Memories of Lukka by Jill Fike of Pineridge Kennels
Lukka and Una duly arrived in Canada while probably thinking they were still in Iceland as they came with a charter flight of 70 Icelandic horses! This was in the summer of 1996. We just had Eric at that time, so there was huge excitement for him, seeing two little Icelandic puppies arriving.
Lukka was a feisty little puppy right from the start, while Una was a little older and much more laid back. They had lots of room to run and had a happy time growing up together. We put Lukka in with our sheep and she always enjoyed moving them around.
When she was older, we were re-doing our fence between our farm and our neighbours' farm and frequently their herd of cows came to visit! With virtually no training except for verbal encouragement, she soon became adept at rounding up Bob and Bonnie's cows and returning them to quite a distance beyond the fence line! On occasion, with no verbal encouragement, she also decided to move our horses for us!
Lukka was just an exemplary mother - she just loved her puppies. The most memorable litter was the one where we had seven people on a waiting list for little girls and she had seven little boys! This was the largest litter we've ever had. Suffice to say nobody had been planning to breed and as I think most people will agree, Icelandic little boys are every bit as affectionate as little girls, the little boys went to the little girls waiting families!
Sadly our vet diagnosed Lukka with cancer and said it would be very painful surgery for her and as she was no longer a young dog, it would be kinder to let it take its course. Aside from one more vet trip about a year ago, she showed no signs of not feeling and behaving as she always had until Easter weekend, when she wasn't quite her normal self. I spent some time with her before we both went to bed on the Saturday night and she didn't wake up on the Sunday morning.
Lukka's legacy is still living on in various places in North America and we thank her for her contribution to many families' happiness. She will always have a special place in our hearts as a loyal, loving friend and companion.
Showing posts with label Rainbow Bridge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rainbow Bridge. Show all posts
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Rainbow Bridge - Greenstone Honey Child
In Memory of Greenstone Honey Child
I will lend to you for awhile a puppy,
For you to love her while she lives
and to mourn for her when she is gone.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,
Or maybe for a day or two or three.
But will you, till I call her back,
Take care of her for me?
Should her stay be brief
you'll always have her memories
as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise that she will stay,
since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught below
I want this pup to learn.
But should I call her back
much sooner than you've planned
Please brave the bitter grief that comes
and try to understand.
I will lend to you for awhile a puppy,
For you to love her while she lives
and to mourn for her when she is gone.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,
Or maybe for a day or two or three.
But will you, till I call her back,
Take care of her for me?
Should her stay be brief
you'll always have her memories
as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise that she will stay,
since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught below
I want this pup to learn.
But should I call her back
much sooner than you've planned
Please brave the bitter grief that comes
and try to understand.
Monday, March 26, 2007
In Loving Memory of Reykur
In Memory of Reykur
Written by Chelsea Schaefer
It is with great sadness that I inform all of you that our Icelandic Reykur (Belglen's Reifur), passed away on June 1st at the young age of 14 1/2 months. We welcomed Reykur into our home last August, and he had become an integral part of our family immediately. He was full of energy, happiness and love to spare every day that he was with us, and even our most crotchety cat tolerated his exuberance most of the time, and even welcomed it occasionally.
Reykur enjoyed any activity we involved him in, from his formal training classes, to at-home lessons.
His greatest trick mastered was the 'weave' where he would weave in and out of my legs as I walked. His brains and good looks attracted positive reactions from all who came into contact with him. He was exceptional with young children and babies, although a bit excitable at times.
Some of his favorite activities included playing fetch in the backyard with his toys for hours on end, chasing snow and water from the garden hose, cheering at my ultimate frisbee games, going for long walks, biking and rollerblading, playing with his friends at the dog park, accompanying us on road trips and relaxing at the end of a long day.
He was exceptionally well-behaved and mature for his age yet he still had the innocence of a puppy who has not yet advanced into adult doghood. Unfortunately his zealousness for new adventures was responsible for his passing, as he escaped in search of excitement and new friends.
