The Big Bas

Last week, we lost a fren.

Kendall was one of the last dogs from the initial group of dogs my own Athena and Odin trained with. We did obedience, rally and agility together. He was also one of my very first clients, with his mom Betty and dad Gord.

Losing a fren always hurts, but his passing also somehow closes an important part of my own past.

We like to remember our dogs in their prime, so I'd love to share some photos from his first time. Fourteen years ago.

Hug your pups a little tighter tonight guys.
We love you, Kendall, you little butt biter.

It’s been a tough week for us as the Groot family. Last week, at almost fourteen and a half years, we lost our smiley girl Athena. She gave it everything until her body had no more to give. And with it, we lost our anchor, and the last piece of our old life. “Her man” Odin passed away last year.

Their photos on the wall, their lifesize canvases, are invaluable now, and walking past them every day brings a small measure of comfort.

Go find your local pet photographer. It doesn’t have to be me. Find someone that matches your vibe. Go print something real. Something large. It will make you happy. It’s some of the best money you’ll ever spend.

And give your dog a hug from us today.
We miss her so much.

Since I’ve been on a roll posting Weimaraners recently I should probably complete the set. This is our 14yr old senior Athena. She’s been featured here often, but the last few years just didn’t want to pose anymore. And I didn’t want to make her. So for her to cooperate for her birthday was extra special.

This one needs an explanation, and I felt like I needed to hold on to this for a little bit. This is Raefn, our puppy. She is Saga’s sister. After having Saga for a little while, the vet found a congenital heart condition which would limit how much she could participate in our active lifestyle. So after talking with the breeder, and shedding a few tears, we decided to exchange her for one of her sisters, and the breeder would find her a lovely home that doesn’t go trail running and rock hiking and mountain biking. After a few weeks of observation and new medication, Saga is doing great. She is now called Lucy and has a wonderful family with another Weimaraner waiting to play with her. In the meantime - meet Raefn. She’s a firecracker. Expect lots of photos. Although she wasn’t nearly as cooperative as Saga.