Saying Goodbye...

[IronNoggin]

Eleven years ago, this little bundle of fluff & energy bounded into our lives.

Little did we know just how much he would fall into his own as a true Leader.



And little did we know just how short of a time he would stay "little"!!

Amaruq (aka Boogs short for The Boogeyman) was a mix of 1/2 Timber Wolf (Pa from the Yukon North Slope) and 1/2 Alaskan Husky (Ma from Inuvik). He was destined to become an extremely intelligent, faithful and extremely powerful Hybid of 145 pounds at maturity.

Boogs became my constant companion right from the start. Whether hunting, fishing, hitting the lakes, or simply kicking back he was always at my side. He absolutely loved fishing the rivers, and man would he ever let you know should you miss a single strike!!



He was a completely fearless bugger that one. Attacked and beat the hell out of a decent handful of bears, some absolute giants that he had no business engaging with. But he never ever got so much as a nick. Recovered many a deer for my buddies when they had been lost. And simply loved the outdoor lifestyle as much as anyone I have ever met.

Boogsie was a very good father. His lady Asuilu who passed along last year, was a darling to him, and the love he held for her certainly showed through!



Between the two of them they produced nothing short of twenty-two wee one in but two litters! And the Boogs loved and cared for those kiddies better than any other male we have ever known!





Although some have already wandered, many are still enjoying the life he gave them, and a handful have given him grandkiddies already.

One of those pups eventually came back to live with us. And so for a spell, we had three of these Buddies living with us. Bit of a madhouse at times...



Amaruq was likely the best Companion I have ever had. He was with me through thick and thin, and returned the love I gave him without question. So, when it became evident that he was starting to have health issues some time ago, of course I pulled out all the stops to deal with that. And like the Trooper he was, he came back. For over three years...

Sadly, that was not destined to last forever. Never can be.

Thus, it is with most profound sadness that I write today of his wandering.
The arthritis in his back end came back with a vengeance, and his front knees simply collapsed trying to pick up the slack.

Yesterday afternoon our Big Boy left this world while wrapped in our loving arms.
Saying Goodbye was one of the hardest things we have ever done, and the sense off loss runs very very deep.

So today, I pay to this Prince my final tribute.
You were a very special Lad, one who was deeply loved, and who loved deeply in return.
You will never be forgotten my Boy, and always remembered with the fondest of hearts.
Your Legacy is well represented in the many pups you brought into this world, and fathered so well.
They and their children will ensure your light, and your line, never fades.
For now you rest easy my Prince. The pain is far behind you now.
And rest assured, when our time has come, we will be looking for you on the other side...



Amaruq collected his wings the afternoon of July 11, 2019.
He was three months shy of eleven years old.
He carried my heart with him when he flew...

RIP Amaruq my Boy...

Sadly,
Nog

[Cement Bench]

good read thanks

[Scott N]

Sorry to hear about your dog, but that's a nice tribute.

[stuckincity]

I had to say good-bye a couple of times. I didn't like it.
Sometimes I think about it and the pain is as real now as it was back then.
I understand yours.

[catnthehat]

Condolences from myself and family , Nog.
Cat

[KGB]

Man that’s a really hard one.... so sorry for your loss....RIP..

[58thecat]

Sorry to hear or read this....You loss a family member, true buddy just as you wrote remember those great times and celebrate his time spent with you and your family.

[pinelakeperch]

What a great tribute for your friend. I have tears in my eyes. You two were lucky to have one another. I hope to see my friend Rocky again someday.

[bagwan]

They live on in our hearts. Sounds like he had a great life.

[brslk]

Very sorry to hear of your loss. He sounds like he was a very special dog.

[vcmm]

Nog, Sorry for the lose of your friend. Try to think of the special times and even some of the goofy things they do to steal our hearts. It helps a little.

[Sooner]

These threads remind us of those darn mutts that make a forever impression on us. Most here, myself included, feel your loss when we read these tributes as we have walked the walk a few times already and we realize the rewards of having these dogs far out weighs the sadness when they leave us.

Great looking dog Nog, I would have liked to see some of those bear battles. Google Rainbow bridge if you have never heard of it. My vet passed it on to me when I put down one of my true friends.

