Sunday, August 3, 2008

The Seattle Times Tribute in Sunday's Paper

Eulogy for canine concierge Louie L'Amour
Louis L'Amour, the official canine greeter at Ruby Montana's Coral Sands Inn in Palm Springs, Calif., passes away at 21

Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company, Sunday, August 3, 2008


Louis L'Amour, chief "greeter" at the Coral Sands Inn in Palm Springs, Calif., passed away last week.


L'Amour was 21 years old.


Ah, but don't mourn the death of one so young. L'Amour (better known among his guests as Louie) was a Chihuahua, something like 147 years old in human terms when he left this world — that must be some kind of record in the concierge world.


Louie was the constant companion of Ruby Montana, who for years owned the Pinto Pony — a kitschy, krazy shop in downtown Seattle — before she opened her Coral Sands Inn in Palm Springs in 2000.


Guests — countless numbers of them from the Northwest — made pilgrimages to the converted pink motel, where they were greeted by Louie's attentive barks and then tours of the rooms, designed especially for fans of an era gone by — see the Roy Rogers unit, for example.


Louie's role at the Inn was chronicled in The Seattle Times in 2002. You can read that story online by looking for this article at www.seattletimes.com/travel.


Farewell, Louie! Hope you'll consider this little recognition as "one more for the road."


link to Seattle Time article

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/home/index.html


12 comments:

Kim Carney said...

Heart broken to hear of Louie's passing. In my mind, he was the perfect chihuahua with the best wardrobe. He will be missed! Especially from this fan in Wa State!

xoxo!
Kim

Anonymous said...

Ruby,

This is Richard and Ann-Marie Roberts (from Seattle, now of Miami). Our condolences to you for Louie's passing over the Rainbow Bridge.

We pulled up stakes 4 years ago and headed to sunny Florida - my flamingo collection is so at home here. Many thanks to you and your keen eye for collectibles and kitsch that make our house in Florida one of the best!

Much love,

Ann-Marie and Richard Roberts

Anonymous said...

Ruby,
I'm sure you've heard from many Seattleites today about the sweet eulogy for Louis in the Times this morning. Think of all of the the people this morning, sipping their coffee, coming across the article and going awwwwwwww.......whether they know the two of you or not. Sweet.
Thinking of you and remembering little Louis L'Amour - we'll miss him........
x, Carol

Anonymous said...

Darling Ruby -- how can it be? Beautfiul piece in the Times today!

Your Queen Anne friends are so saddened by this loss!

We love you and look forward to our October visit to Palm Springs!

Who will greet us loudly at the front door? Who will wag his tail and cheerfully escort us to our rooms? Louie N' Mour!

Fortunately, Dusty and Lola will be there to pick up the pieces. Tons of love! gs2

Anonymous said...

Hi Rube, So sorry to hear the news about Little Louie Lamour.
He was a precious companion to you at a time when you needed him most
and he lived just to please you. It was a pleasure to meet such a sweet
little bud.
So now that I've made you cry... I know you know that it's time to move
forward and be happy that he was there to share a part of your life with
you! Who or what wouldn't want to be a part of the wonderful WITCHBALL
that you are!!!
Hope by now that you are fishin' in the mountains and have left the heat
of P.S. behind for awhile.
Maybe we will see you again in January- it was a great time that we
shared with you last winter!
Take care and hi to all at The Sands!
Diane & Dog Whisperer
Diane and Bob Petipas

Anonymous said...

Ruby,

What a great piece in the Seattle Sunday paper on Louie! And what a
stunning photo of both of you. Trust you are beginning to heal, but know
you miss your long-time friend. Loss is never easy. Looking forward to
maybe sharing some turkey day leftovers with you in November. Sorry I
cant' make it down for the actual day; need to be with my mom. KNow you get
that. Lots to catch up on . Love you lots. Lynn.

Regards,

Lynn Grigsby

Anonymous said...

I was very sad to hear about Louis passing - he was an institution and will be missed. My sincerest condolences to you.
Alan Mainer

Anonymous said...

Dearest Ruby,
My heart broke for you when I read of Louie's passing. I could only focus on the marvelous photo which ran with the article. All spirit. What I can say is I'm sure he is in Heaven with kitty Java Louis, who made it to 22, before rapturing (literally) Christmas 2005. Now they are frolicking in paradise with all our other beloved pets.
I send you a hug filled with love.
Ann E. Yow

Anonymous said...

oh dear ruby.

i visited here yesterday after being away on vacation and missed your blog for a couple of weeks. When I saw the adorable photos of sweet lil louie ... i knew.

I cried instantly and couldn't read (or see) anymore.

Tonight I returned and I decided to write this through the tears anyway.

If it were possible, I would send you out a hug that would last forever.

My heart and thoughts are with you and hope it brings you comfort.

He will be forever missed in this world.

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear about Louie but what a life that little guy lived. Loved meeting him in May and wish him the happiest trails. Must be sad for you – so very sorry. Dina
Dina Alhadeff

Anonymous said...

Hi Ruby-
We were very sorry to hear of the passing of your little Louie. He was indeed a very special little dog.

Our condolences,

Debbie Palmer
Michael Arndt

Seattle, WA

Anonymous said...

Hi Ruby,

I was so sorry to hear about your loss of M. L’Amour. As a fellow concierge, it’s hard to see the good ones fall. Keep on truckin’, Mama.

L’amour l’amour toujours l’amour,
Dana

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