After a lifetime of love, they now wait just across the Rainbow Bridge
To read the story of the Silver Harness and the Rainbow Bridge for Siberians poem, click on the links below:
"The Silver Harness" by Andre DeMerchant
"North of the Rainbow Bridge" by MakWa4Me
"The Silver Harness" by Andre DeMerchant
"North of the Rainbow Bridge" by MakWa4Me
Fuzzys Sylvia "Sylvia"
July 24, 2006 - September 2, 2015
The first sighthound of any breed I had ever owned, I met Sylvia when she was almost 8 years old, after her retirement from racing and breeding. I sadly only got to love her for about 18 months before she was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and kidney failure. Although I kept her comfortable for as long as possible she was in enough pain that I decided to have her euthanized only a couple of weeks after her diagnosis. Even in that short time, she introduced me to an entirely different style of dog than I was used to and took a piece of my heart (and of her friend Roxy's) with her when she passed.
I always knew I'd want another Greyhound after Sylvia's passing, and was so very fortunate to end up with Dutch, a male with color and markings nearly exactly like hers, almost a decade later. I hope she's smiling down on us now - I owe her more than I can express.
July 24, 2006 - September 2, 2015
The first sighthound of any breed I had ever owned, I met Sylvia when she was almost 8 years old, after her retirement from racing and breeding. I sadly only got to love her for about 18 months before she was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and kidney failure. Although I kept her comfortable for as long as possible she was in enough pain that I decided to have her euthanized only a couple of weeks after her diagnosis. Even in that short time, she introduced me to an entirely different style of dog than I was used to and took a piece of my heart (and of her friend Roxy's) with her when she passed.
I always knew I'd want another Greyhound after Sylvia's passing, and was so very fortunate to end up with Dutch, a male with color and markings nearly exactly like hers, almost a decade later. I hope she's smiling down on us now - I owe her more than I can express.
November 22, 2009 - Sylvia securing a 1st Place win at Flagler Racetrack in Florida, age 3. (Video from GreyhoundData)
Hudspeth's Rocks My World "Roxy"
CGC
January 3, 2006 - September 10, 2018
Reigning matriarch over all the dogs in the house and nursemaid/teacher to Kodi as he grew. My life will never be the same for having known you, Roxer-Boxer, and I don't feel like anything I write here would be enough to describe exactly how much you meant to me. I am so grateful to have been given such a long, happy time together, and honored to have called you my friend. Until we meet again.
CGC
January 3, 2006 - September 10, 2018
Reigning matriarch over all the dogs in the house and nursemaid/teacher to Kodi as he grew. My life will never be the same for having known you, Roxer-Boxer, and I don't feel like anything I write here would be enough to describe exactly how much you meant to me. I am so grateful to have been given such a long, happy time together, and honored to have called you my friend. Until we meet again.
"Kai"
2008-2019
Kai (a.k.a. my "Kai-Kai") was my very first Siberian Husky and the one who hooked me on the breed. My family had always had Boxers, who I also loved (see Roxy below) but in 2008 I became interested - read: obsessed - with wolves and primitive-looking dog breeds like Siberians, Malamutes, and Laikas. After a couple of years of research and devouring every book I could on these breeds, I came to appreciate how amazing Siberian Huskies were. I realized I wanted a Siberian in my life, not just because of their looks or as a stepping-stone on the way to a wolfdog, but because of their unique heritage - their hardiness, adaptability, grace, athleticism, mischievous and fun-loving nature, and independence. I decided they were the breed for me.
After months and months of begging my parents for a Siberian, I got 10-month-old Kai from one of their coworkers who was moving away and could no longer keep him.
I fell in love with him immediately. He was the typical Siberian: energetic, friendly but very independent, loved chasing our cat Tux (although thankfully he never actually hurt him), enjoyed digging holes in the yard, would chew the furniture if left alone in the house too long, and would bolt out of the door if given the opportunity. He had been raised outside for the first ten months of his life and so was used to climbing the fence and disappearing for days while his owner was at work, and he also needed to be housebroken since he had never had a specific "potty area." It took a few weeks, but he learned what we wanted of him fairly quickly (although with a few noisy protests any time he thought our rules were unfair). He and I bonded very closely, and he slept on my bed along with Roxy every night until I left for college in 2012.
