Sunday 10 August 2014

Chlout's Hector of NorthWapiti


Chlout's Hector of NorthWapiti 
August 28, 2001 - August 10, 2014

How does 12 years go by so fast?

I still vividly remember the phone call offering me the 'H's' - and the scrambling to get them down to Alberta. 

It can't have been over 12 years ago. 

Hector and his brother Herman, normally running side by side, were staples on my team for so many years. 

Herman and Hector on the '04 Iditarod.




There are many memories that drifted through my mind this morning as I loaded him into the van and made the drive to the vet clinic......Hector leading group howls on the trail and in the dog yard, him gnawing away on some poor hunter's caribou as we tried to pass him hauling it home on the Copper Basin trail, him getting a point (and starting an 'in the show building' group howl) the one and only time I showed him, but mostly I remember a tight, tight tugline.

My heart goes out to Herman today too. In their whole lives they were likely only separated for a matter of hours. I imagine not having him around will be harder for Herman to get used to then for any of the rest of us.

Big thanks to Bob Chlupach for pushing Hector (and his littermates) on me. They were some of the best I've ever driven.

Tonight at dusk I'll be leading a group howl in the kennel in Hector's honour.

11 comments:

SAY said...

I'm sorry you lost a friend. It makes me sad to think of Herman missing him.

D.K. Wall said...

So sorry to hear of Handsome Hector's passing. Hugs to Herman and all of you.

Belinda Hutchings said...

I'm so sorry, the beautiful Hector and Herman are one of my beautiful memories of your dogs. I'll never forget how impressed my musician friend was when she heard Hector lead a group howl.
Give Herman lots of hugs.

Lauri said...

Hugs to you and Herman.

Kim said...

Sending prayers to you & Herman

Denise L said...

Two of my favorites. So sorry to hear.

Barbara said...

Oh no, I'm so sorry. Who will start the group howls now? Those H's, all such gorgeous dogs. Hang in there Herman; I hope you find a new best friend for your last years. That was the first thing I thought: whatever will Herman do?

Unknown said...

Much love to you and the rest of your family in this most mournful time. Hector has more than earned his silver harness and I know he's wearing it with such pride <3

Anonymous said...

:( so sorry for your loss, give Herman some extra Hugs and kisses.

mgailt said...

Though Hector is now in a far better place, on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge, I feel sorry for Herman. I know my Ice still feels the loss of his daughter, Ayla (as do we), so Herman is going to need extra loves and hugs, too.

Anonymous said...

So soryy for your loss. A sad day for all of you at North Wapiti. Hugs to all.
Diana