caring, calm, compassionate man with the dogs and people. He will be greatly missed. :'(
Godspeed Pat… see you at the Bridge.
Pat was a friend and mentor to me, I’m very sad to hear this. Is there any info on funeral/memorial. Are his dogs ok? Anything I can do to help?
I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful friendship you shared.
What a truly amazing and remarkable man, may he rest in peace always <3
Thank you so much for this heartfelt tribute to a truly amazing man.
I met Pat on my first trip to Best Friends while Dogtown was still airing. I was completely starstruck and I’m sure appeared as a bumbling moron, talking to him. He was such a warm, kind person and if he was annoyed by a total stranger giving him a hug, he never showed it. We saw him several times on subsequent trips and he always recognized us and always stopped to visit with us.
I can’t believe he’s gone – what a horrible loss for both canines and humans. I’m so sorry you’ve lost your friend, Kerry and I hope Timber and Kipling are ok. Thank you for your beautiful eulogy for such a special man.. RIP Pat..
I am so sorry. This world needs more people like your friend Pat. RIP
I met Pat at Best Friends. He was Waylon’s buddy. Waylon was a gorgeous chow mix that I loved and Pat stopped and talked to me about him. He was such a nice man. Waylon died last year. He and Pat are together now.
I’m a Whitacre family friend. My heart goes out to you. I’m so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed spending time around Pat at the holidays, and his presence is part of what made the time special.
I’m hugging my pups a little tighter tonight.
I didn’t know Pat well, but I know what he did for the dogs. Everything in this blog is exactly what people have told me of Pat.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Let your memories comfort you. The world lost someone who cannot be replaced.
I learned, and understood, more in five minutes of Pat talking about dogs and muzzles, than I had learned in my entire life about animal husbandry in general.
Thank you for Cam, Pat.
Last year I hadthe very real pleasure of working one on one with Pat with my office dog Oscar. Oscar is one of the Vicktory dogs and he was very shut down. Pat helped me teach Oscar how to play and was instrumental in helping prepare him for his CGC test. Because of the things Pat taught me Oscar is now in a home of his own. Pat told me something that changed the way I looked at dogs. He said “the dog doesn’t know he’s doing things wrong. Its up to us to show him a better way”. I am so saddened by this loss. RIP Pat. There are many of your charges waiting to greet you at the rainbow bridge.
My heart is very sad tonight. Pat was among one of the first people we got to know at Best Friends when we moved here. He helped us with our own “problem dog” who ate our house, literally, before moving to Utah. He would babysit our crazy husky from time to time and each time we would pick him up, we saw a different dog! (a better one, obviously!!) Pat was a very genuine and true man who loved his dogs and his job. He will be missed.
I never met Pat but he sounds like he was a wonderful soul. Your blog brought years to my eyes. I too cry for the animals for they will not understand his absence. My prayers are with Pat’s family, you all at Pets Alive and especially the animals. God bless you for all you do. May Pat rest in peace.
This is very sad news. Pat had a heart of gold. He was with my husband on one of the earlier Pup My Rides and I recall of that trip my husband becoming so fond of him. Our little gal that came from that trip just posted her own tribute to him http://www.facebook.com/pages/Minina-Hates-Puppy-Mills/181256478555966
I got a chance to speak with Pat one day after a dog fight had happened in our house. I was beside myself and in desperate need of advice on how to handle it. Pat didn’t judge me for being scared, wondering if I had it in me to keep both dogs, or for being too trusting too soon with a new dog. He talked me off the ledge and helped me work out a plan that made sense for us. His help and guidance is the sole reason we were able to keep and manage both dogs – who have even gone on to become best friends. I’m so sorry for your loss. He was one in a million.
I met Pat during one of my many trips to Best Friends. We sat and talked about different training ideas. He was a great man and avid animal lover. He will be missed by many.
