Animal Matters

PETER Graham in a recent photo with his latest adoption puppy, Sparky, from the Bahamas Humane Society.

The passing of a good friend

By KIM ARANHA | Animal Matters

Everyone, upon passing away, leaves a hole in the lives of those who loved them and continue to love them, even years after they have gone.

But some people’s passing leaves a bigger chasm than others that stretches further and touches corners of all our existences; far-reaching, sometimes surprisingly so.

This week I write about a person I have known my entire life, a friend of my parents, a friend of mine, and a great lover of animals.

I speak of Peter D Graham. There have been many and will be more articles and tributes to Peter Graham, the lawyer, the politician, the philanthropist, the generous friend to the Long Islanders, the father, husband, family man… but today I wish to speak of the animal-loving, kind soul who was a keen supporter of the Bahamas Humane Society.

As I told his family upon his passing, I have never known a world without the wisdom of Peter Graham in it. I have a photograph of me age two on a surfboard and Peter Graham holding the board steady so I wouldn’t fall off. His passing will leave a massive gap in the business community of the Bahamas and in my own personal life.

Many of you know that Peter’s pride and joy was his magnificent flock of whistling ducks down on his cay in Long Island. He delighted in their healthy growth and would take great pleasure watching them for long periods of time when on Hog Cay, but also with the help of a video cam set up on the island so that he could go on his computer to watch their antics at feeding time in the evenings. Peter Graham’s whistling duck flock was famous in bird circles.

I believe that it was on his island that he was the happiest. Friends and family, animals, his Bahamas and the whistling ducks, such were the simple pleasures that filled this special man’s heart.

There were several special ducks who returned to Nassau for various reasons, the most recent was Miss Ariciella, who would sit and watch TV with Peter and his wife. Subsequently, the duck returned to Long Island and was successfully reintegrated into the flock.

His dog Murphy was the one I remember the best. I was involved with Murphy’s rescue. Murphy very smartly wandered into the Graham Thompson (west) parking lot. It took one look at this poor dilapidated dog for Peter to want to help. He brought him food, water and checked on him daily. Finally he took Murphy to the vet and got him the assistance he needed and brought him home – an old, beat-up dog with a scar here and there from a previous hard life. Murphy was the apple of Peter’s eye. We lived close by to each other and I would frequently see the two of them taking an evening walk, a gentle stroll of mutual companionship and respect. Nobody knew how old Murphy was, but he lived out his life in great comfort, surrounded by love, rescued by kindness.

Peter was an important man, an influential man, but he took the time to love animals. He took the time to rescue Murphy and many others. And when Murphy died Peter was shattered.

He loved nature and he supported preserving the environment. Several times a year the Bahamas Humane Society would be the fortunate recipient of a gift to support our good works discreetly left in my mailbox. He wished no thanks, metaphorically waving away my gratitude and changing the subject.

In a world where people are harsh, unconcerned about the welfare of others, rough and flippant, it was heart-warming to see this quiet, unobtrusive kindness displayed by Peter Graham.

He never was one to seek recognition, nor did he wish it. He was just quietly kind. His kindness did not stop with animals, however. His generosity towards individuals has been, and will be, documented by others so I will not venture into that part of his life.

At 93, his passing came as a surprise, even a shock. Some say how can anybody’s death at that age be a shock? Simple, Peter Graham was ageless. He still went to the office daily, he was still razor sharp, he was my friend and has been there to give me advice my entire life. In fact, I believe he is the last of that very rare breed – those that were around as adults when I was born.

I will no longer pick up the phone and hear that immediately recognisable voice. Nobody else will ever call me “girl” again.

I enjoy the mental picture of old Murphy, well again and puppyish, waiting impatiently for Peter’s arrival at the rainbow bridge and the happy reunion between the two of them. SALLY with BHS staff member De’Andrea Kelly (Photo/Patricia Vazquez)

Seashore Sally

By THE BAHAMAS HUMANE SOCIETY

Sally sells seashells by the seashore! This four-month-old Sally won’t be selling seashells, but she’d sure love to go check out the seashore with you now that our beaches are open again. It’s the perfect place for social distancing. Sally gets along well with the other adoption pups at the Bahamas Humane Society and is very outgoing and friendly with humans, too. She’s young and smart and looking forward to a good long life with you. Come meet Sally and she’ll sell you on her finer points.

Adoption hours are 11am to 3pm or you can call 323-5138 for more information. Sally awaits your arrival!

• Our Thrift Shop is back! Opening hours are Wednesday/ Thursday/Friday 11am to 3pm and Saturday 10am to 2pm. Bring a bag and be sure to wear your mask. Donations gratefully accepted. All money raised goes to the BHS.