Many people have been influential in my (Silver's) life over the 40+ years. Some are close, some are acquaintances, some are those who pass like ships in the night. But all of them have in some way been a help, an influence, or just a point of order in a life sometimes full of chaos. So, let me take time out to thank some of you.

My Immediate  Family:

• Annette C. Miller - First and foremost, I want to thank my lovely wife Annette. Without the help and support of this wonderful lady for the past 25 years (of which we have been married 23, as of July 2005), this whole enterprise would not be possible. In fact, without her, I’d pretty much be a stumblebum somewhere. I love you, always, my dearest penguine lady!
• Scot and Alex Miller – To my two sons, who have put up with a lot from their father, especially around convention times (when my nerves get frazzled), and yet still turned out to be good, upstanding citizens and responsible boys. Scot is now attending college to become an artist, and Alex is pursuing art and music as he heads toward High School. If there were any two other children in the world I could choose as my own, I could not choose better than these two sons, of whom I am infinitely proud. Love you, guys!

Extended Family

• Rick and Angela Miller (my older brother and sister in law) – My thanks and love to Rick and Angela who have moved heaven and earth to treat us right on the holidays and many other times. They have been a strong support for not just us, but the company, and have been there when I needed an ear or a hand. It is said you can choose your friends, but not your relatives, and so, I thank Heaven that I am ‘stuck’ with my brother and his wonderful wife.
• Terry and Benny Heck (my older sister and brother in law) – For Terry, who pretty much helped raise me, and Benny the great man whom has her heart, my love and thanks for your friendship, your laughter, and your strength when I really needed it. It hasn’t been an easy life on all of us, and I hope that the best comes to the truly deserving, of which you two are topping the list.
• Dave and Juli Miller (my ‘little’ bro and his lovely wife) – There’s a joke in that, since my ‘little brother’ tops me by a few inches… To Dave and Juli (one of the sweetest ladies to grace the earth. How she ended up with him….*grin* Just kidding, both of you), a wish of gratitude and thanks, for remembering little things like my birthday, and Veteran’s Day, for remembering a soldier a long way from home, and for Dave, for taking on the thankless task of teaching America’s youth. I am very, very proud of you, little brother, whether I’ve expressed it enough or not.
• Jan Miller (my step mom) – The woman who took care of my father through so many troubling times. May time ease your sorrow at his loss, and the memories be pleasant and plentiful for you. God bless.
• “Mom” Mary DeMarco (my mother in law) – Many people laugh and joke about Mother’s in law, but Mary is one of the people who has been a mainstay in my life for so long now. Now quite up in years, she still is providing an anchor for so many people  (her children… her grandchildren.. and possibly in the future, great grandchildren, as we have nieces and nephews old enough to marry now.) She is the heart and soul of the DeMarco clan, and may God grant her a long, LONG healthy life, and much joy and peace to fill those days.
• Bob and Marianne Potter (Annette’s sister and brother in law) – Bob and Marianne have been amazing, making sure we had a place to stay when we visited, going out of their way to treat us when we got home from far away lands, and generally being a great pair of folks to be related to. Forever busy, Marianne can always be depended upon to make time if we need it, and Bob has always been a great source of companionship and strength, even when he himself is not feeling the best. The best to both of you, good health and long life.
• Joe and Debbie DeMarco (Annette’s brother and sister in law) – If there is a bigger bunch of sassy humor and crazy fun bundled together anywhere other than Joe, I’ve yet to see it. Always one with a laugh and a smile, he is balanced out by his soft spoken, but just as exuberant wife Debbie. Together, they can turn any occasion into a joy, and I am always happy to spend an hour or two in their company. God bless ye and may you both be in Heaven an hour before the Devil knows you're gone!
• Susan and Julian Amoroso (Annette’s sister and brother in law) – Susan, my sister in law, thought me an uncouth and uncultured brat when she first met me. Damn, she’s a good judge of people! I am happy to report I have changed and she no longer finds me uncouth or uncultured; just a brat *grin*. Julian, who forgot more about music than most people will know in a life time, is always ready with a wry wit and experienced view on life. They’ve taught us much over the years, and I appreciate having such wonderful in laws. The best of everything to both of you!
• To all My Nieces and Nephews (followed by their parents, in parenthesis), love from Uncle Brian!:
  • Jason Woodward and his lovely wife Jen (as well as my GRANDniece Janey!) (Terry and Benny)
  • Joshua Woodward (a furry fan) and his wife Rosara (Terry and Benny)
  • Jennifer Miller (Rick and Angela)
  • Marybeth Potter (Bob and Mar)
  • Tony Amoroso (Susan and Jul)
  • Greg Potter (Bob and Mar)
  • Megan DeMarco (Joe and Deb)
  • Elysia Amoroso (Susan and Jul)
  • Shawn DeMarco (Joe and Deb)
  • Eric Potter (Bob and Mar)
  • Luke Miller (Dave and Juli)
  • Andy Miller (Dave and Juli)
• And one final to Maya, my brother’s German Shepard. She’s a sweetie. Her companion, my delightful friend Thor, went on to his reward in the summer of 2005, and is missed terribly.

