If you've been to our sled dog kennel, you've met Hans.
He was one of the "big boys", always happy to see folks.
Whether doing a fun run with a tour guest or family,
Hans did it with gusto!
Often times, stopping to "water" trees along the way.
That was our Hans.
Years ago, we were so impressed with Hans' father,
Kiwi,
we knew we had to add Hans to our kennel and join his "daddy",
who we had purchased months before.
So we made a trip up to the U.P.,
Michigan's Upper Peninsula,
to
Iditarod musher, Al Hardman's, cabin to retrieve Hans.
As we picked up Hans,
Al and other local mushers were heading out on a 100-mile 2-day run.
.
After saying goodbye, we loaded up Hans in the cab of our truck and headed home.
Smiles on our faces.
Especially on Hans' mug,
after we introduced him to "fast food" upon crossing the
Mighty Mac.
Home.
We knew he was to stay with us forever.
The big guy captured our heart, just as his father, Kiwi had done, upon his arrival.
The last half of his life, Hans battled illness.
It began with vet visits, films sent to MSU, and many discussions, with many vets.
In the end, it was diagnosed that Asthma was the culprit.
So from that point on, each month, we gave him an injection for his Asthma.
After a day or so, he would proudly bark, loud and clear,
showing us his strength from within.
It never kept him off the trail.
He actually did better
on the trail.
But as the end of the year was coming to a close, so was Hans.
This Christmas Eve, at 3:55 p.m., Hans quietly slipped away.
We knew it was coming.
He knew it was coming.
He had stopped eating, and was sleeping and resting most of the day.
He died as he had lived.
With dignity, respect, and very loved.
It wasn't Asthma that took him, but a long life.
Thirteen years on the trail.
The trail of adventure.
We will miss you Hansey Boy.
Your buddies miss you.
You and those big feet of yours left a void in our kennel, and in our hearts.
Until tomorrow, God willing.