[2 Tollers]

Hard to deal with the loss of a dog that provides so much into your family. You have great memories and pictures that will last generations. All the best to you and your family.

[does it ALL outdoors]

Damn, tough to read that but a well done tribute. Can't even imagine what you are going through.

Most non dog people just don't understand the bond between a dog & its owner, its as deep as it gets.

My turn is coming with my 18 yr old buddy, I'm going to be absolutely devastated beyond belief

Take solis in the fact he will be waiting for you at the rainbow bridge.

Godspeed Amaruq

[Pixel Shooter]

Great read and sorry for your loss. These pups never live long enough. Gut wrenching

[Kurt505]

Sorry to hear about your pup Nog. Most of us on the board have had one or more of our pups pass on and know exactly how you feel. Your pup had a great life and stayed your loyal companion the whole time, but when his time comes there’s nothing either of you could do. Just know what a good life you shared with him, he was a happy pup his whole life. It might happen tomorrow, it might happen next year, but I’m willing to bet there’s another pup out there who needs a buddy and you’ll have the chance to spoil another pup

[lone wolf]

Sorry for your loss Nog, it cuts deep. Lost my best four legged camping buddy just before Xmas last year and I still miss him terribly. He was a Newfie/collie cross and was into triple digits in the equivalent of human years, which for a large breed is very unusual. We were lucky in that at least he went very, very quickly at the end. Sick Friday, overnight at the vets Saturday and euthanized in my arms on Sunday. Nothing worse that seeing them in pain. God bless !



IF IT SHOULD BE

If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand.
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years.
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come -- please let me go.

Take me where my need they'll tend,
And please stay with me till the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve -- it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years;
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

[Red Bullets]

Thank you for the excellent tribute to a life long friend. Condolences to your family. Happy trails Amaruq.

[Bigwoodsman]

What a touching tribute to your best friend. My eyes were welling by the time I finished reading it.

Condolences to you and your family. RIP

BW

[mac1983]

RIP Amaruq

[thumper]

Close your eyes, drop your arm, and you'll feel that nose nuzzling your hand forever.

[kinwahkly]

Great tribute. Never easy.

[Da'Newf]

My condolences. As Thumper said, they will always be with us...

Have had my share of pups over the years and definitely share what you are going through. Still remember every one of them that i had even when i was a little kid. My current pair of a Scottish Terror... Er Terrier and an Alberta special (part possible American eskimo the rest unknown) are as much a part of the family as the 2 leggers are.

[IronNoggin]

Thank you folks for the wonderful replies. They certainly are Appreciated.
Not our first rodeo, certainly won't be our last.
But this fellow burrowed extremely deep into our hearts, and the sadness is still overwhelming.
Everywhere I look I somehow expect him to come running...

I will always miss that Fine Lad.

Ain't having any grief holding back the eye water.
Vet called, and it is time to go fetch him home for the last time.
He will be interred next to his Lady Asuilu, and forever remain in our home, our hearts and our lives.

Sadly,
Matt

[Ken H]

Sorry for your loss. Dogs sure know how to find love in our hearts.

[MountainTi]

As an old cowboy once told me, “you know, I’ve been married 3 times, but have had one truly good dog”. Sounds like you had a good one, sorry to hear.

[archer]

My sincere sympathies to you
It’s so painful losing a friend that loves you unconditionally

[traderal]

That was a beautiful tribute to a wonderful dog. In the past 20 years I have lost nine of these big dogs, still have seven. All have different personalities but a few really stand out as exceptional. I expect to see them all on the other side and that is why I always keep adding when one passes away. Truly amazing loving and loyal creatures.

[MR.K]

Huge Loss! Great Tribute! Think of the Good Times Spent Together.

[thumper]

You may wish to hold on to some of his ashes. Some of my old Max ended up mixed with those of my youngest son - so he could continue his most cherished duty of keeping an eye on that boy as he grew up. Wherever my boy is now, it's of some comfort to know that he has his 'damn fine' dog beside him again. In time, some of his ashes will be mixed with mine as well.
max silouette #2 11-11-01 by Andrew Whittick, on Flickr