Rest in peace

2006 - 17 Sept 2021

Brick was my favorite dog, ever. This beautiful soul lived at my son's house, but in my secret mind, he has always been my dog. Quiet, kind, a gentleman in every way, he could also turn wild. He was a Karelian Bear-hunting dog and could take off in a flash after any wild animal, chase it for mile after mile, get lost for days, be returned home, then curl up in front of the fire like nothing had happened. His humans quickly learned that he had to have high fences and leashes at all times, but he would still, on occasion, find a "loophole."

His nature led him to independence, a light "trail appetite," barking only when necessary, problem solving, and a slight aloofness around most people. I was in awe of his Karelian* genetics. He was a temperate-weather dog, but strongly preferred cold weather and deep snow.

He was the rarest and most unique dog my family every had. We had to say goodbye when he suddenly became limp and pale. It wasn't anything my vet-tech daughter-in-law was able to diagnose or treat. He was about 15 (unclear because he was a rescue), too old for a grueling round of testing and medicating (he HATED being fussed over) and was well above a Karelian's expected life span, so the decision was made to usher him to a dignified rest.

I'll never forget the magical Brick, the half pet, half wild dog that I loved.

*Finnish and NW Russian.

(Photos were previously posted as singles.)