Wednesday, March 23, 2011

ELIZABETH TAYLOR, DOG LOVER

 Elizabeth Taylor with her Pekingese

One of my favorite themes is that the love of dogs crosses all social barriers.  I first realized that when as a 23 year old kid I got the chance to meet Elizabeth Taylor.   I was working for the Immigration Service processing passengers arriving at JFK in New York.  Because I had been green enough to purchase a full dress uniform when I was hired, I often got to escort VIPs through federal formalities.

Miss Taylor arrived accompanied by the most famous of her seven husbands, Richard Burton.  (For you youngsters out there, think Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie…and then multiply by ten.)  Mr Burton was obviously tired and irritable after 15 hours traveling, but Ms Taylor was gracious & radiant, easily one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen.  At that age I was easily reduced to a stammer when around famous people, especially beautiful women. However, Miss Taylor was also in the company of a Pekingese over which she was fussing.  I timidly offered that I owned and showed Maltese and she immediately engaged me  in a fifteen minute long chat ranging fromt how she had to have a dog in her life to the difficulty of housebreaking that particular Peke.  Suddenly the most beautiful woman in the world became one of us, a dog owner, totally dedicated to her pet.

Later she would have more than one Maltese in her home.  I like to think I had something to do with that.  In any event, it is one of my favorite dog stories.  I just wish I had a happier occasion on which to share it.  Rest In Peace, Miss Taylor.
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9 comments:

  1. AnonymousMarch 23, 2011 at 9:43 AM

    GREAT Story, thank you for sharing! Now those of us who have not been so fortunate can relate to this Hollywood IKON.

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  2. AnonymousMarch 23, 2011 at 9:47 AM

    Billy-Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories of Elizabeth Taylor.She will be truely missed by you and everyone else.She was a true legend and beauty.

    R.I.P. Elizabeth Taylor

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  3. AnonymousMarch 23, 2011 at 11:00 AM

    That is a fabulous story. Lucky you for getting to meet her.

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  4. DeAnnMarch 23, 2011 at 1:35 PM

    Thanks so much for sharing the story and the picture!! I didn't know she had a peke....today on TV they showed her carrying a maltese!! It is so neat that the love of animals tends to bring people together? Really enjoyed the photo of Elizabeth and the peke!!!
    DeAnn

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  5. AnonymousMarch 23, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    Thank you for sharing this great story. What a wonderful personal moment to share with a Hollywood legend. I'm glad to know that she was "dog people like us."

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  6. AnneMarch 23, 2011 at 6:01 PM

    Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story.

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  7. AnonymousMarch 24, 2011 at 12:52 PM

    Jealous. Most famous person I've ever talked to was Danny DeVito, and somehow it's just not the same experience!
    Patty H.

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  8. AnonymousMarch 24, 2011 at 3:44 PM

    Lovely story Billy. Thank you for sharing your special memory of Liz. I bet that was a moment in life when time stood still for just a bit and all for the love of dogs. I bet she found you charming and refreshing. Personally I am one of your admirers and hope I get to run into you at some point even if in an airport but chances are it will be at a dog show and yet again the dogs will be bringing two like minded people together :o) Oh, and when that time comes I assure you I will be far from as impressive as the divine Ms. Taylor, hate to disappoint you but it is what it is, LOL. Keep up your great work!

    Your devoted fan: Jocelyn Mullins

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  9. MinaretMarch 26, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    Thanks for the great Liz memory!

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