Finn

I Am Finn

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Finn

I am Finn, the newest member of our pack. I carry the blood lines of Asher, our founder. I was conceived within days of Asher’s death.

Ash gave up his body so I could go to Asherpark. He was too young to die but he was summoned, and I was born to take his place at Asherpark.

Though I’m still a puppy, I am an old soul. I was born knowing what Asher knew. It’s as if his soul was transfused into mine and I instantly understood what it had taken Ash eleven years to learn.

Though I know more than I should at my age, I struggle to be brave like Ash. Perhaps that will come with age and experience, but for now I’m happy to follow Journey and feel safe in her presence.

Journey and Finn

After Ash died Journey needed me. She was so lonely. Journey spent her time hunting moles and rats. She honed her skills and caught quite a few varmints, but she was still lonely.

Now that I’m at Asherpark Journey and I have to up our game and bring BarkingProse back to life.

Journey is doing some fun stuff she can bark about. She’s been learning nose work and soon can take her first test.

I’m in my second obedience class and get lots of praise for being calm and listening to mom. When I graduate I will get to take outdoor classes and go fun places.

That’s all I have to say for now. My puppy brain is tired so I think Journey and I will go chase the rabbits.

Finn

 

 

 

Spirit Dogs

We Give Thanks

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So many dogs, so many memories. Each canine soul opened our hearts, made us laugh, and ultimately left us groaning through our tears as we said good-bye to them one by one.

It has been a lifetime of muddy paw prints, nose smears on windows, barks, and happy chaos.

Each dog taught us something we needed to learn, then left us to ponder the meaning of that lesson as we welcomed one new soul after another into our pack.

Dogs chosen as puppies, dogs rescued by choice, dogs rescued on the fly as a last minute reprieve from the executioner. Each soul equally precious. Each soul left an indelible mark in our lives.

As Americans we have chosen the fourth Thursday in November to focus on gratitude and give thanks for what matters most to us. Today at Asherpark we remember with love and gratitude the amazing dogs who have graced our lives, and we give thanks.

Jesse

Codie

Asher

Tess

Darcy

Jack

Nellie

Mama

Shiloh

Journey

 

 

 

Finn

Asher

Rest In Peace

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Asher

Asher

February 7, 2006 – June 15, 2017

 

Asher was diagnosed with advanced lymphoma on June 8th. The disease ravaged his body but could not touch his sweet soul.

Neither surgery nor chemotherapy were viable options. Besides, he wanted to spend his last days chasing imaginary coyotes at Asherpark with his beloved Journey.

During the last week of his life, Ash continued to shower the world with licks and kisses. He barked rudely for his ball, played a little bump and run with Journey, and enjoyed every meal, bone, and treat that came his way.

Despite his growing discomfort, Ash never withdrew. He had to put on a show for his friends. He followed his mom everywhere and lay quietly at her side as she wrote this post.

 “He died that day because his body had served its purpose. His soul had done what it came to do, learned what it came to learn, and then was free to leave.” 1

Godspeed, Ash. You will be forever missed.

 

 

1Garth Stein, The Art of Racing in the Rain