Dog Whisperer

Growing up in Portland, Oregon, we weren't allowed to have dogs in the family home. Mom might have approved, but she wasn't in charge. Dad ruled the roost, and he said "absolutely not." So naturally, when the five siblings grew up left the nest, we all immediately adopted canine companions.

Robert was the first in our family to buy a dog, and he preferred the Airedale Terrier. Originating in the Valley of the River Aire near Yorkshire, England, Airedales are known as "King of the Terriers" because they are the largest of the terrier breeds. Soon after, we all had pups of our own.

Eventually, Robert branched out a bit with Bouviers, known officially as "Bouvier de Flanders," a herding breed originating in Flanders, Belgium. Both Airedales and Bouviers are intelligent, loyal and familial breeds that were -- in the days before security systems -- great watch dogs.

In 1985, Robert left the City of Roses to attend a dog training and school in College Station, Pennsylvania, where he met his wife, Elaine Petrov, also a dog lover. He remained in Philadelphia, and pursued another passion, cinema studies, as projectionist and film curator at International House Philadelphia.

Robert, our resident expert on canines, provided counsel and guidance as we adopted many other breeds, including Golden Retrievers, Labradors, English Bulldogs and more. He maintained his passion for dogs throughout his lifetime and will be remembered as our "dog whisperer."