In 1999, I met Richard  rapidtrabbit via a phone call - within a few weeks, I found myself creating illustrations and graphics for his public access show in Manhattan.

A year later Richard was made Guest Of Honor at the very first Midwest Furfest at the Sheraton Arlington Park and I was invited to escort and help film segments for his show and anniversary special.

This being my first trip by myself, Richard introduced me to Tyger  mideonwerewolf who pretty much placed me under his paw and started the ball rolling. Through Tyger, I met  stickfpuppy - we became good friends and were soon on our way to Chicago.

There, I met a 6 foot tall rabbit, a 7 foot tall tiger, a plethora of other anthropomorphic creatures, like minded individuals... and some really cute guys. In a few short days I was welcomed into what would pretty much become my second family, the furry fandom. What felt like a lifetime of searching for - I finally found myself and cried all the way home.

Over the next seventeen years, Rapid and I would touch base with each other. He had me create more graphics, illustrations and even a few Christmas cards. He even took part of a vacation down to Cincinnati. We traveled to Coney Island, Kings Island and even over to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.

Richard dealt with so many trials and tribulations these last few years... living through 9/11, losing both his parents in a few short years, losing his job at Time Warner... I don't know how he did it ~ but he continued to persevere... with his rabbit in tow.

If I never took that step to meet Richard, I would have never encountered the furry fandom... (okay - at least for probably another 10 years or so). I would not have found *myself*... nor would I had become the critter that I am today - and for that, I will be forever grateful.

I can only hope you have finally found some peace, my friend... I hope somewhere in the clouds above, among the starlit horses and carousels - a big rabbit's hoping happy.