“Ein” Enstein's Muse

Ein joined our family in 2011 as a wedding gift from Emmy to Ron. Emmy was new to the Corgi breed at the time, and she initially had a hard time taking those enormous ears seriously. But Ron fell in love with her immediately. Ein was named as a nod to the Corgi from the anime Cowboy Bebop, and she quickly became the literal apple of Ron's eye. She was also incredibly smart. Perhaps a little too smart. Ein had a particular talent for opening things. Zippers. Velcro. Simple latches. If there was a way into something, Ein was usually willing to figure it out. That intelligence occasionally got her into trouble. Once, she managed to unzip Emmy's suitcase, pull out a latched vitamin organizer, and carry the whole thing into the backyard—where she proceeded to eat every vitamin in it. A $1,500 veterinary bill and a stomach pump later, Ein was good as new. Another time, she discovered the rotting vegetables in the garden compost and decided they were apparently worth sampling. She got drunk. Yes. Our Corgi got drunk eating rotten vegetables out of the compost. Another $1,500 and another stomach pump later, Ein was back to her old self. That was Ein. Playful. High-spirited. Brilliant. And just mischievous enough to keep us wondering what she would figure out next.

Saying Goodbye

As Ein grew older, she began to have more serious health problems. She developed a uterine condition that required surgery, and during the last couple of years of her life, she also struggled with ulcers in her eyes. Then, in the spring of 2024, her health declined rapidly. Severe arthritis in her hips progressed to the point where she was almost unable to walk. They knew it was time to make the hardest decision a family can make for a beloved animal. At the Animal Hospital of Kingstree, Ein passed away peacefully in Ron's arms. There is something fitting about that. For thirteen years, Ein had been Ron's girl. She had been his companion, his little troublemaker, his source of laughter, and the dog who could somehow open just about anything. And when it was finally time for her to go, she was where she belonged. In his arms.

Forever Part of the Family

Ein was more than our first Corgi. She was family. She was one of the animals who helped shape the life that eventually became Handley Ranch, and although she is no longer running around the Farm, her place here hasn't disappeared. She is part of our history. Part of our memories. And part of the family. Ein now rests here at Handley Ranch, where she can remain close to the people who loved her. We miss her.