Dear Chinook
Today I am having the unfortunate task of saying good-bye to you. As I sit on the dock looking towards dog island so many memories come back and wishing I didn’t have to write this letter so soon. Unfortunately we knew that this would be your last summer due to your quick degeneration, that we were sorry you had to experience.
It is always hard to say good-bye to any aspect that touches one’s life in the way that you impacted ours. For all of the hardships that you have experienced, one would never have known what you had been through and how you fought to sustain in this world. Dad had always wanted a black and white blue-eyed siberian husky and boy you didn’t fail to deliver. Your demeanor and character made everyone look at you and wanted to have one like you,
but you were our snookie.
I was surprised to hear of your passing yet comforted by the fact that it was painless and comfortable for you. With all of the impact your body has received over the years it was reassuring that you took your last breath while you slept under the cabin in your favorite spot. I am glad that you a good life and life ended up being good to you.
There are so many memories I don’t know where to begin to let you know that we loved and valued having your presence in our lives. Fourteen years of life cannot be summed up into a few words, so I’ll do my best to acknowledge you in the way one should be respected.
Chinook I remember when Dad brought you home at six weeks of age, just a little furball who always hung upside down off the deck and boy did we always have a good laugh at the funny things you did. You were involved in everyone’s life and they were involved in yours. The funniest memory that I have of you is standing at the back door with a biscuit hanging out of one corner of your mouth and you having the expression of “Just let me out so I can eat my Biscuit”. You knew that you were special and boy did you take advantage of it when you could for example: sneaking you sausages, bacon and pancakes with syrup on them so that the other pup’s wouldn’t see. The best memory is of me telling you “To Get In The Doghouse” and then you knew the game was on and you made it clear by voicing your opinion.
There are so many things to say about who you were and what you meant to us, but I think you knew you had a good home, a good life and a good family who would do anything for you. Now there is just two of the pack left Skye and Mya and Skye will be joining you soon as she is getting up in years. Baby (Lightning)will now have one of her pack members to help her feel whole and reunite her with her past life. I can feel your spirit here watching and looking over us. I am sad to say that your last boat ride took you to your resting place and Skye and Mya went with you
so you were not alone.
Your opportunity to run pain free is here, take it, enjoy it and relish every second that you have. This is what you have been waiting for your journey starts now. As dad says we love you “Bud” don’t be a “Bad Bay”.
We love you never forget it. Mom, Dad, David, Christa-Lee, Cory, Skye, Mya and Max.
| Chinook |
| 22, July 2009 |
| Shirley and Gary Hleck |