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)
We are so deeply saddened by this news. The world was blessed by Pat’s beautiful spirit. Our hearts are heavy…we spoke to Pat just a few weeks ago when we picked up our Lucy after she was spayed. He was so pleasant and remarked how pretty she was. How sweet! He watched us as we walked away with her, and I got the feeling he was taking in a nice moment: happy doggie parents and a happy puppy with a forever home. I could almost sense it when I looked back and he was smiling at us.
Rest in Peace, Pat.
You left many tears behind, but I’m sure you were greeted with lots of happy kisses : )
A beautiful, moving tribute to a beautiful soul. R.I.P. true friend to animals, and to all.
I am so sorry for your loss, I have never had an honor to meet Pat, but from your blog I can tell he was a wonderful and caring person, this world needs a person like him to help out all the poor and mistreated dogs.
He was an angel and now he is in a peaceful place.
I never was lucky enough to meet Pat, but knew of him through episodes of Dog Town. Through those shows I witnessed his gentle nature , dedication to animals and never ending compassion. I truly am sitting here with tears in my eyes thinking about all the dogs whose lives he will never touch who could so benefit by this special man.
I was never blessed to know Pat but my dear friend Julie did and passed on this tribute to him. There is a special place for Pat across that Rainbow Bridge………..God bless all of you who committed yourselves to the “Innocent Ones” (Thanks Donna!)
I had the pleasure of meeting Pat and seeing him work with dogs at Best Friends. It wasn’t a trip for me until I saw him in his signature hat and coat around Dogtown. I then got to see him again when I went to Middletowm NY to help rescue a couple of dogs from a puppy mill situation. Pat had such a calm, patient way and I just stood there and watched as helped some of the very scared dogs, move onto a new life. I was hoping to take a class with him next month Such a sad loss for the dogs and all of you who knew him so well. RIP Pat, you will be missed!
First, I am so sorry for both your loss, as well as the loss to every life he has ever touched. What would thoughts be about setting up some sort of foundation in tribute of him and the incredible impact he made on this world? I would be more then honored to help or contribute to that!
Such sad news, pathetic… So what do we do now for the animals he loved so much?
What would he want us to do? To find another, there is no other answer.
I’m sure it would give him great peace knowing someone stepped up to the plate.
I don’t know how to do what he was able to do but I’m willing to learn, my heart and soul are in it. No matter who it is, me, you, someone, someone who truly cares, lets not let him down 🙁
So few people unconditionally love so much <3
What a neat person!! May we all learn from him. R.I.P
I was fortunate to work with Pat at Best Friends for a year and a half but I learned such an incredible amount in that time. He truly was the nicest person and was always willing to help out with anything, anytime. We were so thrilled when he came to visit earlier this year and got to visit some of his old canine friends. His favorite boy Waylon was dealing with end-stage cancer at the time but watching him prance around Dogtown while Pat fed him cheeseburgers each day was pretty beautiful. So many dogs found homes or were finally able to love and trust because of Pat; the world lost a good one. RIP Pat.
I never knew of Pat until I learned from a friend who knew him that he was gone. My heart goes out to all his friends, both human and animal, at their loss. I too was in tears by the time I finished reading your blog. What a wonderful eulogy and memorial to Pat. The world truly did lose a wonderful person today. God Bless.
I first saw Pat when I helped with a puppymill rescue in Wallkill, NY with my friend Stacy last May. He was there with Pets Alive to take 4 of the most difficult Rottweilers remaining at the facility that no other rescue groups were willing to take. Pat and the Pets Alive staff were amazing to watch. They smoothly transferred these terrified large dogs from their muddy, broken kennel runs into crates for a ride to freedom. Watching Pat and the Pets Alive team inspired Stacy and I to join their group and become volunteers. We made a weekend trip to Pets Alive in November and my Aunt and Uncle joined us. They fell in love with a dog and wanted to adopt it. When they brought their little dog for a meet and greet but it was not a match. Pat worked with them to see if the adoption could work and in the end advised that they not put their little Daisy at risk. Stacy and I have been planning another trip for February or March with the intent of taking Pat’s Improving Adoptability class. We were really looking forward to it. I’m sad that I didn’t get to learn more from him. I’m sure I would have learned a lot. The dogs lost a great friend when we lost Pat.
I was not fortunate enough to have met this wonderful man in person, we just watched him on DogTown. He seemed to be the kind of person that I would have loved to introduce my daughters to and have them look at him as a hero. I imagine that his reception at The Bridge was so beautiful, as thousands of dogs bowed their heads in respect. Misty was in that reception line as we used some of what we had seen on DogTown to try help her overcome her fear and abuse. Thank you Pat for everything you did for the animals, and for us humans. Rest well sir, you were a true hero.
