A significant milestone resulting from a change of life circumstances began with Kayee in our life. My children and I were experiencing a huge loss due to our family splitting up and moving to a new town. The only solution I had to meet the grief and emptiness it created, was to bring in a new addition/member to our family. Kaylee was high-spirited and challenging in so many ways. Huskys are willful and stubborn by nature, as was I, coming out of a difficult period. As I tried to break Kaylee in and teach her the way, as a new family member, I was unsuccessful at every turn. In retrospect, Kaylee broke me and brought me to a place of patience and understanding and endurance. Walking as much as we did, proved to be a catalyst for changes in my life physically and emotionally. Me and Kaylee spent hours walking off leash in the woods and in the fields, everyday, every chance I got. She loved to run and I loved experiencing her freedom and joy off leash. So many times Kaylee ran so far and so fast, that it frightened me thinking she would not come back. I would have preferred her to stay by my side, however, she would not have it. Treats did not work and I knew it was hopeless to try and train her to walk, not run next to me.
That all changed 6 years into Kaylee’s life. She and I were at The Cove in Stamford, CT. per usual. Without any warning, a storm began to roll in quickly and with great force on Long Island Sound. We were quite a distance from the parking lot. The high winds and pounding rain made it impossible to see anything in front of me. I screamed and screamed for Kaylee. I thought that this was the moment I was going to lose her. That familiar huge sense of loss came rushing through my body. I started running around the field hoping she would see or hear me. Out of nowhere, a guy heard me yelling for Kaylee and ran to me to tell me a dog was in the parking lot standing beside a car. It never occurred to me that a dog would know their own car. Kaylee knew she was lost and stood by the car faithfully waiting for me to get her. This is a moment in time I will never forget because I then realized that a dog and a human are capable of sharing a very strong love and bond. It never dawned on my that this kind of relationship was possible with an animal. From that point on, she never left my side no matter where or how long we walked.
I know Kaylee is forever watching over me and my children and as time has passed, so has she. We love you dear Kaylee. Every dog we have had since you has benefited from what you taught us …. true friendship and loyalty.