Sadly, when I left to attend Oklahoma State University in the fall of 2012, freshman students were required to live in the dorms and I was unable to take Kai with me. My mother was working long days at her job and with Kai unable to be trusted alone in the house all day like the Boxers, he was spending too much time in his crate for either of our liking. So, although it broke my heart, I elected to rehome him with a family friend in November of 2012 so that he could get the attention and exercise he deserved. Thankfully he fit in with that family even better than he had with me (they had a very energetic 11-year-old boy who had been looking for an outdoorsy dog to play with) and that is where he lived out the rest of his life.
Kai was a pet dog from an unknown backyard breeder (I never actually learned his registered name, although I was told he did have AKC papers). However, he was a wonderful dog, and I loved and missed him enough that as soon as my senior year of university came around, I knew exactly what kind of pup I was going to get after graduation.
That pup was Kodi, aka Echoing Wind's Kruizin Kodiak Moment.
The rest, as they say, is history.
2008-2019
Kai (a.k.a. my "Kai-Kai") was my very first Siberian Husky and the one who hooked me on the breed. My family had always had Boxers, who I also loved (see Roxy below) but in 2008 I became interested - read: obsessed - with wolves and primitive-looking dog breeds like Siberians, Malamutes, and Laikas. After a couple of years of research and devouring every book I could on these breeds, I came to appreciate how amazing Siberian Huskies were. I realized I wanted a Siberian in my life, not just because of their looks or as a stepping-stone on the way to a wolfdog, but because of their unique heritage - their hardiness, adaptability, grace, athleticism, mischievous and fun-loving nature, and independence. I decided they were the breed for me.
After months and months of begging my parents for a Siberian, I got 10-month-old Kai from one of their coworkers who was moving away and could no longer keep him.
I fell in love with him immediately. He was the typical Siberian: energetic, friendly but very independent, loved chasing our cat Tux (although thankfully he never actually hurt him), enjoyed digging holes in the yard, would chew the furniture if left alone in the house too long, and would bolt out of the door if given the opportunity. He had been raised outside for the first ten months of his life and so was used to climbing the fence and disappearing for days while his owner was at work, and he also needed to be housebroken since he had never had a specific "potty area." It took a few weeks, but he learned what we wanted of him fairly quickly (although with a few noisy protests any time he thought our rules were unfair). He and I bonded very closely, and he slept on my bed along with Roxy every night until I left for college in 2012.
Sadly, when I left to attend Oklahoma State University in the fall of 2012, freshman students were required to live in the dorms and I was unable to take Kai with me. My mother was working long days at her job and with Kai unable to be trusted alone in the house all day like the Boxers, he was spending too much time in his crate for either of our liking. So, although it broke my heart, I elected to rehome him with a family friend in November of 2012 so that he could get the attention and exercise he deserved. Thankfully he fit in with that family even better than he had with me (they had a very energetic 11-year-old boy who had been looking for an outdoorsy dog to play with) and that is where he lived out the rest of his life.
Kai was a pet dog from an unknown backyard breeder (I never actually learned his registered name, although I was told he did have AKC papers). However, he was a wonderful dog, and I loved and missed him enough that as soon as my senior year of university came around, I knew exactly what kind of pup I was going to get after graduation.
That pup was Kodi, aka Echoing Wind's Kruizin Kodiak Moment.
The rest, as they say, is history.
UKC BPIS
Rys N Hy New Horizons At Kodivaro "Zara"
SSH SOR A+ OD-JP3
June 14, 2022 - October 18, 2022
10/18/2022 - 18 weeks old. Just 126 days. So short a time you walked this earth, and even shorter a time with me. In the 50 days we had together, we made memories that will last forever. I loved you immediately, fiercely; from day one you left such a mark on my heart that I never wanted to imagine life without you. Now my worst nightmare has come true.
Less than 48 hours after your symptoms began, parvo stole you away from me and sent you over the Rainbow Bridge. I wasn't ready. You were showing improvement, and I had hope that you would recover, but your little body just couldn't keep up the fight any longer.
