What Soo-Soo's life was like before she arrived at the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter is anybody's guess. She never spoke of it. But that's just how she was. If asked, she would say that her life began around May of 1986, the day she met Karen Olen. While it may not have been love at first sight, it grew into a love much stronger than any of us will ever know in our lifetime.

Karen was eager to rescue a dog at the county's "death row", but a friend convinced her that Soo-Soo was the dog for her (little did he know how right he was). Because Karen was living in a small apartment, she was only allowed to take her out on dates until she moved into a house. Soo-Soo was the favorite at the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter, and everyone cried the day she went to live with Karen in their new home in San Clemente. It was not long before she moved into Karen's heart, where she has taken up permanent residence. For those of us who have been lucky enough to meet and spend time with her, we also know what it is like to have our hearts filled with Soo-Soo.

Soo-Soo became very involved in the neighborhood Cat Patrol, her relaxed demeanor just a ruse to lure the cats in the neighborhood into a false sense of security. She loved her home in San Clemente, and took her work very seriously, and her breaks made her quite popular with the Ice Cream man. She was always there waiting for her ice cream cone when his truck came to her neighborhood. Nearly ten years later, while visiting with friends in Capistrano Beach, she heard the music of the Ice Cream man's truck and ran to the edge of the driveway to await him. The Ice Cream man recognized her and promptly got out a cone for his favorite "kid", clearly overcome with joy at this unexpected reunion.

In 1990, Karen and Soo-Soo moved to Dana Point. While the new home had a beautiful backyard for her to enjoy, she preferred being out front where she could keep an eye on the neighborhood cats and goings-on. Many was the day that you could drive by and see her laying on the grass, enjoying the fresh ocean air and warm breezes. It was not long before even the mailman grew to love her and often kissed her hello. The UPS man brought her milkbones, and the cashiers at the bank greeted her with begging strips. Her days were filled with new adventures as she joined Karen nearly everywhere she went. When Karen worked, Soo-Soo was never alone for long as she had an extended list of Aunties and Uncles who would come visit, and often dognap her for the day. She was a well traveled dog, with friends far and wide.

Everyone at Karen's gym came out to visit when they saw her outside patiently waiting for Karen. In summer she would sport her sexy Lioness "do" and everyone had to pet her. She loved the attention, of course! Even cats looked twice at her, as if to say "Well, she looks like one of us, and yet..." She and Karen also became regulars at the dog park. She had a busy social calendar!

Soo-Soo had many boyfriends too. She was known to favor men and, more often than not, even the most devout cat person would find himself smooching with her and doing her bidding. You hadn't lived until you'd been wrapped around Soo-Soo's paw (which during the summer often sported painted toenails and, for special occassions, french tips).

In 1986 Soo-Soo met Candace and asked Karen if she could keep her. Karen decided she would be good company for Soo-Soo while she was at work. Many was the morning that the three could be heard howling together. They became lifelong friends, and Candace continued to come by to visit after she moved three years later.

In 1987, Soo-Soo began acupuncture. Don't laugh! It worked! Karen and Candace both saw a change the day she had her first treatment, but were afraid to say anything for fear it was just wishful thinking. Finally Karen brought it up and they both realized that YES! It was amazing! She was like a new dog! Soo-Soo didn't much care for the treatments, but she enjoyed getting steak and chicken during the treatments and feeling great afterwards, so she put up with them.

While some believe that dogs of Soo-Soo's breeding will only live to ten or twelve years, it was obvious she lived on the loving devotion she received from her mother, and all those around her as well. While she had some problems and was clearly growing older and moving slower, she was seen the day before she died trotting up her street with Candace, happy to be outside in the fresh air and watering the neighbors plants as well as a few of her own (yes, she was a consummate gardener and hated to see the plants in the neighborhood going dry).

Sadly, on November 2, 2000 Karen learned that Soo-Soo had developed bone cancer in her front leg. The vet suggested amputation, chemo and radiation. But it was clear that she was not a candidate for such radical procedures, with a questionable outcome. She had lived a long and devoted life with Karen, and so it was only right that she be allowed to die with dignity and not be made to suffer. It was difficult for Karen to say goodbye, but she could not bear to see her in pain. Around 9:00pm that night, as she lay in her mothers arms, Soo-Soo slipped peacefully to sleep for the last time.

There is not a man or woman alive who met Soo-Soo who did not fall madly in love with her, and so we designed this website for them. It is for those of us who cannot imagine a day without her snaggle toothed smile and tender kisses, or that look (you know what I am talking about if you have ever found yourself giving her half of your steak for no other reason than you simply can't help yourself!). The love that she shared with Karen, and the joy they both brought to all of us, will never be forgotten.

To an extraordinary being. To Soo-Soo!