 My Fellow Editors

• E’lantii Tana – To the wonderful vixen who always had time (for MANY things), even when we were younger, congratulations and thank you, on all your success and for helping to make us such a success.
• Mykah Jaguar – To our young AlFur editor, my personal thanks for taking on a chore which I found very difficult, and for teaching me to have a broader view of life. Much success in the future, both with us and with your chosen career beyond college.

My Gathered Friends

• Richard “Greyfur” Brooks – I could not ask for a better friend than you, Grey. You have stuck with us, through thick, thin, and in between. We’ve worried you, maddened you, and frustrated you, and still you are there, with the true loyalty of the wolf you are. You’ve been there for me and my family countless times, in many ways. You know things I don’t tell my toothbrush, yet I have complete confidence that you’ll never speak a word. You’ve put up with my temper, my depressions, and my happiness’s, all side by side.  When that sorrowful day comes that we finally have to part from this earth, I will be proud to hold my head high and declare, “He was my friend.” Love you, silly woof.
• Gary Akins Jr. – Another stalwart and boon friend, one who means the world to me as well, Gary has been my support tech for goddknows how long now, managing to resurrect me both electronically and spiritually on so many occasions I cannot keep track. An artist and writer, you’ve managed to keep SFP floating too, with very timely contributions with very little complaining (except over tight time lines, or when I blow up my computers after you fix them!). You’ve been a supporter, a confidant, and a good and trusted friend, and one who is never afraid to tell me when I am being an idiot. Friends like you are beyond price. Love you, too.
• Ixbalam – More than a friend, closer to a son, my dear comelin Ixi has been through some hard times that I wish I could have made easier. After all, he has helped me and my family through so many ourselves. He’s done everything from buy dinner, to almost electrocute himself helping to fix out house, to teaching me how to ride a bike to lose weight, to being there to ‘hold my paw’ when things were going so bad that I felt like breaking. I hope, in some small way, I have been as valuable a friend and companion to you as you have to me. *snug* Love you.
• Reverie Myu – Rev, my other ‘adopted child’, is one who followed my pawprints into the military, specifically the US Air Force (like me). Rev has been a constant source of pride, frustration, and friendship for many years, since we lived in Mississippi, and I am so proud of the little elf that I could bust sometimes. And sometime, I could also bust Rev too…..*sigh* But, over the years, I’ve seen such a change and maturing, that I am proud to call Rev one of ‘my children’. Best of luck and love to you, little elf!
• Sean "Raven Dragonkin" McC - A wonderful friend and cubsitter over the years, Raven is a burly Bengal tiger of a guy who has always been a wonderful loyal friend. A fellow writer and a kewel ass gamer, Raven has been a principle support of this little company of mine since it began. Thanks ,Raven, and a big hug and love to you!
• Tony Mariella – A non fur friend, but one who has been with me since we were cubs. Tony was one of two best friends I had when I was growing up, and has been with me through thick and thin. We were gaming partners forever, and spent many a youthful hour playing D&D or Champions. He is my son’s godfather (fitting, since Tony is Italiano..). A good man of faith, a good husband to his wife Beth, a good dad to his daughters Tiff and Ashley (Peanut!), and a good friend to have over all these years. Love you all, more than I can say.
• Qwesty Otter – A wonderful ballooonhead of a furry (inside joke. 'Little Bear' fans will get it), Qwesty has been very tolerant of my INtolerance, being a vegan and fervent animal rights supporter, and he is truly a man of his convictions. You should be proud, little otter, and stand up for what you believe, and you do! He’s a great fur, taking care of his rather ill father and helping his mother, watching out for all his fur friends, and generally being one of the nicest damn guys around. Love you, otterpop!
• Razz Raccoon – What can you say about someone who voluntarily takes on a headache like running someone else’s company when they are besieged, and does a fantastic job without complaints? Razz is also the mother of two good sons (Josh and Daniel, heya!!) as well as being a writer who helped us out on numerous occasions. Thanks, Razz, I will never forget your aid. Love ya!
• Jim Lai, my Number One son – To my big (hard to say 'little' about someone who is taller than you...) chinafoxy, you have been a good friend, taking my humor in the spirit it was meant, providing a good sounding board for ideas, and showing me a wide variety of ideas and concepts I’d probably have never considered. May the law provide you wealth and happiness without arrogance. Love you! (And to your mate, too, in case you think I forgot!)
• Basil Badger – A dear friend now far away, Basil was a mainstay of our fur parties and always a joy to have come by. A talented artist and a sweet man all around, I miss him now that he’s all the way out west, in the wilds!! Hugs and love to you, Bas.
• Steve “GummiTale” Robinson – An o-line chat friend of steady frequency and a fellow anime enthusiast, Gummi is a big Trek fan (Klingon, if you please) as well as sharing my love of the Dis Afternoon and the Chipmunks, and many other things. His dependability has helped lift me out of a funk many nights, and I thank him for being there to chat and joke with. (*inside joke* Robyn sends her regards too)
• Dorothy “Dottie Mouse” Rumsfeld – Our little Mississippi mouse, who recently was one of the people caught by Hurricane Katrina and has survived quite well (Thank Heavens!), for being a good friend to my wonderful wife, a backup technician when everything collapses around us at con time, and various other things, including putting up with me. Love ya, Dots. We have a room here set aside for you.
• Bill Schmickle – One of the finest Artists I know, and one of the most humble, Bill has been a great guest at the SFP den, always ready with wry wit, and an encyclopedic knowledge of cartoons and science fiction (especially BAD science fiction) movies, and a guy who’d give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. Thanks for all the good times, Bill, and our love to you.
• A.J. “FireDragon” Finney – Fyr is a wonderful young fur that I took under my wing, oh, it seems like ages ago. Lost in the wilds of Washington State, where he helps grow apples, he’s a powerful red dragon in his heart, and an excellent shot and swordsman in real life. Love you, silly dragon!
• Mike Lutrario – The guy who runs M&T Comics, who was (and is) a distributor of ours, and has been ready to lend a hand when I had problems here with the house (as, living in base housing and apartments for twenty years, I have VERY little ability in house maintenance!), as well as a good joe to spend an evening with. Thanks for being there, Mike! Hugs to Lia too.
• Brien J. Miller – My erstwhile boss, and a good friend who managed to help guide us here at SFP through his experience in the world of publishing. If it wasn’t for him, SFP would have closed a long time ago. And as for him, he’s why I am stuck in New Jersey…*grin* But gratefully.

