Ranger and Boomer at Valerie's

The two MOST handsome dogs that ever graced this planet.
Ranger and Boomer.

Sad News, Ranger has gone over the Bridge

Sadly, we had to let Ranger go this past Saturday, November 1 2008. He was 15 years old, and just has handsome and personable as ever.

I was the lucky adoptee of a beautiful 9 year old Ranger some years ago. He moved into the house to keep our other older dogs company, at the time those were Boomer, Blanche and Blue Dog. He loved to sleep on the hearth in the kitchen, and that became his place. He loved to go for walks, and he would have worked in harness for more years if I had the time to run him. But he was a part of our retired house crew, enjoying walks and the grassy backyard play area, the visit of puppies and the dinner parties where he got to be the center of attention. I learned that he loved everyone, even kids, and would let kids snuggle into his bed or come and find them to kiss them. He got along with every dog here, and never would lower himself to a dog argument or fight.

His down fall was spondylosis, a degenerative arthritis of the spine. He very rapidly began to suffer and to not be able to walk. Within a week I went from wondering if he was feeling 100% to helping him stand, balance and walk. It was so fast. He was frustrated and in pain. I tried to make him comfortable and to make up for his lack of strength, sensation and control of his legs, but it did not help. He was buried here at Torsey Farm, out in a pretty pasture, next to his old friend Boomer.

We miss him terribly, and love him deeply. He was one of the best dogs on earth, and we were blessed and lucky to have gotten a chance to love him and enjoy his great personality and stunning good looks.

xo

Ranger in his Prime - on Valerie's team and dog truck

These photos are from Valerie's collection. They are from when Ranger lived with her, his kids, relatives and Zoey.

This is Ranger and DJ (the grey male) - DJ was one of Ranger's brothers. Aren't they both so handsome? I love these Turick bloodline dogs. They are 8 years old in this picture and look about as healthy and vibrant as 2 year olds.











This is also taken on the Valerie dog truck. Left to right: Fire and Ranger (both 2) and Tommie (a girl). They look pretty ready for their turn, don't they? Beautiful, healthy, strong, fast Siberians!









This awesome photo is of Ranger and Pryo in lead, with Comet and Koti (another Ranger brother - the sable and masked one) in team. That is Valerie, coming in for a great finish with her 4 dog team at a sprint race. Valerie's dogs consistently did very well in sprints for years. They were often one of a few or the only Siberian teams. Of course, they were the most gorgeous dogs in the parking lot!

Ranger at Barking Brook

Ranger got a new bed, wow he says, this is SNUGGLY!








Ranger gets a visit from our grandson Jake. If he wasn't kissing the visiting kids, he was letting them snuggle in his hearth-bed.











Ranger at his 15th birthday party. Just a bit of family, a bacon cheeseburger and his own ice cream.

Ranger and grandkids, great grandkids

Ranger liked to snuggle. He would accept an invitation to get on the couch any day of the week! He'd even sleep on the bed, but I could only get away with that if I was home sick. He would be an excellent nurse, and make sure I got some good naps in.








Ranger would also tolerate the occasional puppy visit from his great granddaughter Tart. She would have to beg and beg though! And then she would be very pleased with herself, as you can see below. This was a recent photo, and I think Ranger was interrupted in the middle of a really good nap.










This photo is from a few years ago, when Smudge - a grand son - was tiny. Back then Smudge knew how to be Very Cute.

Ranger Photos - Puppy Photos

8 month old Ranger. Look at his sweet face! Valerie gave me copies of all these photos.









4 month old Ranger in the next two photos.









It's hard to believe big, magnificent Ranger was ever a weee 3 month old baby! Look at his paws though, everyone must have known he would be grand in size and wonderful in demeanor.