My first malamute was red and regal and his name was Kodi.  I have not known a greater love than my big, goofy red bark.  When Kodi turned 8,   we embarked on the battle of our lives.  Kodi was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.  I spared no expense for every available treatment.  Kodi and I laid together on the floor of his Oncologist's office every week, for hours, while he received his chemotherapy - to no avail.  The cancer metastasized and was painfully eating away at my best friend.  There was no amount of money and  no amount of love that could change the inevitable.  Your "present" becomes your "past" in the blink of an eye and the course of my life has been altered forever.  Kodi passed with the same regal dignity he had shown throughout his life.  I only wish that I held up so well.  I miss Kodi more than words can describe.  I remember Kodi's "barkday" and the anniversary of his death - and with each passing year, I pray for the day when I will see him again.

“Goodbye my Sweet Prince”
by Karen Hukill

Now I lay you down to sleep,
with a heavy heart and eyes that weep.
Cancer is a horrible, dreadful disease,
I felt so helpless - but your pain I must ease.

God gave me the decision, the right and the power,
To end your great suffering on that fateful hour.
This decision was not so easy for me,
Your love and companionship was really a need.

You were always so special - my very best friend.
We fought the tough battle clear to the end.
My heart and my soul literally ache for you,
But ending your pain is what I must do.

In the twinkle of an eye, you were in the presence of the Lord,
As your soul ripped through mine, I lost my True North.

This, my most selfless act, was a sign of my love,
With the hope and the faith that you'd be happy above.

My grief is extraordinary - My loss is profound.
Mere words cannot tell of the courage I found
To help you join your friends at the Bridge
Your peace and your freedom was all I could give.

I pray every day that you've gone to the place
with snow dancing lessons and bunnies to chase.
Your welfare and happiness were so important to me,
And it took every ounce of my love to let you be free.

With kisses and cuddles and a soft gentle wooo,
Rest well my Sweet Prince - for I dearly love you.
   

Sire Am. Ch. Tanunak's Dakota Chief	Sire Am. Ch. Onak's This One's For Us	Sire Am. Ch. Tote-Um's Cinnamon Bear, ROM
		Dam Am. Ch. Onak's Tan Ooshka at Zel Knoll
	Dam Am. Ch. Onak's Tamook of Tanunak	Sire Am. & SKC Ch. Skookum's Tamon of Onak, CD, WPDX, ROM
		Dam Am. Ch. Onak's Tufferenhel, WPD, ROM
Dam Am. Ch. Onak's Tamook of Tanunak	Sire Am. & SKC Ch. Skookum's Tamon of Onak, CD, WPDX, ROM	Sire Skookum's Chaliguk
		Dam Onak's N'Skookum's Tomaichuk
	Dam Am. Ch. Onak's Tufferenhel, WPD, ROM	Sire Am. Ch. Williwaw's Kakooshka, ROM
		Dam Am. Ch. Wenaha's Taneum of Onak, CD, ROM