The Dogs Lost a Best Friend in Eddie Simon
There was never a day I walked my four formerly lost, abandoned and/or abused pit-bulls that I didn’t try to emulate Eddie Simon. You see, Eddie was a gifted dog behaviorist, and specialized in working with the biters who were ignorantly deemed too aggressive and destined for death. He would slowly venture into dog cages with growling and snapping “clients” the world had given up on, only to emerge later with the leash on securely and the dog calmly by his side. It was simply amazing to witness, through his cell phone videos of these encounters.
Photos also abounded of Eddie on social media walking eight to nine dogs at a time, all in tow and all in peace. Looking at these images was but a dream for me, as I, on the other hand, had my hands full. I reached out to him many years ago, and when he learned I represented dogs on death row, his kind of dogs, he appeared at my front door.
Upon leashing everyone up and reminding them to be on their best behavior, I witnessed an almost instantaneous rapport between dog and human which has shaped my approach to these fascinating creatures ever since. During the next five hours, we delved into truly observing the dogs, learning what they were saying, body language, pack mentality, leadership, survival instincts, common sense and how to build the relationship with them I so desperately sought. Eddie, of course, kept interrupting this fascinating journey for me with questions on what I did at the office every day. On that note, let it be known his wisdom guides my work in ways I will always treasure.
For the next few years, in addition to late night texting and phone call marathons, we infrequently met up and shared stories of the animals in our lives. I eagerly digested everything he shared. After his mother’s wake and witnessing such closeness to his parents, I noticed Eddie withdraw even more from a humanity he was constantly nudging to correct. His work with animals, and especially dogs, continued unabated while he cared for his ill father. When Dad left him alone in the only home he had ever known, and with my own experiences of representing individuals with severe depression and related issues, I feared all was not well.
In the early morning the day before Eddie took his life last week, he texted seeking my advice. Concerns were circling he had somehow not properly cared for some of the many misfit dogs he took on and was unable to turn away from. The police had been notified. I urged him to attend to his health first and that of his dogs, who most depended on him. “You have a wonderful soul and need to focus on your health so that soul can continue to guide you and all you are capable of. Love you”
It was too much for my friend to bear. I will miss him greatly but have wonderful memories and cherished lessons from a man whose devotion to the outcast, abandoned and suffering animals amongst us stands as a testament to what humanity must someday achieve. He was ahead of his time. Be well, Eddie. (Original Post : Facebook/Thom Page/ 3/17/2020)
