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BORN
1959
DIED
2020
Rhea Dodd Obituary
11/3/1959 - 9/3/2020
Rhea Jean Dodd, MA, DVM is remembered as an indomitable spirit, a devoted mother, and a caring partner and friend. Rhea founded and owned "Gentle Vet," a Denver-based veterinary acupuncture clinic that helped animals live fuller, pain-free lives. Rhea later led vet clinics in Kenya, where she discovered a love of elephants. Rhea was also an athlete who for 43 years found solace and adventure exploring high peaks, deep snow, and new vistas. She spent her final years living at the foot of the Tetons in Wilson, Wyoming with her life partner, Gary Kofinas. Rhea willed herself to live for five years after her anal cancer diagnosis. She is survived by her twin daughters, Annalise and Alexa Sonnenfeld. Donations can be made in Rhea's honor to the Rhea Dodd Fund of Vet Treks Foundation of Ft Collins, the Bees and Elephants Foundation, or the Anal Cancer Foundation.
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Memories and Condolences
for Rhea Dodd
Sponsored by The Denver Post.
2 Entries
Neil Gleichman
September 19, 2020
I was in class with Rhea one semester at Evergreen and this is what I remember that stayed with me, my whole life... so far:
In my youth, there were a few rare souls that seemed to cruise at altitudes I could only touch on rare occasions. When I was burdened with schoolwork and barely making it through each week's assignments, I distinctly recall Rhea showing up every Monday having spent the previous weekend exploring the Cascades and Olympics. It wasn't because she was ignoring her studies. She was a stellar student but had huge adventures every single weekend. I could barely keep up with domestic chores on top of my education and I was not touching her depth of understanding on readings.
As I matured, I always tried to channel Rhea's time-managing brilliance and energy. I like to think I improved dramatically in those ways but I never reached the level of Rhea Dodd. She taught me this important life lesson. Set aside time for the things that are most important for you.
Now I open my local paper and learn that her aspiration has ended, and we were neighbors. I feel doubly saddened. I would love to connect with her family.
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Kris Abbey Saucke
September 16, 2020
I knew Rhea for many years as we shared veterinary acupunture stories from our practices. I remember her excitement and sharing photos after the first trek visiting her elephant friends overseas. She was hooked! Rhea was always so kind in sharing her wisdom when I struggled with a behavior issue of a dog patient or one of my own dogs. She left this world a better place and will be missed.
Kris Abbey DVM
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