Saying Goodbye as Time Marches On

Sadly this week I learned of the recent passing of two dogs that were instrumental in my transition from Malamutes to Siberian Huskies and one dog that captured my heart.

RiverIce Sleddogs says a fond good-bye to:

Am Can Australian New Zealand Ch Des Mar & Peace River’s Only Way To Fly a.k.a the Rude Dude.

Rudy was the first Siberian that I really noticed, as he made fast friends with my 6 month old Malamute Dancer, that encounter leaving me with a mild concussion! A number of years later Rudy's daughter Mandy came to live with me.

Here is Rudy and baby Mandy.

RiverIce Sleddogs says a respectful good-bye to:

Int. Ch. Kossok's Gold Standard a.k.a Ryan

Ryan is Jovo's father. I never got to know Ryan well, but everyone knows what a big presence Jovo is in my life, and in the world at large.

RiverIce Sleddogs says a special good-bye to:

Int. Ch. Huskavarna's Dark Alliance a.k.a Vader

3 years ago I drove to Central Oregon in August, where I would leave my dogs for a few months while I went to Europe to teach. As Vader was coming from Spain, and needed a ride for the last leg of his journey to Kossok Siberians, also in Oregon, Alice asked me if I would transport him the rest of the way. Vader did not speak any English at the time, but when I met him at the Costco parking lot just on the Canadian side of the border he was sweet and affectionate and not showing any signs of just having traveled from so very far. En route I was stopping in Washington to do the 6 mile Snoqualmie Tunnel Run with the dogs, and when I arrived there I realized it was much too hot to leave Vader in the dog truck for this, or even tied to the dog truck. So I decided to see what he would do in harness. This Spanish speaking dog, who had never seen a harness in his life had one initial moment of confusion and then ran like he had been born doing it. My time with Vader was short but very sweet and he held a place of respect in my heart.

Here is Vader, his first and last time in harness.

All three boys touched my life and my heart. I will remember them all, and am so very thankful for the impact they have made on my world.

Rest in Peace, fine, fine gentlemen, and thank-you.

Gwen