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Koko's Friend Flower
(1993 - 2005) — A Tribute
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Koko
named the 12-week-old female German Shepherd a novel sign that
would best be translated as "pointed ears." This is
very appropriate in sign language since proper names are often
reflective of a dominant physical characteristic of the individual.
Michael was asked to offer his suggestion also, and it was "Flower"
(signed stink). Since his name was easier for the English
speaking humans to pronounce, that was chosen.
Because she was so bright, Flower worked with a language board
when she was young. This consisted of 20 icons with words printed
under them on magnetic cards attached to the refrigerator.
She would point to an image or images to respond to a question
or to make a request. Among the words were out, Max, toy,
water, bone, Koko and Flower. Flower added a new word--play--when
we were together thinking of new vocabulary items.
Flower had a special relationship with Anthony, Ron's foster
son. She followed him everywhere he went on the grounds
like a good shepherd.
Flower was extremely communicative as well as protective.
She would launch into long soliloquies with a conversational
tone, often to new acquaintances. That was in the days
before the doggie translation devices came onto the market,
so we never figured out any part of what she was trying to say.
Thank you, Flower, for being such a wonderful and inspiring
part of Koko's family, and for reminding us everyday that intelligence
and profound awareness and empathy are not limited to great
apes. We have a lot to learn from the "all" of the
animal world, and we will remain more open to acknowledging
that thanks to you, Flower! |
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