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My Diary

Arctic Summer Son's Sunset

Daytro - July 16, 1992 to Dec 22, 2008 - age 16 years, 5 months, 6 days

Today the sun set on Nootka's Arctic Summer Son (Daytro) CDX, TT, CGC, SJATD (#2 Canadian Obedience Siberian Husky - 1999) as he left us to start his journey to the Bridge.

Daytro was always his own man and charted his own path (at least as much as we would let him). He waited until we were asleep to take his farewell. He leaves us to join his puppy mentor, Sampson, who taught him how to "pee like a man", his long time kennel mate Bailey, his friend Kiowa who preceded him in Sept and a host of family members who have been waiting for a reunion for a long time. We had hoped he would still be with us at Christmas but the siren call of his former kennel mates from the other side of the Bridge proved too strong. He told us through our Communicator friend Cam some time ago that he did not want to go through another winter. Yesterday was the first day of Winter and he started to show us that it was his time to go. Last evening he confirmed his wish to go through Cam. We spent some time with him letting him know that we understood his need and that he was free to leave with our blessing. He had fought a long and courageous battle against very high odds and he was tired Kirby lay down beside him and he waited until she fell asleep then heeded the voice of the Great Husky Spirit and slipped away. His path was no doubt lighted by the candles burning around the world in memory of those Siberians who were already waiting across the Bridge.

Daytro had a long and fulfilling life and had been an integral part of our family for what seems forever. He was also a tough guy, having survived both Testicular Cancer and Hemangiosarcoma. Beneath that gruff exterior lurked a warm and loving personality. He could be very aloof at times but loved to surprise you with kisses and cuddles when least expected. He had a great time doing obedience and although he never attained his OTCh he loved scent work and banzai recalls. After his first bout with cancer he retired from competition and went into Therapy Dog work until he decided it was time just to bask in the sun. The past couple of years have been spent tutoring Balla and spending quality sleep time in "his" bedroom. He leaves us with many vivid memories.

He gave us more years than expected and last month had celebrated his third anniversary of beating Hemangiosarcoma. His long fight took its toll on him but his spirit never wavered. Thanks to our Holistic Vet Lea who designed his special diet he was able to stay longer and his fight against cancer has been an inspiration for many others. Our regular Vet Murray and his team did a great job on his cancer surgeries that gave him the chance to fight on. Thanks to the support of friends world wide who sent good wishes and Angels to help him through some rough spots he found the strength to fight a good fight.

Although we have heavy hearts here there is also a feeling of joy knowing he is free of all those old dog aches and pains and his spirit is coursing across the sky in his new Silver Harness as he runs to meet his many friends and family waiting for him. Papa James is waiting for his cuddle puppy.

Rest in Peace my Friend and we shall be together again soon. Thanks for the memories.

Always loved and cherished by:

Ron, Kirby and the other members of his human family.
Santana, Balla and the feline members Tantrum, Smudge & Rusti

Sampson, Bailey, Kiowa and Casper at the Bridge