I am so saddened to hear of Pat’s passing. Almost two years ago I drove to NY and brought you a dog that I found, a dog that no one else would take because of food aggression issues. Pets Alive was my last hope. Pat was visiting at the time – I recognized him from Dogtown – and sat in on Timber’s evaluation. (I’m not sure if this Timber is “his” Timber?) I learned a lot from him that day and marveled at his insite on the amazing personality of this dog that I couldn’t get anyone else to see. I believe he saved Timber’s life that day and I left there knowing that I met the true “dog whisperer”.
Goodbye Pat. You introduced me to Robert. You spent weeks working with me as I struggled trying to get two large dominate dogs to accept each other. You showed me what patience really is as I worked with Robert and his “cat training”. You took your time with both people and animals and you made both smile. I am thankful for having known you. You are truly a kind soul and this world is a better place because you were here.
I’m so sorry for your loss Kerry and especially for all the dogs he helped.
Pat was a great man. It was an honor to know and work with him.
Pat was our friend, neighbor, and coworker for over 2 years. He never got upset when our dogs would jump our fence, and end up at his house. He always had suggestions. I’m shocked and saddened by his passing. I pray those who worked closest with him are able to carry on 1/10th of his legacy. RIP Pat.
I am Pat’s niece and want to thank you for writing such a nice tribute of Pat. He will be missed by all. He was doing what he loved and truly seemed to have found his calling.
I never met Pat in the short time I worked with Pets alive but I heard a lot about him threw the grapevine and his amazing way. I know there will be a lot of people and animals that are going to miss him and we all should remember what he taught us through his actions, words, and example. My condolences to Pat’s friends and family and his family at Pets Alive.
“when I wake up in the morning this will all have been a bad dream and Pat will be out walking his dogs”
He will be in spirit.
God Speed Pat!
I am at a loss for words. It is never easy losing someone who has made such a huge impact in your life, and Pat was of of those people. During our deployment via BF to Pets Alive in 2007 we stayed at the blue house together and the stories he shared about his life are some that I will never forget. Pat had taught me so much and I am so thankful I had the opportunity to learn from him, to hug him, to laugh with him and to ride in his amazing vehicles. His heart may have failed him, but he left pieces of it behing in many of us, and took a piece of ours with him. His memory will never be forgotten.
Thank you Kerry for surrounding him with people and animals who respected and cherished his being. Pat, you will be missed greatly.
I am so deeply saddened to hear this very sad, and unexpected, news. Like everyone else I have fond memories of my time with Pat. I was fortunate to work with him at Best Friends and watch in awe of his incredible relationship with so many dogs he helped with his quiet and patient way. Many times I went to Pat for his insight on dogs I was working with, sanctuary, foster dogs or my own and he always found time and shared his valuable thoughts. He will be greatly missed by all!
I am sorry for your loss. Clearly Pat meant the world to you, and for good reason. You say your post is jumbled, but your intent is clear.
Take heart that you learned a lot from him, and I have no doubt he will guide you and many others from wherever he is now.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us in your grief.
Dog bless.
I let out a wail when I heard the news. Tears sprang to my eyes and a heaviness filled my heart. Pat was everything you wrote and I only got the pleasure of meeting him a few times, but we emailed and talked on the phone a time or two about… you guessed it.. Dogs! As it happens, I am the mom to the siblings of Pat’s dog Timber. My dogs, Zinnia and Zephyr, were very shy (feral) like Timber, but Timber was by far the worst fo the litter. No one could touch him. Pat was part of the team that rescued Timber, Zinnia, Zephyr and their mom Autumn from near death out in a culvert in Kayenta, AZ. When I adopted Zephyr Pat helped me help him learn to trust me. I also had another dog, Jiminy, that came from Best Friends. Pat helped me with some issues the two were having. Pat would talk to me on the phone about this problem or that problem or he would email me a long and detailed suggestion on my latest delimma. I’d never had a shy/feralish dog before and I needed help. Pat gave it freely and helped me so much. Both Zinnia and Zephyr are fantastic dogs. They still have some shyness but they will approach strangers and they learn everyday that people are nice. They’ve come so far, thanks to the ground work help that Pat gave me.