My heart is shattered. I know you'll be okay now, but it will be a long time before I am.
Take care of her until I get there, Roxer-Boxer, and make sure she knows how much she was loved.
Rest easy, Zara-Rara. It will be some time before I can see you again, but you will always be in my heart. Kodi and Zorro miss you already. If you get a chance, pop down and see us when you can. I love you.
10/24/2022 - One week ago today was the last time I held Zara. It was 4:30am, just like now, and I was passing her over to the vet who would try to save her life. I didn't know it would be the last time then, but less than a day later she crossed the Rainbow Bridge to join those who came before her, and my world got a little darker.
Zara's name had several meanings: in Hebrew, it was another form of the name Sara(h), meaning "princess." In Arabic, it also meant, "radiance," "a flower," or, "to bloom." Her registered name, Rys N Hy New Horizons At Kodivaro, was also chosen accordingly, inspired by the images of rising suns and radiance her name evoked.
I always associated Zara with sunflowers, thanks to her bright and sunny personality and the sunflowers used in the 5-week puppy pictures taken by her breeder and co-owner, Alicia Renea Rys. I never saw this dog angry or sad once in her short life. Every challenge was a game, every stranger a potential new friend, and anything unfamiliar a new adventure. She was gentle, sweet, and affectionate, and one of the most purely peaceful and loving souls I will probably ever know.
While no measure of time with her would have ever been enough, I wasn't ready to let her go just yet. But her work here was done (for now) and despite the pain in my heart I'm grateful beyond measure for the time we did spend together. She has already shown herself to me since she passed, both here in the physical world and in my dreams. I know she is at peace, she holds no grudge, and she'll be waiting for me on the other side when my time comes to cross the Bifrost and join her.
Rys N Hy New Horizons At Kodivaro "Zara"
SSH SOR A+ OD-JP3
June 14, 2022 - October 18, 2022
10/18/2022 - 18 weeks old. Just 126 days. So short a time you walked this earth, and even shorter a time with me. In the 50 days we had together, we made memories that will last forever. I loved you immediately, fiercely; from day one you left such a mark on my heart that I never wanted to imagine life without you. Now my worst nightmare has come true.
Less than 48 hours after your symptoms began, parvo stole you away from me and sent you over the Rainbow Bridge. I wasn't ready. You were showing improvement, and I had hope that you would recover, but your little body just couldn't keep up the fight any longer.
My heart is shattered. I know you'll be okay now, but it will be a long time before I am.
Take care of her until I get there, Roxer-Boxer, and make sure she knows how much she was loved.
Rest easy, Zara-Rara. It will be some time before I can see you again, but you will always be in my heart. Kodi and Zorro miss you already. If you get a chance, pop down and see us when you can. I love you.
10/24/2022 - One week ago today was the last time I held Zara. It was 4:30am, just like now, and I was passing her over to the vet who would try to save her life. I didn't know it would be the last time then, but less than a day later she crossed the Rainbow Bridge to join those who came before her, and my world got a little darker.
Zara's name had several meanings: in Hebrew, it was another form of the name Sara(h), meaning "princess." In Arabic, it also meant, "radiance," "a flower," or, "to bloom." Her registered name, Rys N Hy New Horizons At Kodivaro, was also chosen accordingly, inspired by the images of rising suns and radiance her name evoked.
I always associated Zara with sunflowers, thanks to her bright and sunny personality and the sunflowers used in the 5-week puppy pictures taken by her breeder and co-owner, Alicia Renea Rys. I never saw this dog angry or sad once in her short life. Every challenge was a game, every stranger a potential new friend, and anything unfamiliar a new adventure. She was gentle, sweet, and affectionate, and one of the most purely peaceful and loving souls I will probably ever know.
While no measure of time with her would have ever been enough, I wasn't ready to let her go just yet. But her work here was done (for now) and despite the pain in my heart I'm grateful beyond measure for the time we did spend together. She has already shown herself to me since she passed, both here in the physical world and in my dreams. I know she is at peace, she holds no grudge, and she'll be waiting for me on the other side when my time comes to cross the Bifrost and join her.
