This has been a week where we're checking our shopping lists. While some are trying to wrap up work or school projects before holiday breaks others are decorating, baking, and making travel plans.

Amid the hustle and bustle that comes with this time of year, we lost our friend Larry Mabee. "Horse people" know Larry as the son of John and Betty Mabee of Golden Eagle Farm. Larry was also a successful and respected businessman.

Here at Rancho Coastal Humane Society, he was just "Larry." He met our dear friend Chris Penrod, Director of Operations at the Del Mar Country Club in Rancho Santa Fe, two years ago. Sharing their love for animals, Chris and Larry became friends. Their friendship grew into respect and commitment. Then, earlier this month, they married.

RCHS President Jim Silveira says, "Chris and Larry were ideal for each other. They're two confident, successful people who look outside themselves to make the world a better place. Larry has been a quiet presence standing beside Chris to support and encourage her, in the same way that she supported and encouraged Larry these past two years. We're greatly saddened to lose this wonderful and caring man."

Larry's late mother, Betty Mabee, founded an organization called The GOLD Diggers, which stands for "Gifts Of Loving Donors." Chris is asking that, in lieu of flowers, friends donate to:

            Gold Diggers:

            PO Box 81832

            San Diego, CA  92138-1832