William Waldron and I were lucky enough to photograph Brooke Astor for House and Garden magazine in the late 1980's at her home, "Holly Hill", in Briarcliff Manor, NY.  My friend Bob Morris just informed me that Astor's last doggie heir, Girlsy, recently died at the ripe old age of 21 which is really 147 years old in dog years - although the breed is known for its longevity. Iris Love, who raises champion dachshunds in VT, cared for Girlsy after Mrs. Astor passed away in 2007.  She said she was the only dachshund in the house who refused to use the doggy door.  Well done, Mrs. Astor!