Local Canine Ambassador Passes Away

Editor's note: Dessi's mom and dad were kind enough to share this with Easley Patch.

Darkstarr's Goddess Frigga, CGC, TDI, RN, RA made her journey to the Rainbow Bridge on Christmas Day, 2012, with her mom and dad, Loey and Bob Krause, at her side.

"Dessi" was born February 9, 2004, and served from puppyhood as a Medical Assistance Service Dog, retiring for health reasons a few months ago after 8 years of active duty. In that capacity she ably assissted with balance, mobility and strength issues in a wide variety of tasks. She earned her Canine Good Citizen rating from the American Kennel Club at only 7 ½ months of age, and her Therapy Dog International rating at 12 months, the youngest age a dog is eligible to take the test. She also earned two AKC competitive obedience titles, Rally Novice and Rally Advanced.

Dessi proudly served with SCDogs, inc. as a Registered Therapy Dog, visiting often in her younger years bringing cheer and a bright spot to the day to residents of many senior residences, nursing facilities, hospitals, schools, camps, and youth groups in Upstate South Carolina.

Over the years she visited with hundreds of individuals from 7 days old to well into the 90’s, reading each individual for the best approach, and visiting appropriately in every case. She also lent her special talents as a mental health services counseling aide as needed. She had a special capacity to comfort the grieving.

Since Dessi spent many hours in the lecture halls at Clemson University, she enjoyed the opportunity to work with many students who were initially afraid of dogs, allaying their fears and safely teaching young people appropriate response to an unknown dog. She touched many students who missed their dogs at home, lending the furry comfort only 4 legs and a wagging tail can give.

Dessi was an American Kennel Club Canine Ambassador and a wonderful Ambassador for Rottweilers as a breed due to her calm and friendly demeanor towards people and other dogs.

She never met a stranger, and was truly loved by all who met her in her travels. She was a well known regular customer in many local businesses, greeting staff and customers alike when released with the “Visit” command, and returning to “Working” mode fluidly.

She tolerated ear pulling toddlers gracefully, always absolutely safe and gentle to children and adults of all ages and demeanors. Due to her extensive travels and involvement in a number of organizations, she earned many titles not usually accorded to a canine citizen.

She was the only dog who was a member of the Member of Scottish American Military Society, having been inducted by the National Commandant himself.

She was an active participant in Eastern Star, in the Clemson Chapter #191 and Easley Chapter #200, in SC where she was named Chapter Sweetheart. She knew the opening and closing marches, making all the correct turns including square corners, ending up at the correct chair, and to respond to the gavel raps to stand and sit at the right times.

She was recognized with the title of “Grand Dog,” Order of Eastern Star, in South Carolina, and was also a special guest of General Grand Chapter, OES, in 2009 when the Order insitituted a program at the National level to raise funds for and awareness of Service Dogs. She was a favorite at General Grand Chapter, and ended the session with over 60 pins on her service vest, personal gifts from Eastern Star members from across the country and around the world.

She was a member of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls, Fidelity Assembly #56, Clemson, SC, and Grand Assembly of South Carlina having attended countless meetings and Grand Assembly sessions. She adored children of all ages, and thoroughly enjoyed the girls. She liked nothing better than to sprawl on the floor sourounded by kids patting and giggling. She was inducted as Mascot, with the rank of Gunnery Sgt, in the Marine Corps League Detachment #1145, and served on occasion with the honor guard rifle team. She was a squire with the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem, Knights Templar.

She attend countless meetings and Commemorative events with the Sons of the American Revolution, Col. Robert Anderson Chapter. Dessi’s last honor was her nomination for the American Kennel Club Humane Fund Award for Canine Excellence, Service Dog Category in 2012. She leaves her great niece, “Coco,” Darkstarr’s Too Sophisticated, STAR puppy, CGC, who has very large paw prints to fill in Medical Assistance Service.

Our profound gratitude is extended to their breeder, Steven and Theresa Robinson at Darkstarr Rottweilers. Dessi will be missed by countless friends and family in South Carolina and across the country. Her dedication to her work and cheerful greeting to all when permitted to “visit” will keep her always in our hearts.