I met Pat twice at Pets Alive so I did not know him very well. However, both times, he made it a point to make me feel welcome and offer insight in regards to the dogs I was spending time with that day. One time stays in my mind mostly – I was sitting in Willy & Wonka’s pen attempting to get them to come to me with no success. Pat walked by and offered his help without hesitation. He came in with me and gave me some pointers, and then offered to walk them with me. I am sure he had many other things to do but realized it meant so much to me, and put all aside so I could have the opportunity to walk the trail with these wonderful dogs. It was a quiet walk, not too many words said, and that was perfect for me because I am quite shy around people I don’t know, and I believe he intuitively knew that about me. I thanked him when we returned but I am sure he never realized how very much it meant to me that day. With that said, it is with sadness that I write this knowing his time on this Earth as Pat is over and we will not be touched by his compassion and kindness again in the way that we know but I am sure he has moved on to be with God and all those that he helped with his compassion and selflessness that have moved on also. I would love to think he will be back here on this Earth sharing his love and compassion again as a new being but I have a feeling God has work for him to do there. He was a true example of what our job on this Earth is as a human being, and I believe the lives he touched while he was here will never be the same. Pay It Forward comes to mind, and Pat made all who met him want to be as kind and compassionate a being as he was, and in memory of him and my love for God, I will do my best to do God’s Work and make a daily effort to spread love and compassion without any judgement or expectations of gratitude from others as Pat always did.
We had the good fortune of meeting Pat this past summer. I remember my first conversation with him about two dogs I was very interested in adopting, but wasn’t sure if we could take on their needs with our schedules. A month later Pat introduced us to Wonka. We immediately saw the connection and the trust that existed between the two, and I left that day devastated and crying that I couldn’t give Wonka what Pat could. The following day we returned with our dog Sandy to meet his brother Willie. Needless to say, after spending time with Pat and Willie, Willie came home with us that day, and Wonka came home two weeks later. Every day we see Pat in our boys. Every time Willie sits and gives us his cute look for his cookie, to our Wonka, who learns to trust more and more each day, we see the miracles that were and always will be thanks to Pat. Thank you for what you did and continue to do for all of the animals and humans who had the good fortune of having had you touch our lives. His legacy will live on and through all of us and our dogs who were given a chance at life and family because of him. Thank you Pat for what you gave and continue to give the world. We will do our best to honor you and what you did for the world. Our heartfelt sympathies are with you Kerry and all at Pets Alive, Pat’s family, his beloved animals and all who mourn his loss.
I didnt know Pat. But I am sure that I knew his work as we adopted our Tess from you a few months ago. I have recently been amazed at the incredible work done there at Pets Alive and although there are so many good people, I now understand that Pat was responsible for so much. My thoughts go out to all of the grieving humans tonight, and of course, to all of the doggies who will not get the benefit of Pat’s wisdom, love and training. But know that Pat is in a better place, a place where no one abuses dogs and there is only love and open fields to run together. Pat is at the “rainbow bridge” so many of us believe in. The rest of us will have to wait to get there. I hope and I am sure that Pat will continue to be an inspiration. But I am truly sorry for your loss.
wow…disbelief, confusion, questions without answers, and then memories of a person who quietly, calmly helped so many. I’d go to Pat, unable to understand what I needed to do to help certain dogs (i.e. Zambi) at the sanctuary, completely unable to break things down to helpful action. Pat would always have the most simple, effective & straight forward suggestions that were right on, and I’d walk away, baffled – so right on, and yet I couldn’t have come up with it for anything. He came at things from such a different angle from how my brain works, and taught me things don’t have to be as complex as I was making them in order to help the dogs. My favorite memory is when Pat helped me with my, at the time foster dog, Zambi. At my wits end, I didn’t know how to stop her from snarfing at people who approached, which was making her adoptability an issue. A bathroom within feet, a person who volunteered to approach us & Pat’s simple calm guidance and within 20 minutes, problem solved. I was so close to the situation I couldn’t see what made Zambi tick and what she valued – a perfect example of how Pat could always see through all the layers, right down to what the root causes were. I am so sad such a truely good person is gone so early. So many lives were able to have a quality of life they never would’ve had without Pat’s help – canine & human. Be well Pat and say hi to Rolie & the gang for us.