Reykur will be greatly missed by all who knew him, and especially by those of us who called him family. He had a special way about him that touched each of us in a different way. As we go on with our daily lives, and as summer plans unfold in his absence we will continue to remember how much he would've enjoyed each moment with us.
He was the ray of sunshine that brightened each day and although he is gone, he will never be forgotten.
Written by Chelsea Schaefer
It is with great sadness that I inform all of you that our Icelandic Reykur (Belglen's Reifur), passed away on June 1st at the young age of 14 1/2 months. We welcomed Reykur into our home last August, and he had become an integral part of our family immediately. He was full of energy, happiness and love to spare every day that he was with us, and even our most crotchety cat tolerated his exuberance most of the time, and even welcomed it occasionally.
Reykur enjoyed any activity we involved him in, from his formal training classes, to at-home lessons.
His greatest trick mastered was the 'weave' where he would weave in and out of my legs as I walked. His brains and good looks attracted positive reactions from all who came into contact with him. He was exceptional with young children and babies, although a bit excitable at times.
Some of his favorite activities included playing fetch in the backyard with his toys for hours on end, chasing snow and water from the garden hose, cheering at my ultimate frisbee games, going for long walks, biking and rollerblading, playing with his friends at the dog park, accompanying us on road trips and relaxing at the end of a long day.
He was exceptionally well-behaved and mature for his age yet he still had the innocence of a puppy who has not yet advanced into adult doghood. Unfortunately his zealousness for new adventures was responsible for his passing, as he escaped in search of excitement and new friends.
Reykur will be greatly missed by all who knew him, and especially by those of us who called him family. He had a special way about him that touched each of us in a different way. As we go on with our daily lives, and as summer plans unfold in his absence we will continue to remember how much he would've enjoyed each moment with us.
He was the ray of sunshine that brightened each day and although he is gone, he will never be forgotten.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
In Loving Memory of Loki Fra Oddholi
In MemoryLoki frá Oddhóli 2000 - 2006
By Andrea Barber
Sadly in the beginning of December we lost our Loki. We lost our joy.
We brought Loki home from our honeymoon in Iceland. We had gone there in search of a new horse and instead came home with a special puppy. The three of us shared that special bond. From the day we brought him home from Iceland on the plane he gave us - and everyone around him - endless joy.
But try as we might (and we tried everything) we could never seem to cure his love of wandering. That’s the downside to having such smart dog - he was always able to find any opportunity no matter how small. As much as he loved us, he loved exploring the world too. His was an independent spirit and something not to be contained.
I guess for him his last night was as close to perfect as it could get. He spent most of the evening with us, getting lots of attention and enjoying the last of the leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Then later that night he was able to get out and he was off exploring at will when the accident happened. We can tell that he probably died instantaneously and felt no pain. So for him it was probably a good way to go. But not so for us as we just miss him incredibly.
To add to our pain, as many of you know Loki was an active therapy dog. He brought joy to many with his love to people and his gentle nature. At least weekly, sometimes more, he visited a center for children that have severe emotional problems. For many of these kids Loki’s visits were something they dreamed of all week long. Many of the kids would often hug Loki over and over telling everyone that Loki was their best friend. Imagine how hard it is going to be for us to have to tell these kids that their special buddy is never going to come back. These kids have had so much abandonment and sorrow in their lives - this is going to be a real blow to them. As a strange coincidence the unit he was to visit on his next visit is called “Valhalla”. We guess he decided to make that trip a little early - on his own.
Our only solace is that coincidentally during Loki’s last visit Steve also brought our other dog Tasha (also a registered therapy dog) for her first visit to start her career as a therapy dog. She was a big hit – the kids loved her. Although then we never would have realized she would have to take up the torch for Loki so soon.