And now, my On-liner Friends:

• James “Kagur” Auger – A helluva good fur, whom it is always a pleasure to yip with in on line chat or spend time with at a con, Kagur is one of the world’s truest friends, if not the world’s fastest driver (inside joke: he really IS a good and careful driver, gang!). I couldn’t ask for a better guy to have as a cyber and real friend. Love ya, K!

• Brom Bear – One of my fellow service men, Bromster is a hard hat man, but not a hard head. The bartender of our on line bar, and a damn fine artist in his own right, he’s a stalwart pal and a good man in every way! Hugs and love to you, sailor!!

• Foxlord – Another valiant on line pal, Foxy is a great fan of Dalmatians (especially 101…), and a funny mutherf@#$% as well…*chuckle*  Someone I’d be glad to have at my side or my back, FL is worthy of being called…”cool”.  Love ya, silly puppy!

• Jeff “Rebel Squirrel” Pierce – A Texan and a scholar, RS sounds remarkably like ‘Ned Flanders’ (for which he has taken, VERY good naturedly I might add, a lot of teasing). A good barometer of sense and reality, RS is a good artist and a good friend. Hugs and love, RS!

• Stephan “Furry Rebel” Workman – An on-line regular, FR is quiet yet a great guy to be around. I always look forward to seeing him at conventions, and his (soon to be three!) novels of The Princess and The Hare are a delightful part of the SFP stable!! Thanks for everything, our love, FR!

• Tom “Shy Fox” Brady – A man of quiet words and quiet smiles, and a good true friend. Shy is a terrific writer and has a ready wit, and we are always delighted at the few times we can get together at cons each year, and have to settle for chatting by chatroom the rest of the time. Good luck on your upcoming marriage!! Our love to both of you.

