Our Iris
December 26, 2009 – July 13, 2024
Iris came to us from North Dakota by way of Missouri. She was nearly two years old and had lived with two families before we adopted her. Her DNA results revealed she was 50% Siberian Husky and 50% Labrador Retriever—a purebred “Huskador” to us. She possessed the best qualities of both breeds.
Her right eye was ice blue. Her left eye was caramel brown, and she would lock her mesmerizing gaze deeply into ours, eager to hear one of her favorite phrases: “Go for a walk?” “Let’s go ski!” “Load ’em up!” “Football!” “Wanna treat?”
When she was young, Iris was slim and very muscular, with a short, shiny black coat like a Labrador. Her appearance changed later in life after being on thyroid medication. She grew longer black fur and developed a downy gray undercoat like a Husky. But inside, Iris was the same playful, sweet girl.
She was curious and intelligent, inventing many of the games we played—typically involving chasing, retrieving, keep-away, and relinquishing one of the several balls she knew by name. Her Labrador lineage gets the credit for that fetching instinct. She was a great listener, too—her floppy “Lab ears” cocked forward and her head tilted left and right as we spoke to her.
Iris was deeply connected to us in so many ways. She learned dozens of commands and words, but heeling on a leash was a challenge. Her Husky nature, while walking or running, was to pull straight ahead with tremendous focus and strength. Her enthusiasm was exhausting! Once she learned the difference between how to behave when her leash was clipped to her collar versus clipped to the back of her pulling harness, we could all relax and have more fun.
Skijoring was one of her favorite winter pastimes, and with her Husky lineage, Iris was born to “mush.” She joyfully pulled one of us behind her on our cross-country skis, always listening for a command: “Go left!” “Go right!” “Straight!” “Easy!” “Wait!”
Always friendly with adults, children, and other dogs, Iris was trustworthy when left alone. As energetic and playful as she was, we appreciated her sweet and mellow disposition. Whether we were at home or on the move, her steadfast patience and flexibility were so helpful when something unexpected happened.
As an elder dog with more physical issues, Iris showed us signs last summer that her time here was nearly complete. She gave us everything she possibly could for 12 ½ years. We did the same for her. Our final gift to Iris was helping her peacefully transition back to the spirit world, with the beautiful and tender guidance of Dr. Angela Wickman of Caring Pathways.
Sweet Iris, we miss you deeply. You were one of a kind.
We carry you in our hearts, in our memories, and in our dreams.
Johnny & Lynnie