cola

I am at a loss for words and my heart is heavy over the passing of Cola, a retired Whistler sled dog who was adopted by dear friends...
here goes... 

Cola
Remembering you that day three years ago, hiding in your igloo and barking at me if I came too close only amplifies how far you'd come since then.
Your awkwardness and crossed eyes made me smile every time I saw you. Your being. Your presence. 
You were proof that it was possible.
You will always be proof.
But you had to say goodbye today.
To your champions along the way, and to your humans, Heather & Chris, and adopted siblings I want to say thank you for everything they did to bring you into retirement and give you a few good years of lounging in warmth and safety on any and all manner of beds and couches. For the treats, snacks, walks, hikes, adventures and vet care they provided.And to you for allowing us all in. 
The community that you helped foster will continue so that sled dogs will never have to go through what you went through in the first 10 years of your life.
I'm honoured and will always be thankful to have had the privilege of knowing you, sharing eightsies with you, and having you stay for sleepovers. Thank you for being so cool with the Mister and Bella.
You were a survivor. Stoic until the end. Remarkable.
Rest in peace and love, my friend.
​xo

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more cola::

:: More of Cola's and his retired sleddie buddy stories HERE.
:: "if someone had told me..." blog post

watch cola run: ​august 2015