Chiara, my beloved dog died while I was away. /  by Wolfgang Leander

Chiara: Intelligent, sensitive, loving, and lovable - a real 'mensch'...

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I just discovered this blog in my drafts box - simply forgot to publish it. Even though Chiara died 6 months ago, I feel that I have to honor her by posting the blog, however  belatedly.

I have had Chiara since August 2008, and we grew quietly and deeply to be emotionally dependent on each other.  There is not much more I want to say about our special relationship, except that both Lupi and I are devastated after losing Chiara. Lupi, her close and only companion during the last 6 years, will definitely miss her more than me.

The guards of our gated community who looked after Chiara during my absence told me that she would not eat anymore for no apparent reason, and as a consequence "simply" passed away within some four days. 

Had I been around, it might not have happened as I would obviously have taken her to our vet right away. On the other hand, perhaps it was time for Chiara to exit the world. She must have been 12 years old when she died - that would correspond to 84 years of human life.

I will miss Chiara, and will try to comfort Lupi by being especially attentive to him and giving him more goodies to ease the pain that fate had in store for him. Often, it is the survivors, not the departed, that are to be mourned....

PJ Dunick /  by Felix Leander


PJ and I first met about one month ago – we had heard about each other for a couple of years, but the trips never coincided.  In November we spent countless hours in the water together and did a lot of freediving.  PJ was extremely gentle with animals and one of the best shark divers that I have met – not to mention an avid freediver…the tank would come off whenever he had a chance.

Above water he was an extremely kind and positive person – he radiated good vibes.  PJ will be greatly missed by many.  Thoughts are with his family and the Dolphin Dream crew.

Rest Easy…

For donations to the family please go to: http://www.gofundme.com/pj-com 

From Wolf:

“PJ was a wonderful and very sensitive young man. I have met him only once, during a recent trip to Tiger Beach, and I was most intrigued by the way he handled the tiger sharks - he was instinctively respectful of the animals, and I could see right away that he genuinely loved them.  

Those who knew him well will miss him sorely.  I reach out to his parents to offer them my solidarity as a father and grand-father. I cannot imagine a tragedy more painful and devastating than the loss of a child”