BPBIG AKC Ptd/ UKC MBPIS/ APRI CH
Rys N Hy Bold Renegade At Kodivaro "Zorro"
VHMP VHMA TKN RATI NTD SSH SOR A+ CCF1 2K9 T3 BR3K-23 ICECC-CH1
April 26, 2021 - October 12, 2023
Zorro was such a unique, sweet, and loving boy, and yet was also the most challenging dog I have ever owned. I can hardly find the words to express everything he was to me, and the course of our journey together. I was so excited when he was born, knowing from the first time I saw his photo at just hours old that he was my favorite in the litter and praying he'd turn out to be show-quality so I could have him. I had his name picked out before he was even born, and I listened to the theme song from Disney's 1960s version of "Zorro" every day waiting for him. I knew no matter what, I was going to love him, and I was right.
As a puppy, Zorro was one of the sweetest and most easygoing dogs I had ever met. He spent the entire 4-hour car ride home asleep on my chest, never making a peep and only stirring to cuddle closer. He loved Kodi and Shiva, becoming Shiva's "Mini Me" as he shadowed her and learned all of her mischievous habits while Kodi patiently watched over him and kept him in line. He loved trick training, playing with his toys, and splashing in his water bucket to keep cool in the summer. He slept with me and snuggled every day, and I have never seen a dog love playing with a squeaky ball the way Zorro did. He excelled at trick training and showing as a young dog, winning several awards in the AKC and UKC puppy group and BIS rings as well as his first AKC point at barely 6 months.
At around 9 months of age, though, he inexplicably began to develop an intense fear of strange people, as well as a desire to be outside to the point that he wouldn't settle indoors and was nearly inconsolable any time he was kept crated in the house. Although neither of his parents exhibited any behavior like this, one of his littermate brothers did to a much lesser degree, so there was likely some genetic component at play. This unfortunately just happens in dogs sometimes, and I don't fault his breeder at all, as he was incredibly well-socialized even before I got him and there is nothing she could have done to predict or prevent it that she hadn't already. I never did manage to cure Zorro of his fear of new people, although he made enough progress to at least finish his APRI Championship in February of this year. He got along well enough with other dogs, but never truly seemed to settle or feel at ease unless he was outdoors in his kennel run.
Because I didn't have the facilities to safely house him outside year-round, and he wasn't happy without Kodi and Shiva staying outside with him (which they didn't enjoy nearly as much as he did) I finally made the decision to return him to Alicia at 26 months of age. This wasn't an easy choice, and I agonized over it for months before finally working up the courage to make the trip to Missouri. But Alicia and I both hoped it would help his anxiety and give him a happier life, so we agreed it was for the best. On July 1, 2023, we met up and I sent Zorro back with her to live at Rys N Hy.
Tragically, in early August Zorro was accidentally let out of the yard by a kennel helper while Alicia was away at a show, and escaped into the woods. After a couple of sightings during the first week of his escape, during which he would take food from strangers but only if they tossed it a good distance away from them, he disappeared. Alicia tried everything, letting people in the area know he was missing, looking for him herself, and even setting traps, but he wasn't seen again after the first week.
On August 30th my boy came to me in a dream, in which after lying together and snuggling on the forest floor with me for a while in silence, he eventually stood up and walked away before vanishing completely into the air. I feel this was his way of telling me goodbye, in a way I can't explain. From that day on, I knew I wasn't going to see him again, even if some part of me still hoped I was wrong.
Today we finally received closure, but it wasn't the kind we had hoped for. Zorro's body was found on the side of the highway, just 5 miles from home. He had been hit by a car, and a good Samaritan was kind enough to take him to the vet to check for a microchip, after which they contacted Alicia. He was in good weight and had no wounds except from the accident, so it seems he at least didn't suffer during his time on the run. Unfortunately, time just wasn't on his side.
I guess this is goodbye for now, Zorro-rorro. It was much too soon, and I hate that I couldn't be there with you in the end. I'll cherish the happy memories we made together, and I hope you know I never stopped loving you, even to the very end. Rest easy, baby boy, and keep Zara company for me until we're reunited on the other side of the Bridge.
Goodbye may seem forever
Farewell is like the end
But in my heart's a memory
And there you'll always be...
