In the month of November, we find ourselves celebrating thankfulness and gratitude, and the Devoe Family is no exception. Patriarch, Richard, and matriarch, Ann, have a rich timeline of family pets. They always shared their love of dogs, and each phase of their lives featured a dog or dogs that were beloved. Their two girls: Mary Frances (26) and Ellie (23) inevitably were born to have their own fur babies and are now living and loving this lifestyle for themselves.
Both Ann and Richard essentially grew up in Oxford – Ann moved here when she was 5, and Richard when he was 12. They tortured each other in high school, wound up dating in college and married after obtaining their professional degrees: Richard in Accounting, and Ann in Pharmacy. Together, they have parented many furry babies throughout the years. One such favorite was their basset hound, Rudy, who passed away after many wonderful years in 2016. Ann thought their hearts would never recover; however, in 2017, Neville Longbottom, a golden-doodle, was welcomes to their home and hearts. It was love at first sight and they are absolutely devoted to each other. Ann’s family teases her that Neville is a trophy dog that just has to look cute, and he gets anything he wants. ACCURATE! Neville positively struts his way to the Spaw and sits quite pridefully on the table during his monthly groom.
Alongside of Neville is Weasley, another permanent residence of the Devoe household, a black lab that specializes in duck hunting. She is extremely talented and has been featured journalistically for her gifts. Weasley came to live with the family when she was a year and a half old, in November 2016. She quickly assimilated to their household even though she had never been a house dog. She is devoted to pleasing her master, Richard, but when it’s not duck hunting season she falls right into being as spoiled as the rest of the pack.
This troop also includes part-time residents: Evie, Ellie’s baby girl and Penny Lane, Mary Frances’s little girl. Evie, a white labradoodle, was a rescue from a family that had small children. She is as sweet as she is adorable but had to learn how to play with other dogs- a talent that she has now mastered. She is nicknamed “The Enforcer” because she keeps busy making sure the family members are behaving as they are supposed to at all times. Penny Lane, a black golden doodle, was a gift for Mary Frances’ 24th birthday to keep her company as she started law–school in Nashville. They bonded immediately and Penny quickly took over. She and the rest of the pack share a pastime of playing with their individual tennis balls together. If you visit the Devoe House, you can expect to be presented with a tennis ball by either, two, three, or four dogs. You never know who might be in residence on any given day!
The family’s favorite place to frequent is a lake house outside of town, where in which every pup knows they are headed when they hear a familiar vacation cue, “Let’s go!” There, you will even find a specific wall in the cabin dedicated to all the animals (including Tigger, the cat) that have gone to heaven. It’s a special place where lots of stories and memories are recalled. We are honored to celebrate this wonderful family during such a family-oriented season. Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours.