Our beautiful Fly Boy is
gone. We are heartbroken, as one always is in this
vocation, each time one so dearly loved is lost.
Though he did not reside here in the latter half of
his life, his sweet spirit and beautiful soul will
be sorely missed.
Flyer was all things
Siberians are; mischievous, funny, smart and a real
communicator. He was flashy, elegant and
absolutely magic in a show
ring. He didn't just demand to win; we always
thought the only thing that stopped him from taking
the ribbon(s) off the steward's stable BY HIMSELF
was his lack of opposable thumbs!
We adored him.
Unadulterated adoration. But he ultimately found a family
that loved him even more than we thought possible --
how could anybody love our boy as much as we did?
That simply had to be IMPOSSIBLE --after a lengthy
and too-long-too-go-into story, we took the chance.
Flyer was leased to the Newtok people in Australia
and his wonderful, idyllic life with Julie and Eric
and their lovely son began. It was a blessing
for all. We lived vicariously through their letters
and e-mails, hearing of his adventures and successes
abroad -- of course, with great pride. Flyer
produced many BIS/BISS winners for Newtok, as well
as leaving his legacy of beautiful
children/grandchildren here in the States.
His accomplishments were
many and varied. He may well be best remembered for
his virtues being so maddeningly agreeable and
sickeningly "nice" all the time and just for
his overall "being." NOTHING ever made that dog
mad! NOTHING. He was just like a big
Baby Huey (well, not exactly -- I mean, he wasn't a HUGE,
outsized baby duck, didn't wear diapers and was
surely much smarter than that) -- but for an alpha,
stud-dog type, he was laid back to a degree
that was a joy
to be around. No problems, ever. Wow. Of
course, there are owners who believe their dogs
are just as special and just as loving, but one
would REALLY be hard-pressed to actually find one.
That's my story and I'm stickin' too it!
Flyer never asked for
anything except to be with those who loved him. If
that meant showing; fine. If it didn't, that was
fine, too. Oops -- tears are getting -- the author
is losing her way a bit
here --
So to replace the focus
where it needs to be -- on Flyer's lovely and
generous soul. He just knew any dog (or person)
that was "cranky" simply must be mis-understood --
life was all good!! All the time. Every day.
Happy and generous of spirit every day of his life.
To the end.
It was a sad,
but not unexpected, revelation to find him exhibit
such courage and bravery in his last, difficult
months. He stayed as long as he could, I'm sure --
perhaps longer than we all expected. He left with
grace and dignity and, most of all, unconditional
love. Especially for those who offered the
wonderful care and devotion that characterized both
his life and his final days -- Julie, Eric and
their son.
It was so very hard to
let go. He gave us time to prepare but no lead time
is ever enough. But
Newtok knew when it was right to say goodbye. We
are so appreciative for this remarkable family. He
lived a wonderful
and productive life in Australia -- they should be
rightfully very proud of Flyer's life and legacy
Down Under. Thank you for exhibiting the grace and
integrity throughout these past years that allowed
us to place such a special
boy in your trusted care.
Again, tears interrupt
--
The best part of this is
that the Radio Flyer is now strong and free and can
be old his energetic self again -- the old gang,
Bandit, Hank, Mandy, Tenacity, Magic -- all his
buds and his mom and dad -- have surely now
welcomed him. They must be so excited!! What a celebration --
to welcome their beautiful son and buddy to their
forever happy place -- no more aches or pain and
young forever! It could be worse, right? Rather
than staying here, they now all wait for us,
together, on the other side of the Bridge.
We'll all miss you,
lovely boy, and will forever thank the Powers that
Be for letting you be such an important part our
hearts. Be a really
good boy and we will, for sure -- see you and your
friends later --
