As a dog breeder, the best I ever hope for is a home where a dog is loved and valued. Really, in the end the wins - be they on the trail or in the ring - don't matter, the titles don't matter...all that matters is that they were loved.
After the 2006 Iditarod I sold one of my leaders, NorthWapiti's Skor, to my friends Kim and Kelly Berg of Kelim Siberians in New Hampshire. He was a good dog here, but with the Twins he found the home he was meant to be in and became a GREAT dog - but most importantly of all, he was so loved and cherished.
On many occasions over the years one or the other of the Twins would take the time to email me just to tell me just how much the loved him and what a great dog he was. Every one of those emails made me smile.
This morning they sent me a quick email that mentioned that Skor was having a lump removed from his side today. Nothing serious, they just didn't want it to irate him when he ran in harness. Very typical of them to be that attentive to their dogs!
When I got back from my run there was a message from Kim on the machine. She just said to call, but from the sound of her voice I knew the news before I picked up the phone and returned her call. Skor had passed away coming out of anesthetic.
My Facebook wall and my Inbox have been filled with notes about Skor today and what a great dog he was and what great offspring he produced. All true in my mind, but the greatest thing about his life was the love he shared with his owners.
A mutual friend said today that Kim and Kelly were sad they didn't even say 'goodbye' to him before he went in for his surgery today. I want them to know that there was no need for that. He is never leaving the two of you - and he knew every day how much you loved and adored him - we all did.
I am so pleased that he found you two and that you found him. You were meant to be together and although right now it doesn't seem like the time you were given was long enough - it was as long as it was meant to be. Skor's father and sister left me in manners that I thought I would never recover from. I did. You will.
It'll hurt for a long time - it should. That what happens when you lose a loved one.
Grieve hard, but then pick yourself up and move forward. There will never be another Skor, but there are many other great dogs in their own right that will share your life. Loving a dog as much as you loved him doesn't make less room in your heart for others, it opens it up and makes more room. Use it well.
From all of us here at NorthWapiti - our deepest and most heartfelt condolences
In honor of NorthWapiti's Skor, June 6, 2001 - August 24, 2010.
Home of Iditarod Finishing and Best In Show Siberian Huskies - 11-Time Iditarod Participants
10 comments:
I had seen your post on FB -
I'm glad you shared this -
We'll light a candle tonight - a night with what some have termed the sturgeon full moon -
Phyll
P.S: The timing is sadly ironic in that Khyra's post for today includes a Sibe/Mal gal that passed away after her spay - she had a reaction to the ACE used - she was in foster in TN - waiting for a furever home - her pups (probably mixed with some Rotti?) were due to be altered the day she crossed so warnings were issued just in time not to use it for them - Maggie gave her life for her pups - I'm sure Skor has been welcomed by the beautiful Maggie
I am so sorry, but you are right...You do recover and yes, it takes a long time and those dogs never leaves your memory....
What a great tribute to a great dog I never had the pleasure of meeting in person but feel I have known his whole life. Through his life with you and then with the girls... Kim and Kelly are really great gals and any dog given the pleasure of sharing its life with them is truly blessed. My deepest condolences to all who knew Skor...
I am not a Siberian breeder, or even currently a dog owner.. but I have had the extreme pleasure of working with Kim and Kelly with their Maine Coon breeding program. And I am blessed everyday to share my life with two girls of their breeding. I have been to their home several times and have seen first hand the love and attention they lavish on both their canine and feline family members. They are among my dearest friends and my heart hurts for them both... Skor was a gorgeous boy loved by two truly wonderful young ladies. Rest in peace big guy, may the trail always rise up to meet you and the wind be at your back.
Love, Kim P, Luna and Isis of Flittens Maine Coons
Stonehusky Li'l G of Stargazer and Stonehusky Opal of Stargazer bow down and honor their father. He was a good dog. All of us here mourn the passing and send our deepest condolences. Godspeed Skor...
Karen, as a breeder, you set a pretty high standard. The love you have for your dogs and the love you share with their future owners is inspiring.
As Karen said, grieve hard, it's necessary after loving hard. Skor made your life richer and the memories are forever. So very sorry for your loss! We'll have a drink in Skor's memory tonight!
So terribly sorry to hear this. I lost my wonderful 10 year old Corgi Winston a week ago and I am still heartbroken. My thoughts and prayers are with the twins and Northwapiti tonight.
Kim, Kelly, and Karen - our thoughts and prayers are with you here from Texas where we are your (and your dogs) biggest fans. You can rest knowing he gave his best, you gave him the best, and his next generation will carry on. Run hard this year and do him proud!
How sad for Kim, Kelly and Karen. But how eloquently Karen put into words the feelings of doglovers all over the world when we lose one of our four legged friends.
God speed, Skor.
Marcia in Pennsylvania
Kim, Kelly and Karen, my heart breaks for you. I had the privilege of meeting the super-handsome Skor once and always remember what a 'perfect Siberian' and what a happy dog he was. You gave him two wonderful homes and I hope over time you will remember fondly the many good times with him. Barbara
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