He lived with grace and dignity, without regrets. He was a friend to whom I never expressed how much his presence calmed me and made me feel at ease. I never said how much I missed him and when he finally died his life was forfeited without fanfare. He was simple, and serene in his demeanor and though he died he left a presence in my consciousness that is a measuring stick for the severity the world holds in life in almost all relationships.

One cannot measure worth of commitment in half-filled promises. Blue was always committed to us even though we often took him for granted. He was a peaceful giant of character, related to each of us as precious members of his home. He did not see distinction between the poor and the destitute. He cared for every one and in every circumstance with consistency and grace. He was one of the decent beings that defined the nature of refined commerce and industry, or governance and bureaucracy. He left a model for framing the way in which we relate to one another. Blue served efficiently as an ambassador of hope and forgiveness.

In most of the institutions that we have created, namely the United Nations on October 24, 1945, we had expected to live in a world of peace much as Blue has lived among us. What we have failed to understand in our official business is that owning a business does not give the right to anyone to be cruel and neglect others. No matter what, our commitment must be to cover the world as a blanket with unending compassion and mercy.

Even though the United Nations was formed to defend the rights of those who suffer and to restore peace it has been a shabby cousin of the spirit of Blue. We have not had peace in the last sixty-five years anywhere. What is the legacy of being afraid to embrace our neighbors as equal members of the community? What prevents us from realizing the basic tenants of respect, dignity, grace and peaceful existence? Are we unable to overcome our true origins as snarling mongrels who are always on the defensive? We are naive to think that one can turn and walk away from the care and mercy of everything in our world without devouring this world and being destroyed.

We will always remember Blue, a prince of peace. Though he was a Black Labrador, he came to us without question and left us with a feeling in our hearts that we will never forget his spirit.