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Juneau: White Wolf (Part I)

by Scott Vail

She emerged into the world on April 18, 1986. A beautiful creature who touched our lives just 8 weeks later. She was originally a birthday gift; perhaps one of the most difficult to conceal yet rewarding in the category consisting of surprise. She did not come from a pet store nor puppy mill. But rather a loving breeder who actively sought perfection and stood behind her product. She was sired by the top winning stud in the conformation show ring that year. A truly magnificent Samoyed named Trouble. Juneau possessed many of the qualities of him including traits suggested by his name.

She was selected from a litter consisting of three females. There was that something extra that I was drawn to. At this young age, she seemed curious, outgoing, and mischievous. She stood apart from her litter mates. Immediately, Juneau became part of the family with her ever-present personality and the trademark smile. Much to her unwillingness, she was launched into the show ring. Although the sofa was her preferred sanctity, she complied with the demands surrounding the show circuit. Her movement precise, her presence constant, she eventually became a Champion and proudly wore the Ch. title as part of her registered name.

As she matured and her personality formed, the resemblance paralleled that of the white wolf. Being slightly narrower in the head and the deep, dark, calculating eyes implicated the distant relationship. I was in awe of this. Several times after having been scolded, I found various articles demolished as restitution. My son had come to visit. Not knowing proper etiquette around pets, did something that Juneau deemed wrongful. Taking justice into her own hands, neatly deposited several stool samples around the perimeter of the bed in which he slept. This took place one afternoon while we were away. This was her nature; her method of evening the score. She has a calm and methodical aura about her. Yet she exhibits the crafty characteristics of the wolf.

For companionship, an additional fuzzy creature became part of the family when she was 8 months of age. We named him Kodi. Another Samoyed sired by a brother of Trouble. Juneau accepted him without reservation. The two became lifelong mates. Often found playing together and showing together. But they were always together. They were inseparable.

Nine years after having come into my life tragedy has struck. Juneau's life is nearing a rapid end. She has been diagnosed with cancer. I noticed it just 8 short weeks ago. During that period she underwent a battery of tests to determine the extent. When all appeared favorable, surgery was performed to remove the growth that afflicted the mammary chain. The results from pathology could not have presented a more grim prognosis. Anaplastic solid carcinoma, high grade malignancy. My heart sank yet I held on to distant hopes that she may have gotten lucky in that the cancer was removed in its entirety. It wasn't to be. Her follow-on appointment was yesterday and it has now spread to the adjacent mammary chain. Another surgery was not recommended. I was advised not to allow her to suffer. The question was never verbalized. Doctor said she has one to two months. The alternatives of various treatments were discussed yet the return vs the discomfort seems a small yield to the inevitable.

I reflect daily on the times we had. Her beautiful dark eyes expressing her inner self. The smile and the raucous barking suggesting dinner, a treat, or a walk. I think of the times we never shared. The places I wanted to take her. The open space park near home. She would have adored a shopping extravaganza to the local Petsmart. Juneau loved to experience life. She loved people and adventures. She had the adventure of a lifetime after it was decided to chase some of the local deer. I spent several frantic hours tracking her to a neighboring dog run.

Soon I will be faced with a task I've not yet had to accept. For now she remains the beautiful loving creature for those who have come to know her. It will be difficult to witness the effects from this debilitating disease by which she has been stricken. At just nine years of age, she has been robbed of a complete life. As I observe her of late, I sense that she is aware that something is amiss. I hope that I will know when the time has come.

Ch. Statussam's Lady Juneau

Juneau: White Wolf (Part II)

by Scott Vail

Ch. Statussam's Lady Juneau died August 22, 1995. After a three month bout with cancer, succumbed to this debilitating ailment. She initially showed few signs of deterioration. Yet her eyes emoted her feelings as distance began to separate her from life. Never once did she protest the process that slowly engulfed her body and took her from this earth. Juneau has left behind fond memories for myself and many others whose lives experienced her presence.

Juneau came home with me today. Her remains sealed in a beautiful oak urn that adorns the home in which she lived. This will be her final place of rest. As I peer at the box, visions of her existence fill my thoughts. On warm days, she would find comfort laying on the marble where the wood stove is placed. Juneau found great joy in gazing out the window at neighboring children at play or the squirrels engaged in a game of chase among the trees. She loved life, she loved living.

We tried to make her last days as enjoyable as possible. We went for walks and visited the open space park. We managed a 4 mile hike that day leaving Juneau exhausted. While Juneau's friend, Sebastian, was just getting warmed up. I tried to take Juneau on as many outings as possible. She attended my company picnic and won the hearts of many. That day she had her first encounter with a fellow worker's pet Boa. She was fascinated with the movement exhibited by this reptile. Watching her curiosity brought tears to my eyes. I still cry for her, but know that she is at peace. I too, am at peace. I did the right thing. My fears of regret never surfaced. I know from within it was time.

Juneau is survived by her life long soulmate, Kodi. Who now becomes my responsibility to ensure that the remainder of his life consists of the quality he deserves. I know Kodi misses Juneau. But I believe he understands. Tonight I observed him as he scrutinized the oak box containing Juneau's remains. Perhaps he merely detected an unfamiliar object. Nonetheless, he too is a beautiful creature having devoted his life as a token of his appreciation typical of the breed. The Samoyed nature is one of loving and loyalty.

Juneau will be missed. Her courage will not be forgotten. I will continue to grieve for her as I see fit. I will not lose sight of the happiness she brought to me in her lifetime. Although it was short, the time we had together compares to nothing less than extraordinary. A truly incredible relationship.

Ch. Statussam's Lady Juneau

Born: April 18, 1986

Died: August 22, 1995

Rest in eternal peace. I miss you.

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion"

-Unknown