I guess its only natural that we start aging from the instant we are born, but its just not fair that our loving & loved canine companions age so much faster than us. My first love, Rainier, turned 12 years old yesterday (January 11) and while part of me gets sad knowing she is in the latter portion of her life expectancy, I am very fortunate, grateful, and happy to have been a part of her amazing life thus far and to have had her be such an important part of my life. I have always loved her unconditionally and have thought many times I would be willing to trade my life for hers. I go would through and do anything to save and protect her. You know you love something so much when you love that something more than yourself. We have been on countless adventures, hikes, and climbs together and have made so many unforgettable memories. She is such a special gal, the sweetest thing I know, and has been my best friend since I picked her up at 7-1/2 weeks old in Charlotte, NC in 2003. I cannot imagine my life without her. I hope she feels the same. While she is of course slowing down and getting more aches and pains, she is still such a trooper and is able to hike very well. We have all been so fortunate Rainie has been such a healthy dog her whole life. Except for a malignant tumor over a year ago, which was completely removed and excised, she continues to amaze me and many others in her abilities & energy for being 84 years old in human years. I have so many photos of our adventures over the years, but here are a few blasts from the past:
So, last night, as I believe one of Rainie’s favorite activities nowadays (other than having a tennis ball in her mouth) is swiss bob sledding down a ski mountain in my lap, we hiked up Arrowhead at a nice, enjoyable Rainie pace and cruised down perfect corduroy for 1,800′ in less than 10 minutes. Not to toot our own horn, but we have pretty much perfected the human/70 lb dog swiss bob sled down a ski mountain together. She absolutely loves it. She wouldn’t think of walking/running down on her own. She just circles around me waiting for me to say I’m ready for her in my lap. It was a perfect birthday outing.
Maybe a year or so ago, Joel Gratz took this iphone quality video showing Rainie & I pushing off from the top of Arrowhead on our swiss bob. While the video is dark and somewhat grainy, I think it does show Rainie’s comfort & enjoyment. I hope to borrow J’s GoPro soon enough and video the entire bob run down the mountain.
Happy 12th bday, Rainie. Love you and looking forward to the next few years together!
Happy B-day Rainie. The coolest dog I ever did know: http://s21.postimg.org/5bavpskad/rainie.gif
You the man, Jerry. She thinks you are pretty cool, too.
Happy Late Birthday Rainier! Hope to see you soon. You are an angel sent from God just for Bran! Thanks for always being there with him. Love you Your Aunt Nance
Ahhhhhh!! What a sweet tribute to Ranie on her birthday!!
Happy Birhday Ranie…..Aunt Evon loves you so very much!!!
And, she loves you, Auntie Evonnie!
What a fantastic post, Happy 12th Rainier! One time out on the trail with my dog, a passerby said “Colorado dogs are the luckiest!”. They are, and we are too. For sharing adventures with them in places we love is priceless.
Thanks, Jennifer. Very much appreciated. You said it all. We are all so lucky to have each other. Hope you are well.
Brando, you have many many awesome posts, but this might be my favorite! HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAINIE!
Thanks, Dillon! I promise we will get together soon enough, buddy!