Thank you friends...

We are overwhelmed by the wonderful words of support and condolences received after we lost our beloved Wotan last week.  I truly appreciate the outpouring of love.

Wotan, running in the Salt Marsh on Cape Cod, one of his most favorite places in the world.  Trixie and Jam in the distance.

One friend, who knew Wotan well, whose words especially touched me:

I am so sorry to hear of Wotan's passing.  He certainly was a life-changing dog for you - opening up an entire world and tons of friendships.

You just can't say his name without a smile - he was that special.

I know you will miss him with an ache in your heart but knowing that your life was so much richer because of his presence.

Goodbye my Wotan

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.

Back to normal...

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!