Author: Teresa Curtis

There were big light fluffy snowflakes
on our last walk together.

I could see you struggling to walk, and knew our journey together on this earth was coming to an end.

Thinking of a life without my Niska, even watching my snow dog in the snow couldn’t cheer my spirit.

How would I endure the cold without you? How would I endure rough times without my friend who had seen me through seasons of weather?

I knew you depended on me now to do the right thing, to let you go. Did I shed one tear less because Max and Hobbes were waiting for you? We missed them together, side by side. They will show you the path to take where the place is beautiful and where you’ll wait for me.

I will never forget the day I met you. You were a tiny furball, spunky and had a bit of the devil in you. Who knew that your role in my life would be like an angel? You grew up to be a gentle noble soul, there for me, always, a quiet steady force.

I remember how you began your journey with us, with Max and Hobbes. Max knew right away that you were the boss, and you knew right away that Hobbes was the boss.

How strong and glorious a being you were–full of life, with curiosity and charm. Always on our paths you’d look to see that Max and I weren’t too far behind, making sure we would take the same path together, and never get lost.

Your beauty melted my heart time and time again. I only had to look into your blue eyes to see warmth and love.

Wherever I went, you were with me, and everyone noticed you because you are a beautiful snow dog. Our trips to Tim Hortons, and the lady always gave you a timbit.

Our trips downtown Oakville, and people were in awe at how beautiful you were.

Our many many trips to the north, where even my mom let you sleep on the bed with her, despite how much room you took.

There is no where I can look at home, that I don’t see you, no where in my heart that I don’t feel you.

I feel like everything beautiful in me was because of you my beautiful dog. I wonder if I would have been as determined to get a good job, if it weren’t for you and Max.

I remember the day of my “testing”, leaving the house at 4 in the morning…you and max were still asleep, and I patted your heads, saying, I’m doing this for you, for our lives”.

You were my reason for getting up in the morning.
I needed a home for you so that I could keep you. I needed to be independent for us.
And what a job it’s been.

But no matter what I have seen or done, everyday I was thankful to come home to your cheeriness, and insistence that we go for a walk. It was always joyous to watch you walk, and enjoy the smells.

You were a very protective dog, even though you were quiet. I remember using your senses to know whether someone was trustworthy or not.
Ever since Max died, you were quiet….you were only vocal around him….and then it was just talking…

I remember only twice that you howled. It was the cutest thing I had ever seen. Everything about you was instinctive.
No matter where I was in the house, you were by my side.

And how you loved the car. You needed the window down to feel the breeze on your face.

I enjoyed life more with you in it. I endured difficult things more with you by my side. You were the biggest comfort in my life.

You even loved listening to me practice the violin.
I hope you feel that your life was enchanted….I know you would have loved a little bit more freedom.

You were so beautiful, Your fur, your eyes, your face, and your big burly chest.

I love you my friend.
The snow wont ever be the same without my snowdog. Walks wont ever be the same without my buddy.

Stay with Max and Hobbes, give them big kisses, and wait for me. Please look over me, and let me feel your presence.

You will never be forgotten.

I love you, and miss you with all my heart.

Max was our wedding gift to each other 12 years ago. My life was enchanted then. I was a professional violinist in a symphony, and married to a doctor, with few worries in my world. As life happened, and divorce drew near, one of the first things I said was, “I’m keeping the dogs.”

At first I tried desperately to replace my husband. Quickly, or maybe not quick enough, I learned that boyfriends and husbands come and go, but, Max, he was always by my side. I told Max many times as I snuggled him, “thank you for staying with me, thank you for being my good dog, and for being so…”Max-like”.

How many gloves, slippers, bike shorts, wallets, bras, mittens, “important” documents, wrapped Christmas gifts, designer shoes, and even money had to be replaced because they were eaten by my irreplaceable Max.

Max and his brother Niska were my inspiration, and gave me the courage to change my life. I needed to have a plan, to become independent, to be strong enough on my own to take care of the real loves of my life—my two dogs, and my cat Hobbes, too.

And the spectrum of the things that I have seen, and done. But I always came home to optimism. I will never forget Max’s rich brown eyes—how looking into them comforted me and made my heart melt. I loved running my fingers
through his thick fur.

I can’t say Max never asked for anything, because he did. He asked that I take him to fun places, to play in the sun, and in the mud. To dance like no one is watching. To swim in the lake with no destination, and wrestle until I giggled as he proudly sat on top me, as if to show who won.

Max taught me that sometimes, forgiveness
can free your spirit.

He demanded me to smile. He made me have love in my heart, and he insisted that I be happy, simply because we were together.

On busy hectic days, especially when I was trying to get ready for work, I think Max dared me not to pet his furry golden tummy while he lay in front of my path with a smile on his face.

It was clear, who needed who—
who took care of who.

How beautiful, and a noble your soul is, Max. I’m so sad without you. But, I won’t forget that I have to play, and have fun, and see the potential for goodness in everything.

Thank you for making my heart laugh
when my gut was crying.

Thank you for always protecting me, and watching over me while I tended to my garden, even though you ate many plants, flowers and trees, that are all better off left unmentioned.

Thank you for keeping me up at night because you were “warning” me that thunder was coming. Now the storms catch me off guard.

Thank you for looking at me,
and not looking away until I pet you.

Thank you for stealing those hotdogs, I laughed so hard….I’m glad you didn’t burn your tongue on the BBQ.

Thank you for eating the music to my Beethoven Symphony. Some things are meant to be played by heart.

Thank you for introducing me to the slow saunter around the block. How many more people did we meet that way. How many kids said Hi Max, and stopped
to pet your luxurious coat.

Thank you for showing me that we cannot always walk on some kinds of surfaces. And there’s no shame in asking for a little help from those who love us.

Thank you for teaching me that even if you never saw someone you knew ever again, that it was good to somehow let them know that they touched your life.

Thank you for being my friend.

Thank you for making me try
to be better than I am. For you.

Max you have mended my broken heart many times. Even just before you died in my arms, you looked right into my teary eyes and tried one last time to get me through the hardest thing I’ve ever faced. I want you to know that it was you who brought joy and happiness and meaning to my life. And that everyone who knew you, loved you.

For the life we shared together,
you will always be in my heart.

Niska and I will continue this journey with dignity, and remember your love,
what you meant to us,
and what you taught us.

I miss you, my beautiful friend.
I love you.

How beautiful and sweet my precious kitty Hobbes was. You were the best Christmas present in the whole world.

I know how much you loved me, and Max and Niska. It was easy to see by the way everyone slept comfortably on the same bed. I didn’t mind having to find a little spot for myself.

Your purr was so gentle and comforting. The way you curled up inside my arm truly made my heart melt.

With your blue eyes that sparkled in the sunlight, you brought such peace and joy to my life.

I miss you my beautiful gentle little friend. I love you.