• Roy “FARSTAR” Plamamn – A fine liberal contributor, who never gave up on me in my periods of dark conservatism *chuckle*, Roy is a good artist, a good gamer, and a reallllllly good candymaker!! Thanks, Roy, you’ve been a great pal for so long, don't know what we'd do without you.

• And to all the others that popped into the chatrooms past and future – Anjii, MPanthera,  PaynWuff, Sean Cologne, Witch Cat, MadBadger, Miss Jwyldragon, Stormy Mage, Bryon Lion and Tashie, and so many others. To all of you, thanks, for being a friend.

Other Fur Friends and Con Pals

• Mike and Carole Curtis (and friends) – The wonderful owners of Shanda Fantasy Arts, Mike and Carole have been kind to us ever since we started going to furry cons. Mike has a wicked sense of humor, and Carole, a beauty and grace about her that makes her a joy to be around. They are always a welcome sight and a good time when we get together. In addition, their retinue has been stout and great friends: Matt J. McCullar, a tall ,tall Texan writer and artist who has been very good to us in the way of contributions and friendship; Brock Hoagland, from the wild Northlands of North Dakota, eh? Who always stocks the best wild jerky and interesting tales of his rambles, is also a great and talented writer; ‘Admiral’ Boyce Kline, who has been an E’lantii fan for ages and is always a great guy to chat with and compare art with; Rich Thatcher, our Midwestern bud who has probably gotten more commissions from furry fandom than anyone I know (including a bunch I _STILL_ owe him!); Bernard Doove, the creator of the Chakat race, who hails from Down Unda, and is my connection for binding tape, great stories, and a big dose of friendliness; Roy D Pounds II, the California artist who draws some damn intricate and wonderful furry goodness, as well as some great jokes and puns, giving everyone a smile;  Major Matt Mason (Otherwise known as Mitch), the fur who took me under his wing at my first furcon and has been a good friend ever since; Steve D. Corbett, a fellow artist and nut who can call forth more tales of funny things he's been involved with; and many many others whom we’ve met through these dear friends. They helped keep me enthused about SFP when I was really down, and I want to tell you, I love you all. ((And for anyone of the normal clan around Mike and Carole, that I have forgotten, please, I don’t mean it! I’ll add you as soon as I remember!!))

• Jim Groat and the assorted cloud of craziness that rolls around him. Jim is one of the oddest people I’ve been privileged to know, over MANY years now, and to this day… He’s still the same as he was the first time I encountered him. A wild nut. And a shout out to his lovely wife Rebekkah (I think I spelled it right?) and his son and daughter. Much luck to you Jim! I hope your upcoming surgery goes perfectly.

• Will A. Sanborn – A great writer who has been a terrific contributor, and is a really good guy on top of that!! He’s a volunteer at many cons, and I always enjoy coming across him in the odd places! Such as the occasional visit to the SFP den parties...*snugs!*

• Cobalt – a sweet little teddy of an artist who’s always good for a skritch and hug, and generally a wonderfully gentle person and friend. Always good to sped time with you, fuzzy!

• Other friends I see at conventions, (some rarely, some more often) such as:

o        Al “Capt Chimpmunk” Fishbeck

o        Taral Wayne

o        Bussacca

o        Steve Martin

o        Roz Gibson

o        Roxi Kat

o        Loopy (an incredibly good suiter!)

o        Goliath

o        Rob Fox

o        Todd Fox

o        Lou Leghorn

o        Kinky Turtle

o        Terrie Smith and Glen Wooten

o        Duane and Shannon Stuart

o        Wookie

o        Andrew "Blaze"

o        Johnny Skunk

o        Johnny Blanco

o        Karl Mauer (who convinced me a long time ago that SFP had a place in furrydom.)

o        Koshaw, a great body paint artist and nice guy!

o        Mitch Beiro

o        Chris Sawyer, a tall and wonderful western fur!

o        Tibo and Flinthoof, whom we miss when they don’t make it to the East Coast, and a good reason for us to visit the West!

o        Tiger Wolf, who runs the finest Internet den at any convention

o        The support gang at Anthrocon, including the inimitable Uncle Kage, Rigel, and many others.

o        The support gang at Mephit Fur Meet, such as Tyger Cowboy, Rama, and the rest of the gang.

o        The support gang at FurFright, such as K'gra, and Bellic Bear (Hope I speelled that right)!!

And so, so, SO many others that I am grateful to over the years. As I note them, they will pop up here in the thank you list.

(Last Updated 8 Nov 2005)