In addition to being a great pet Loki was also a super representative of the breed. As many of you recall he was the winner of the 1st annual North American Virtual Icelandic Dog Show. He was also the first, and still the only; Icelandic Sheepdog to be temperament tested by the American Temperament Test Society, Inc. and receive the TT title. Even for an Icelandic Sheepdog his temperament was a standout. I have yet to meet even another ISD with Loki’s charisma and bubbly personality - something he received from his sire, IS CH Snælukku-Kátur frá Garðabæ. This great character combined with lots of smarts allowed him to breeze through his CGC and therapy dog tests. Although always with an independent streak he did love to learn new tricks and visit new places.
Loki sired two litters for a total of nine puppies. Now we are even more grateful that we made the decision to offer him for breeding. We get great comfort in hearing how much joy these pups are giving to their families and seeing how beautiful they turned out. One is even a successful therapy dog just like his sire.
It’s hardest now when we go out early in the morning to take care of the horses. Sometimes you feel that you can hear his bark in the wind. You want to whistle and see him coming running towards you full tilt with that smile on his face. You want him to stop short at your feet and sit there, looking up at you, his tail quivering with delight. But then all you hear is cold silence and realize this is a joy you will never have the pleasure of experiencing again.
Goodbye dear friend –
By Andrea Barber
Sadly in the beginning of December we lost our Loki. We lost our joy.
We brought Loki home from our honeymoon in Iceland. We had gone there in search of a new horse and instead came home with a special puppy. The three of us shared that special bond. From the day we brought him home from Iceland on the plane he gave us - and everyone around him - endless joy.
But try as we might (and we tried everything) we could never seem to cure his love of wandering. That’s the downside to having such smart dog - he was always able to find any opportunity no matter how small. As much as he loved us, he loved exploring the world too. His was an independent spirit and something not to be contained.
I guess for him his last night was as close to perfect as it could get. He spent most of the evening with us, getting lots of attention and enjoying the last of the leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Then later that night he was able to get out and he was off exploring at will when the accident happened. We can tell that he probably died instantaneously and felt no pain. So for him it was probably a good way to go. But not so for us as we just miss him incredibly.
To add to our pain, as many of you know Loki was an active therapy dog. He brought joy to many with his love to people and his gentle nature. At least weekly, sometimes more, he visited a center for children that have severe emotional problems. For many of these kids Loki’s visits were something they dreamed of all week long. Many of the kids would often hug Loki over and over telling everyone that Loki was their best friend. Imagine how hard it is going to be for us to have to tell these kids that their special buddy is never going to come back. These kids have had so much abandonment and sorrow in their lives - this is going to be a real blow to them. As a strange coincidence the unit he was to visit on his next visit is called “Valhalla”. We guess he decided to make that trip a little early - on his own.
Our only solace is that coincidentally during Loki’s last visit Steve also brought our other dog Tasha (also a registered therapy dog) for her first visit to start her career as a therapy dog. She was a big hit – the kids loved her. Although then we never would have realized she would have to take up the torch for Loki so soon.
In addition to being a great pet Loki was also a super representative of the breed. As many of you recall he was the winner of the 1st annual North American Virtual Icelandic Dog Show. He was also the first, and still the only; Icelandic Sheepdog to be temperament tested by the American Temperament Test Society, Inc. and receive the TT title. Even for an Icelandic Sheepdog his temperament was a standout. I have yet to meet even another ISD with Loki’s charisma and bubbly personality - something he received from his sire, IS CH Snælukku-Kátur frá Garðabæ. This great character combined with lots of smarts allowed him to breeze through his CGC and therapy dog tests. Although always with an independent streak he did love to learn new tricks and visit new places.
Loki sired two litters for a total of nine puppies. Now we are even more grateful that we made the decision to offer him for breeding. We get great comfort in hearing how much joy these pups are giving to their families and seeing how beautiful they turned out. One is even a successful therapy dog just like his sire.
It’s hardest now when we go out early in the morning to take care of the horses. Sometimes you feel that you can hear his bark in the wind. You want to whistle and see him coming running towards you full tilt with that smile on his face. You want him to stop short at your feet and sit there, looking up at you, his tail quivering with delight. But then all you hear is cold silence and realize this is a joy you will never have the pleasure of experiencing again.
Goodbye dear friend –
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