Kerry, you did a wonderful moving job writing this tribute to a wonderful person. I remember seeing Pat on tv at Best Friends. He seemed like he could see into the soul of an animal that needed the trust they were born with. I am so sorry for your loss. Pat will be missed by all. 🙁
Pat was an instructor at a dog handling class I went to at Best Friends a few years ago.
He stood out from everyone there even though they were all great. He always seemed so calm and kind. Kind to the dogs and kind to the people. Very peaceful like.
I am sorry you lost your good friend and I am sorry the animals lost such a great friend too.
Mary
Rest in Peace, Mr. Whitacre. The world is a better place because you were in it…
I met Pat several years ago when I was volunteering at Best Friends. He sought me out because he heard I lived with 14 cats and marveled at my patience. I was touched by his sincerity, his gentle manner, his humor, his kindness… I could go on and on. I wish I had gotten to know him better. I was stunned and deeply saddened to learn of his death. I will never forget him.
I had never been to Pets Alive until I went do adopt Lacey. He was the first person I met there and was working with a dog with 3 legs. It was like I met him before somewhere, a familiar face, but could not quite place him. We both encouraged 3 legged dog to get up and walk out so he could get the Coordinator to show me Lacey… He said “who can’t remember my name” which is Margarita Darling… He thought that was a awesome name. Well that’s a guy you just don’t forget a gentle soul, a giving man. God bless him. I wish I had got to know him.
I just found out about this, wrote a note on the BF blog and then found this one. My heart goes out to you Jen for this unbearable personal loss and of course, for the dogs. Everyone will grieve for the time period that they each need. My hope for you all is that you can find comfort in each other and remember your dearly beloved friend in all the ways that are most comforting. You know his bright, shining spirit will light your days in all ways and forever. I’m thinking he will continue to guide and grace you from on high when ever you may have questions…he will put the answers in your heart. God bless you and everyone who is going through this deep, heart rending loss. Aletheia Mystea
I am so sorry to the Pets Alive family for your tremendous loss. I had the awesome opportunity to meet Pat the day our family grew larger with Danner’s adoption. Upon going to Pet’s Alive that day my children and I were immediately greeted by Pat. He remained with us for our interview and what I found amazing is he took every opportunity to educate me and my children on behavior with patience and grace. When we got Danner home I would love to say it was a honeymoon, but Danner needed to make his place. Pat called often and offered to come here on his personal time to make sure Danner was fitting in and behaving. On one occasion, I was frightened by a recent behavior, and within moments of following Pat’s instruction, Danner listened. It has become common in our home to say, “Do what Pat said”. It is readily apparent that the animal community has lost an amazing advocate, behaviorist and friend. My condolences go out to all of you, the people blessed to know and love him, at this difficult time.
The world was indeed a better place for animals & humans with Pat in it.
Thank you Pat for understanding animals in need.
Thank you for helping us mere humans to understand them & their needs.
Thank you for patiently answering the questions i asked, even if they seemed like no-brainers.
And personally id like to thank you most of all for Cam.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the whole “family” of Pets Alive: staff, critters, friends. I met Pat the Friday before he died, late in the afternoon, when I came to Middletown to find a lifetime canine companion. After driving 2.5 hours to get there, I was happy to meet everyone, and Pat spent a great deal of time, talking with me, walking with me and my dog Archer and our hopeful new friend. He was kind and knowledgeable, caring and compassionate and confident. After we had spent time in the cat house, cat-testing our friend, I said to him: “I really feel like we have met before!” That is how he made everyone feel, it seems having read about him here and elsewhere. I am saddened beyond belief at his loss, as some have said, especially for the four-leggeds who will never have had the chance to be blessed and charmed by him, and more importantly for the role he would play in making the perfect match for many people who needed his guidance. My dogs, past the rainbow bridge: Bridget, Bootsie, Muffin, Callisto, Midas, Chili and especially Ajax are with him now, and I can tell you how happy they are. Rest in Peace. Thank you for your kindness and courage. I will not soon forget our afternoon walk in the twilight…
So sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. Not many of us in this life can say they have found what their lifes purpose was. Pat did. So gratefully he found a way to make a difference. In the human lives he touched but so importantly, the four legged friends whose lives he changed. Rest in Peace Pat. You were loved.
Reading over everyone’s remembrances of their time around this special man, made me sad that I never got to meet him, but what a gift he was to both humans and animals…He did make a difference in the lives of everyone he met…Fly Free, Pat…
Dear Pat,
Thank you for being my friend over at Pets Alive.
Thank you for all you taught me about doggies.
Thank you for your patience, kindness and understanding.
