Odie was born in south Austin in June of 1995. Six weeks later she joined the Franklin family as the birthday gift to Joshua. Four years later Frances began to take the role of primary caretaker to Odie. Odie was patient with Frances' reluctance to become her new parent, and over time Odie became Frances' Sweet Little Odie Girl, her Baby Girl, or her Pretty Girl. Odie was a remarkable barrier breaking dog. She offically became the FIRST long-term true family pet member of the Franklin family. Her persistence in being a loving presence was and continues to be a gift that will touch the Franklin family forever. She made sure to share affection with each member of the family. In the mornings and evenings she would prop up on the laps of Mom and Dad Franklin and snuggle up with Frances at night. She loved all her family dearly. Odie was an ENTHUSIASTIC Cocker Spaniel about everything, especially belly rubs. If she really liked you she would offer you the privilege of providing her with a belly rub. She would start kicking her leg really fast if it was an especially satisfying belly rub. She also liked to be kneaded on her rump and if that one someone special did it (you know who you are) she would start growling to show how happy she was. She was also really ENTHUSIASTIC about riding in the car. OMG! It didn't matter if we were just going to the mail box she would jump right in. Odie definitely possessed a spirit of adventure and LOVED to try new things. She like to attend Celtic jam sessions occasionally on Sunday nights. In fact, the last time Frank showed up at the session without Odie, Heather asked "no dog?" Odie has traveled to some fun places, she nearly chased bighorn sheep (or were those really big goats?) in Camp Wood, but seemed to think better of it, then she went on a 4 mile hike in Lost Maples State Park in November of 2006. The following year, she went hiking, and 'caving' at Enchanted Rock State Park and Pedernales Falls State Park. She got her 'shoes' to protect the pads of her feet from the quartz in the granite and wore them at Enchanted Rock. She became a little furry celebrity as people marveled at her being the first dog they ever saw wearing shoes. She was practically mobbed by the "Pupperatzi" on that trip as complete strangers asked for photographs (no autographs). Odie continued to enjoy the great outdoors throughout her life with her most recent adventure to McKinney Falls State Park. she was scheduled to go on her first camping trip later this Spring, but those plans were derailed by her sudden and untimely demise. There are so many stories that many friends and family could tell about Odie's precious gift of love and laughter and hopefully they will be added. The most important thing to remember about Odie is that she was a loving presence to all who knew her.