December 2025 - Dakota doesn’t work here anymore sent

Dakota died in October and I buried him at my sister's ranch in Centralia. It’s been a tough as I adjust to working here alone. Why am I telling you this today?

Because again yesterday clients came and the first thing they asked was, “Where Is Dakota?” And I had to say, he died. And then we cried. Yes, I’m grieving for the loss of my assistant. I never knew it would be so hard to lose a dog. I never had a dog before, and we were inseparable as you probably noticed.

So, Dakota won’t be barking at you at my front door when you arrive or greeting you like he has for 9 years. Nor will he be following us into the session room or supervising me getting your foot bath to the right temperature in the kitchen. Or watching me help you get settled on the massage table before he climbs into his bed in the session room. I miss how he helped me take care of you. And what I have learned now is you miss him, too.

My daughter, Jessica Marie Phillips, made this art of Dakota. It was her idea to create a newsletter about my Portland Reflexology assistant, but Dakota died before we could send it. Today I’m so grateful to have this magnificent piece of art. It catches his spirit of joy just being a dog. And mine in being your reflexologist.

If you’ve have lost a pet you loved, I’m so sorry. I just didn’t know what this kind of loss was like. Now I do. Please come tell me your best pet stories next time you come for your appointment. I’m listening.

Wishing you, your family and pets a happy holiday.