Obituary of Michael W. Reed

The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness. Psalm 41:3. On Thursday, May 2, 2013 God called his child, Michael William Reed from his bed of illness to his eternal home. Michael was the youngest of three children born February 4, 1947 to the late Mark Reed and Mary Alice (Williams) Reed-Hooper. He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Sandra L. Reed and Phyllis E. Reed. Michael was educated in the Cinnaminson School system and graduated from Palmyra High School. Michael joined Saint Paul Baptist Church and was baptized under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Alvin A. Jackson. He was a member of the Sanctuary Choir and the Male Chorus. Over the years, Michael was employed by various companies but he eventually found his true profession. Michael was the founder and operator of Saytar Dachshund in which he raised, housed, groomed, bred, trained, showed, and sold pedigree dachshunds. He traveled extensively showing his and other dogs at shows throughout the country. He won many ribbons and trophies. His kennel name "Saytar Dachshund" was an icon in the show dog world. Even the children in the East Riverton neighborhood knew about the "Dog Doctor" and his famous dachshunds. They would come and watch him groom and feed the dogs and he would patiently explain different things about dachshunds. He even would instruct them on how to care for their dogs. Michael's expertise with his dog lead to his being acknowledged in the book "Profiles of Outstanding Blacks in South Jersey, During The 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, by Dr. Rebecca Batts Butler, published in 1980. Michael was described as a Master when it came to discussing his "dachshund Family." At that time he was especially proud of Saytar's "Bubbling Brown Sugar", who won "best of Opposite" at a show in Mansfield, Massachusetts. He was especially proud of Saytar's Bow Jr. of Joval," who won "Best of Winners" at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Show in New York City at Madison Square Garden. These accomplishments lead to "Saytar Dachshund" becoming an internationally know kennel. Michael was an active member of the Burlington County Kennel Clubs and the Dachshund Club of New Jersey. Michael leaves to cherish his memories, his beloved mother, Mary Alice Hooper; his aunt, Gloria Williams, a host of cousins, and loving friends especially members of kennel clubs across the country.