Spud’s Tribute

We were always VERY proud of Spud. A Pup in Group winner and Group Placer in the show ring, he finished his obedience title with a 193. On the trail he proved wonderful, being one of our main leaders early on. He had an unbeatable temperament, usually the one we would pick for doing school visits. He also proved himself as a sire with Champion offspring and excellent running dogs. Sundance, Doc, Butch and Sammy (Samhu Ice) are all offspring of his that ran in many of our early main teams.

I say watch for the Northern Lights over the next little while (Winter 2005), it is my suspicion that there is a big sled dog race being planned in the heavens and someone is calling in some ringers.

Although, unlike with Mr. Howl (his littermate who passed four days before Spud), the phone call on Spud was somewhat expected, but that diminishes none of the pain.

We are blessed to share our lives with a number of really good dogs, but the truly GREAT ones are more rare. Spud was one of the Great Ones. Not that it was obvious to us from the time he was a puppy, in fact, he got his name because Mark felt with his light red coloring and tipped ears as a baby that he looked somewhat like a potato. We tried to sell him, but someone was watching over us and the deal fell through. Shortly after that he wormed his way into Mark's heart and after that there was no doubt that he was staying with us for life. 

My Spud stories could go on and on, for he was such a fixture in our lives and hearts for so long - his choosing not to be a leader until I really needed him at Race to the Sky one year - then being one of my best leaders from then on; his beautiful recall outside a show building one day after slipping his leash - then failing his obedience run hours later by not coming on the recall; beating Breezy and a bunch of other Specials to finish his Championship; his great work as my first 'school visit' dog.

I don't remember him getting old, it seemed to just happen overnight - in just a heartbeat he had changed from the beautiful, strong animal to one struggling with senility and a failing body. I will remember him, as I'm sure he is now - in his prime - as close to perfection in a Siberian Husky as I believe I've ever met.

This summer Spud welcomed his great Grandpups (the Power Puppies - Sparky, Charge, Watt, Tesla & Spike) into the world. Through Butch and his wonderful kids, Spud will be immortal in our kennel - as he is in our hearts.

He was one GREAT dog.

Karen