At the same time when I cry for the loss of a dear friend, Nasta, I also cry still for our beloved Silva, who we lost more than a year ago. I do miss her greatly, but at the same time, I can remember all the good times we had.

Silva photographed by Katja Sulkala in September 2008


It's so, so very hard to let go our dear friends and family members. But what could be the greatest way to love than to do them the last favour and let them go. It's us who suffer when we can't keep them with us forever. I'll rather suffer myself than let my love to suffer. This poem puts my feelings into words.

From friend to friend

You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.

That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner 'til the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.

I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
...a young dog once again.

- Karen Clouston -
Syyti's granddam and Sepe's aunt Nasta "Pikkupaimenen Creme Vanilla" left us today to join other dear dog friends already at the rainbow bridge. Kiss Silva for me, Nasu.

In the wilderness

Today, the dogs and I walked to the upstream of Vänttilänoja to see the rapid. To see it flooding, I should have go there a week earlier. The current was quite fast still so I didn't dare to take dogs too close.


There's not that much snow left any more and Syyti finds it a bit hard to pee on bare ground. But running along forest paths is super fun.


New friends

It was about to time for Syyti to meet some new dog friends. Saku, who's a bichon frise mix was a bit cautious, but Rölli, a young Tibetan Terrier, played with Syyti so furiously that my camera couldn't follow... Finally, Syyti fell asleep, but only to gather strength for the next session.


During this week, Pasi has recorded some of the dogs' playtimes with his mobile phone. In one of them Sepe runs around the house twice followed by Syyti. The third time he has to return to see where the little lad disappeared :D





Playtime

Sepe has finally budged, even if just a bit. He has now started to play with Syyti a few times. A couple of days ago, after we returned for a morning walk, I caught one of their playtimes with my camera.


Today the last fortress of the peace, our sofa was conquered by Syyti. He jumped up and seemed to be at least as surprised by his success as I was. Sepe won't be happy... Until now, he has been lying on the sofa in the evenings when Syyti has been playing on the floor.

I have lifted him up only when I wanted to cuddle him on the sofa. I hope he will become a lap dog such as Silva used to be. I adore to take a nap with the puppy. Pasi is sure that he grows out of it :(

Photo by Pasi Perkiö

Today Syyti also met some strange creatures, at least from his point of view. Our neighbour has Finnhorses and today it was the first time Syyti met them. Raili the filly was as undecidedly curious about Syyti as he was about her. The stallions, well, they were amused...

Tonight I had to phone to Syyti's breeder, Miia, to ask for mental support. I agreed, that I just had got what I wished for - a little crank contrarian ( = änkyräkommunisti)

Earlier today, Syyti decided he wanted to go on an exploration under the sauna's porch. I had another idea; no way. There might be anything there, starting from the mice killed by rodenticide (spread by previous house owners). As Syyti just kept returning his excavations, I put him on a long leash thinking that it might be easier to haul him back. When I did that, he went berserk. Good grief that little creature put up a fierce fight...

After all, I had to lower my esthetical standards and Pasi installed a temporary fence to prevent Syyti's future expeditions. Then it was Pasi's turn to put up with the little hooligan...

Sepe is Vänttilä's watch dog. He's just getting a bit deaf, so but he tries to keep up appearances. He's already 10,5 years old but in good shape for his age. This photo was taken in February, when there were quite a bit more snow than now...

Today we took Syyti to meet Sepe's dad, Pyry and his family. Sepe and Pyry have a love-hate relationship, except without the love bit... But Pyry (pictured below) was a real gentleman and didn't even growl to our little lad. Veikko and Helena didn't growl either, not even when Syyti pooped on their door sill...

Everything has went well on Syyti's first days at home. Except that Sepe doesn't like him at all. But, that was expected. When Sepe himself came home, Silva growled at him for a couple of days until she couldn't help herself but started to play with the newcomer.


So, instead of playing with Sepe. Syyti has played with his dinosaur, hedgehog, and us.

Syyti came home

Today it was the day we have been waiting for years... The new member of the family finally came home. Previously he was known as Matti but from now on, his name is Syyti. The strange name came from my grandfater, who called all the dogs by that name.

Syyti was bred by Miia Mustonen, Muttaburra kennel. You can read more of Syyti's early life in Miia's blog.

Here is Syyti with his proud "mom" and "dad", ready to him home. Photo by Miia Mustonen.

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