Loki was an amazing animal with more personality than some people I’ve met.  He was a willful friend, a worthy companion and a loyal family member.  At eleven years old, he still romped as a puppy and made no secret of his opinions with his personal brand of conversation that involved the traditional Siberian Yowling and his own grunts.  It’s no surprise that his nickname was ‘The Yapper’ both for the sounds he’d make and the fact that he was such a bitey little puppy.

The upbringing of this dog was very rounded.  As a puppy, he enjoyed kung fu training, putting this skill to good use against his fellow initiates in the martial arts.  He later grew older and learned to pull a small scooter with a person on the back riding along like a true sled dog but that didn’t last overly long after the rider took one too many spills.  He was well traveled, experiencing the ocean and forests of the northwest in ways that some natives might never enjoy even with lifespans seven times as long.

His diet was eccentric for a dog.  He enjoyed salads, relishing the lettuce and veggies just as much as he would savor a juicy meat.  He would speak out for meals, a high pitch mix with his low growls.  These were often used to solicit treats and explain his dislike of being ordered to do things such as ’sit’ or ’shake’, though he was quite fond of whacking people with his hefty paw.

Loki adored the snow.  He loved sleeping near his humans, always happy with company.  During the many times that I stayed with him during vacation time for his family, I was happy to have bonded with him as if he were my own dog.  He was there for me during a few difficult times and I can recall every stage of his life from puppyhood to the very end only a few nights ago.

Sadly, Loki succumbed to complications from surgery to remove a particularly nasty tumor.  He passed away quietly in the arms of his most loyal companion and was honored with cremation. 

Loki was more than a pet.  He was not ‘just a dog’.  He was a member of the family.  He will be sorely missed but remembered fondly as having lived a long, full life; a life of happiness, comfort and a liberal amount of yapping. 

This small eulogy may not be much but it is my farewell to a good friend.  I believe that there is somewhere better in the universe where benevolent spirits may reside.  I know he’s there now playing and frolicking for all time. 

Beach Dog Wanders