On my last visit to Kanab in Jan 2012, I had the pleasure of seeing Pat and Timber. I was there for a funeral of a family member and it was a dark day for me. It was 5 o’clock and everyone was packing it in up at the clinic. I called and Pat said to come, he’d be there and would love to see me. I raced up and sure as the sun, he was there. I got a huge and a big smile. We talked and I showed him video’s and pictures of Jiminy, Zinnia and Zephyr – then I asked if Timber was there. Pat said, he was and if I’d like to see him. We walked back to the office where Timber was waiting for him, Pat opened the gate and called to Timber to come on its time to go home. Out came Timber, eyeballing me with caution. Timber sat down and I asked Pat if I could pet him. Granted permission, I gingerly gave Timber a belly rub. I glanced up at Pat who was beeming. Pat fulfilled a dream of mine that day. I got to touch Timber.
I knew Timber would end up with Pat as soon as I heard the story of how Timber bit him when Pat was trying to save him. When I heard the confimation that they were a family, it was one of the happiest days of my life. Pat just beemed when he would talk about Timber.
Even though I didn’t see Pat or interact with him as much as some, everything you described above is exactly right. I remember telling my friends how funny he was and how smart and kind and that I liked him the instant I met him. The world was a better place because of Pat. I feel bad for those who did not get the gift of knowing him, even briefly. Our world is a bit darker now that Pat has left us, but when you see the glint off the water, the warmth of the summer sun, the snuffing and huffing of dogs at play or a kitten’s soft mew… that will be Pat saying hello.
RIP Pat. My world my dogs are better because of you.
I am saddened beyond words…
I never had the pleasure to meet Pat personally, but I learned so much from him by watching his work on the Dogtown series. He truly understood the animals that he worked with and they were better for it.
Rest in peace, Pat. The Rainbow Bridge just became a better place!
My heart just broke. It is in actual pain right now.
I had the incredible luck to see Pat when I volunteered at the sanctuary, not to mention see his wonderful work on episodes of Dogtown, and I just can’t believe he’s gone. An inspiring advocate, caretaker, and human being. I like to think that he, too, has crossed the rainbow bridge, because neither he nor the animals should be without each other.
You will be missed, Pat.
Pat was easily one of the finest, upstanding dudes I’ve ever known in my life. I’m glad to have known him and to have learned from him. Infinite kindness and infinite patience. Pat will be missed by any who met him and forgotten by none. He was just a great person.
I can’t stop sobbing. I remember first meeting Pat and being unable to stop crying at being with the man who helped Cam, who came to Pets Alive because of me. I was beyond grateful to him for what he did. My heart breaks.
There is a certain kind of person who you encounter in life if you are lucky, who without knowing it affect you deeply. Whose calm and understated demeanor never reveal their genius, one they themselves would likely deny. Pat was one of those people. The kind of person who I would aspire to be if it could be learned.
It was an honor to have had you help me with my dog when I needed it. Thank you for all you have done for the Pets Alive family and my family.
I never met Pat, but I watched him on Dogtown and when I volunteered at Beat Friends in June 2010, I passed him in the hall and he gave me a big friendly smile and “hello”! I was too shy to tell him how much I respected him, his talent for working with lost animals and how much I appreciated what he did every day. You have written a beautiful tribute to what I know was a beautiful soul. RIP, Pat.
I am trembling with sadness crying with such a great sorrow. I’ve learned so much from Pat each Saturday working with him on different dogs at PA. He had great patience and was a very kind man. I miss him already. Saturday’s will not be the same I worry for the dogs at PA now without his calm influence and help. I pray all of us who have learned from him can help the best we can and continue his teachings
The world has lost a kind soul the dogs truly lost their voice. God bless you
Pat, I didn’t know you well, but you took time to help me with my dog Roxy one day..I’m sure you wouldn’t remember but me & Roxy do. You were always soft spoken, gentle and calm… these traits made you a wonderful trainer.. Thanks for everything you did in your life to help both animals and people. You will be sorely missed. Sincerely Julie & Robert Menna and Roxy, my dog…
I too am another Best Friends volunteer who only briefly knew Pat but am so saddened by his passing. My husband and I have been to BF several times and each time we saw Pat he was always so kind and just exuded a kind of peace that I could only aspire to have. How touching that a man that many of us mainly came to know from brief interactions or through a TV show can have such a profound effect on our hearts and souls. The tears that are streaming from my eyes are from the grief as to the world losing such a huge and wonderful advocate for all those dogs that may end up not being understood and helped like they would have if Pat was still in this world. For the animal community it is a huge loss. For Pat’s friends and family I cannot fathom your loss. I am truly sorry.
