Who could have imagined the amazing journey he took me on and the lessons he taught me...he will forever be in my heart...
Windward's Standing In Motion, JH, AX, AXJ, NSD, CGC, V
"Wotan"
September 13, 1996 - August 19, 2010
(CH Greywind's High Flying Cloud, JH x CH Windward's Perfect Harmony, JH)
Wotan was my heart and soul dog. He was a truly wonderful gift from his breeder after a tragic accident killed his sister. He was my constant companion and kept me company as a pup, while on bedrest during a difficult pregnancy and as my personal therapy dog during chemotherapy. So tolerant of a then novice handler, Wotan was my "A" dog, and guinea pig and exposed to almost every dog activity out there. I showed this boy myself and put a 4-point major on him but we retired him at 13 points, just short of finishing his championship, as we tried unsuccessfully to get that last elusive major. He would not work for even the best handlers as he was such a momma's boy.
Wotan had incredible drive and athleticism. Extremely birdy, he finished his Junior Hunter title easily and loved to hunt at the preserve. He even earned his first leg with a very pregnant handler traipsing behind.
We then discovered agility and immediately became hooked. Wotan was born for this sport but it took years to bridle his extreme enthusiasm and drive, and gain control and consistency. He humbled his handler at many agility trials and if anything, always provided the entertainment. Amazingly at the age of 12, he completed his AX and AXJ titles with first places at all breed trials.
Known as the Houdini dog, Wotan broke out of every crate made and would rather just guard the house from his perch on the couch.
Wotan retired from agility (at age 12), and up until the very end, he still loved to hike, run around the yard and cuddle next to me in bed.
Wotan has made such an amazing recovery from his bloat incident. It's hard to believe that it was only a week ago that he was released from the animal hospital. He's enjoying being home like nothing happened, lounging around the house and watching the girls romp in the yard while he suns himself in the grass. His biggest struggle was not getting treats while he was on a modified diet but now he can have them and is thrilled. He still wakes me up during the night to come up on the bed and snuggle with me.
Getting ready for an afternoon nap...
Enough with the pictures already!
After a two day stint in the animal hospital, Wotan has made an amazing recovery and is doing great. He is happy to be home and as if he never left, is napping in his favorite chair. We are beyond relieved that he's fine and finally home, as the house just wasn't right without him.
My boy is never far from me but has grown an aversion to having his picture taken in recent years. I was able to sneak the camera out and get this picture last week before he got up.
Enjoying the backyard while it's still cool outside...
At my age you're still making me do obedience and pose with her???
Good man!
Toy, bone, toy, bone...decisions, decisions...
The old boy still loves toys, especially when he can steal one out of the puppy box!
Someone else's toy is better to nook on...
I love this picture of Wotan and me that Sara took on her recent visit. Wotan looks like such a puppy here.
Wotan looking forlorn when he realized that the bagels and lox brunch did not include him...
Wotan and Jam, cuddling on the couch, in front of a blazing fire, on a frigid winter eve.