Rys N Hy Bold Renegade At Kodivaro "Zorro"
VHMP VHMA TKN RATI NTD SSH SOR A+ CCF1 2K9 T3 BR3K-23 ICECC-CH1
April 26, 2021 - October 12, 2023
Zorro was such a unique, sweet, and loving boy, and yet was also the most challenging dog I have ever owned. I can hardly find the words to express everything he was to me, and the course of our journey together. I was so excited when he was born, knowing from the first time I saw his photo at just hours old that he was my favorite in the litter and praying he'd turn out to be show-quality so I could have him. I had his name picked out before he was even born, and I listened to the theme song from Disney's 1960s version of "Zorro" every day waiting for him. I knew no matter what, I was going to love him, and I was right.
As a puppy, Zorro was one of the sweetest and most easygoing dogs I had ever met. He spent the entire 4-hour car ride home asleep on my chest, never making a peep and only stirring to cuddle closer. He loved Kodi and Shiva, becoming Shiva's "Mini Me" as he shadowed her and learned all of her mischievous habits while Kodi patiently watched over him and kept him in line. He loved trick training, playing with his toys, and splashing in his water bucket to keep cool in the summer. He slept with me and snuggled every day, and I have never seen a dog love playing with a squeaky ball the way Zorro did. He excelled at trick training and showing as a young dog, winning several awards in the AKC and UKC puppy group and BIS rings as well as his first AKC point at barely 6 months.
At around 9 months of age, though, he inexplicably began to develop an intense fear of strange people, as well as a desire to be outside to the point that he wouldn't settle indoors and was nearly inconsolable any time he was kept crated in the house. Although neither of his parents exhibited any behavior like this, one of his littermate brothers did to a much lesser degree, so there was likely some genetic component at play. This unfortunately just happens in dogs sometimes, and I don't fault his breeder at all, as he was incredibly well-socialized even before I got him and there is nothing she could have done to predict or prevent it that she hadn't already. I never did manage to cure Zorro of his fear of new people, although he made enough progress to at least finish his APRI Championship in February of this year. He got along well enough with other dogs, but never truly seemed to settle or feel at ease unless he was outdoors in his kennel run.
Because I didn't have the facilities to safely house him outside year-round, and he wasn't happy without Kodi and Shiva staying outside with him (which they didn't enjoy nearly as much as he did) I finally made the decision to return him to Alicia at 26 months of age. This wasn't an easy choice, and I agonized over it for months before finally working up the courage to make the trip to Missouri. But Alicia and I both hoped it would help his anxiety and give him a happier life, so we agreed it was for the best. On July 1, 2023, we met up and I sent Zorro back with her to live at Rys N Hy.
Tragically, in early August Zorro was accidentally let out of the yard by a kennel helper while Alicia was away at a show, and escaped into the woods. After a couple of sightings during the first week of his escape, during which he would take food from strangers but only if they tossed it a good distance away from them, he disappeared. Alicia tried everything, letting people in the area know he was missing, looking for him herself, and even setting traps, but he wasn't seen again after the first week.
On August 30th my boy came to me in a dream, in which after lying together and snuggling on the forest floor with me for a while in silence, he eventually stood up and walked away before vanishing completely into the air. I feel this was his way of telling me goodbye, in a way I can't explain. From that day on, I knew I wasn't going to see him again, even if some part of me still hoped I was wrong.
Today we finally received closure, but it wasn't the kind we had hoped for. Zorro's body was found on the side of the highway, just 5 miles from home. He had been hit by a car, and a good Samaritan was kind enough to take him to the vet to check for a microchip, after which they contacted Alicia. He was in good weight and had no wounds except from the accident, so it seems he at least didn't suffer during his time on the run. Unfortunately, time just wasn't on his side.
I guess this is goodbye for now, Zorro-rorro. It was much too soon, and I hate that I couldn't be there with you in the end. I'll cherish the happy memories we made together, and I hope you know I never stopped loving you, even to the very end. Rest easy, baby boy, and keep Zara company for me until we're reunited on the other side of the Bridge.
Goodbye may seem forever
Farewell is like the end
But in my heart's a memory
And there you'll always be...
Kodivaro Siberians