A Poem For You:
In Memory of Pat Whitacre
Afterglow
I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one………..
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun
of happy memories that I leave when life is done.
Rest In Peace my friend
To the Staff and all animal souls at pets alive, I am so deeply sadened at the loss of such an exeptional human being. There is a saying that says “the good die young”. how so ironic.. Though I have never met Pat, but how he managed to relate to HIS dogs and all around him makes him a hero and life safer to so many. He lefft an emty spot that can’t be filled. God had other plans for him and may he find peace in this big garage up in haven. So, so sorry for your loss.
Helga
I am so terribly sorry for the loss of a wonderful man. But keep him in your heart and he will be there forever. Such a sad loss for the pets and pets alive team. God Bless
I did not meet Pat personally but saw him at BF and he was in my living room weekly through Dogtown series. I am so sad…thank you for sharing this beautiful story.
I never met him either but knew of him and the tributes to him are wonderful. I’m learning things about dogs in the tips others share just in reading which shows his legacy will continue to live on as well.
I’m sure that I am not adding anything that hasn’t already been said about Pat but feel compelled to leave a note. I was blessed to work with Pat for awhile. His gentleness, kindness and patience are legendary. He was close as to an angel as I think you can get.
Maybe that’s why we lost him. We all know, there are a lot of dogs in heaven. I guess heaven needed another angel to shepherd all those special souls.
Pat was the best. I was fortunate to have the privilege to work with him. His training techniques were simple and basic—and they produced positive results. He was always there for me when I had a problem training a particular dog. Most of all, Pat was a great dog training teacher. I will miss him!
This is very shocking news! I met Pat only once. My husband and I live a few miles up the road from Pets Alive Puerto Rico. Joy and Ken invited us over, along with other friends of theirs to meet Pat as he was staying at the PAPR sanctuary so they could have a little vacation.
We both found him to be kind, gentle, learned, comfortable in any setting, very non-judgmental, and someone whom, under other circumstances (perhaps if he lived on Puerto Rico), that we would makes with.
In the few hours we got to know him, he touched us both. All the things written in this blog echo what our impressions were of him. We didn’t know him like all of you, but we would like to have. It is completely understandable why he will be so terribly missed.
I am very sorry for your loss, to all who knew and loved him. It really sounds like you lost a kind and gentle soul. I hope he went peacefully.
Paul and Sarah
Utuado, Puerto Rico
I regret I never met Pat, but we spoke on the phone when I needed help with Jasmine and Tulip and I wrote down what he told me — simple, wise and insightful advice. He was obviously a very special man and his sudden death has saddened me far more deeply that I’d have imagined. I, too, want to thank him on behalf of Cam, and all the other troubled dogs whose lives he saved.
Just an FYI if you did not see it that Pat’s memorial service will be held this Sunday Feb 3, 2013 at 1:30 pm at the Church of the Infant Savior, 22 Holland Ave, Pine Bush, NY.
We hope that you all will come and pay respects to Pat.
What a bautiful and caring person! Surely he will be missed by many two legged and four legged creatures….God rest his soul and all the animals that he has loved and taken under his wing.
I just learned about the untimely passing of Pat Whitacre. Although I did not have the privilege of knowing him personally, I appreciated all of the work he did with the dogs at Best Friends and Pets Alive. As I read the testimonials of those who knew him, it’s become clear to me that not only was he an honorable human being through his work with troubled dogs; he was a wonderful person all around. RIP Mr. Whitacre.
I never met Pat but yet I feel that I have in many ways. His presence was enormous in all his wonderful acts of kindness and compassion with animals as well as people. He will always be “present” because someone with such a gift as he had will live on forever.
What a wonderful tribute. While I never met Pat, I watched every episode of Dogtown, and would also see him working with his beloved dogs when I volunteered at Best Friends.
There are very few people who affect the lives of so many (human and animal) as Pat did. While his time with us was way too short, he made the most of the time he was given. He leaves an amazing legacy.
I met Pat when I volunteered with a bunch of Best Friends employees at Pets Alive in the spring of 2006. I was enthusiastic and curious about everything and so in awe of the people who dedicated their lives to working with animals. Pat very generosly allowed me to participate in the canine evaluations and was extremely patient with my unending stream of questions. Although I only met Pat during this one trip, he made a big impression on me. RIP Pat and thank you for all you did for the animals.
I just found out about the passing of Pat and am saddened by this news. I met him on a tour of Best Friends and was fascinated by his way with a dog I had sponsored. R.I.P.
Pets Alive Blog » Goodbye my friend….R.I.P. Patrick Whitacre
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