It has taken me a while to write about this. Many of you have been long time Femail Cr
eations customers and supporters and readers of The Barefoot CEO blog, and are really like part of my big extended Femail family. And our family has lost our beloved Airedale Zoë. Sadly a few days after her 14th birthday on May 2nd she lost her battle with cancer. She had a wonderful life and we miss her dearly.
Almost by accident Zoë became like the Femail Creations mascot. In the very early days of the catalog when I had to do one of my very first photo shoots, the photographer arrived at the house and much to her shock she found me wearing jeans, and—as usual—I was in my bare feet. The photographer asked me when I would be changing into my business clothes for the photo 
shoot. I explained to her that wasn’t really my style. I was a more casual CEO, in fact a Barefoot CEO—literally! Well, that just seemed to startle the 
“professional” photographer who found me to be less than professional sans my business suit and all. Eventually, I ended up putting Zoë in the pictures with me—so I could hide behind her! I have always been somewhat camera shy, and Zoë came in handy as the ultimate prop! And the customers loved her! Soon she was getting her own fan mail! Zoë went on to appear in hundreds of catalogs.
Zoë has been the perfect pet for our family at every stage of our lives. It was as if she knew exactly what we needed at every stage of our ever-changing lives. When the kids were little, she was there, playful and protective. When the kids went off to college and the house felt empty she mellowed out and spent her days keeping me company at my desk. If I was having a bad day, she never left my side. And in the end, we never left her side.
Lisa Hammond
The Barefoot CEO ®
6 users responded in this post
Hey, sorry to hear about Zoe. I’m tearing up here, as Trinity, my 9 year old chow/spaniel mix (we think) is curled up underneath my desk. This is the best thing about my job. Trinity is like family. She gets so depressed when she doesn’t get to see her work “family.” Hugs and tears to you in her memory. (Loved your book, read it the week I bought it… which never happens.)
Dear Lisa, Jeff, Bridger, & Harlie –
I’m so sorry for the loss of your adored girl Zoe. She was such a wonderful dog and companion – to all of us! I always loved seeing her adorable little face grace the pages of Femail Creations. 18 months ago I lost my kitty Rusty. My most loyal and best friend, my heart and soul mate for 21½ years.
Of course the passing of one of our beloved pets makes us all so, so, so, so, sad ~ they aren’t at our feet anymore . . . or on the couch snuggling . . . or asleep with us on our pillows . . . or looking up at us with such love and devotion . . . those are now our memories we will always cherish and have tucked tightly into our hearts forever.
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies.
With warm affection,
Allison
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Zoe.
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….
With love and affection,
Karen Buckner
Beaumont, Texas
on the Gulf Coast
“For Zoe & Lisa”
Into our lives they come
Bounding with joy & love
Their spirits creep into our souls
They are a gift from above
They don’t come
With any gurantees
They do bring un-conditional
Acceptance that’s totally free
Some bring us confidence
And help our self-esteem
Others are sent to teach us
A specific lesson it seems
Their eyes made us feel special
Their wagging tails made us smile
Yes, they brought great joy
If, only for awhile
We risk it all
When we love so deep
But with no risk
No memories to keep….
Sandra Krenkel 9/13/05
So sorry to hear about Zoe, we also lost our dog Zoe in June, it was 4th bout of cancer. We just our new puppy, Olivia, toally unknown origins, she was found with her mom under a house. Good luck with the new puppy!!
Caryn
Dear Lisa,
I have been a fan of Femail Creations for a very long time, and thought that something was missing when I received the last catalog.
I am so sorry for your loss.