I do take respite in the belief that Pat is now with Waylon past the rainbow bridge. His love for Waylon was incredible. I pray they are happy and are together.
I hadn’t been volunteering at Pets Alive for very long when I heard that Pat had been hired. The news was cool and interesting, but you know: “that guy who was on a TV show”, anything could happen, right?
Pat was about the coolest guy I’ve ever met. Without trying to make this spiritual or weird, he was so Zen, so centred, so .. ageless. I don’t know how old he was, but in the classes I attended, it didn’t matter if you were a greybeard, middle aged or junior, male or female, he addressed everyone with quiet respect and always sought to understand everyone’s situation. He talked to people like everything they had to say was interesting and he treated dogs like .. well, I think he had an English-dog translator. If I could bottle what he had, I’d be a brazillionaire. Here’s the thing though, he shared his secrets to any and all who cared to listen, he was the open source of dog interaction and understanding.
He made what he knew funny, interesting and informative. In the short, short time I interacted with him (I don’t presume to say I knew him) he was just such a freakin’ cool cat. I wish I’d known him better, and I’m painfully aware of what a terrible blow to Pets Alive his loss will be. I’ve seen with my own eyes how dogs CHANGED with him, not because he waved a magic wand, but because when they saw him, dogs knew that his reality was their reality. With two of Pat’s “Improving Adoptibility” classes I saw how my interaction with project dogs improved – and so quickly, too! Step by step, paying attention to details, they all always improved. I took a series of pictures of another volunteer who, using Pat’s techniques managed to go from interacting with a dog who was being a “pogo stick”: jumping around while the volunteer was OUTside the kennel, to allowing that volunteer to open the kennel latch and walk into the kennel, calm and relaxed. It was amazing to watch. Pat’s techniques WORKED. And in a crazy world where you don’t get to say this a lot about another human being, Pat MADE SENSE.
Pets Alive sometimes feels oddly like such a huge organization because on facebook there are so many friends and unique commentators and for a shelter, they’re REALLY REALLY personal and communicative, but really it’s such a small core of stupidly hard working people. I can’t imagine your loss, not just today but in the weeks and months to come. Yet Pat managed to touch the lives of an incredible array of people. What a blow to everyone, human and animal, to Pets Alive. I’m so very sorry.
Bless you Pat as you make your way to your next adventure. Thank you for sharing with us while you were here, it will never be forgotten. Thank you too for working your magic with those society has tossed out like garbage, whether it was human or animal. You will be missed. Journey well Pat.
This is a really bad dream. It cant be real. 🙁 he was one of the kindest, most patient people i have ever met. My heart hurts for all of you and for the dogs. :,(
I used to watch Pat on DogTown and am from Orange County, NY, so this is worlds colliding for me. So sad, Pat was a truly gifted man. My thoughts are with all of you.
When I started volunteering at PAW, one of the first dogs I walked was Rocketman, or I should say he was walking me. Pat came over to us and introduced himself, and we started talking. A few hints and Rocketman and I walk just fine now. Anytime I saw Pat he would say hi, stop for a brief chat at times, and always had a smile. So very sad, RIP Pat.
I am so truly sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. Not only has Pets Alive lost a very special and dedicated human being, but the animal world has lost an advocate and savior. God Bless and Rest in Peace, Pat Whitacre. I know you are where you are happy, over the Rainbow Bridge. We will all miss you, your guidance, your passion for our animals, and your goodness….