True leaders are first to see the need,
envision the plan,
and empower the team for action.

By the strength of the leader's commitment,
the power of the team is  unleashed.

- Author unknown

His passing at any age would have been hard, but so much sooner than expected, we had to learn how to go on without him. We will cherish his memory forever and savor every "Grover" glimpse his offspring and future generations enchant us with...the look in the eye, the steady carriage, the belly rub at the end of a good run...

 
Grover’s Tribute

Over the years, I've said goodbye to many of my canine companions. Many very special ones have passed, breaking our hearts and causing much sorrow in our lives. Skeeter, Libby, Minnow, Charlie, Allie, Orion, Spud, Buddy, Howl, Breezy and many more have shared our lives and then left, teaching us lessons about loving and losing along the way. I thought I was a good student. I understand that this is the inevitable end of any canine/human relationship and as painful as the end is, the relationship has always been worth it.

Grover in lead – Iditarod 2005 Re-Start
Photo by Heather Walls

This morning though, I feel like my heart has been torn out of my chest and stomped to a pulp. I feel wrecked and broken - and a failure at the school of loss.

I'm sure most of you have figured out where this is going by now, yesterday evening, very quickly and - despite his recent illness - very unexpectedly, Grover left us.

I looked for a quote to include, but nothing seemed right. This is all I found - 

Tears are words the heart can't express

And that is where I sit the morning after - without the words to express this loss, just the tears.

I loved him so much,

Karen

Karen & Grover - August 10, 2006
Photo by Marlene Daniel