I don’t even know where to begin. Losing Laika has been one of the greatest losses of our lives. She wasn’t just a dog, she was our furkid, our constant companion, and a cherished member of our family. Her passing left us with aching hearts, but also with countless beautiful memories that we will treasure forever.
I suppose I should start from the beginning.
Laika was a well-thought-out and much-desired birthday gift from my husband, Alex. We were ready for a dog, not a puppy. So we thought. But everything changed the day we visited MaxFund Animal Shelter for a meet-and-greet.
There we met “Goldilocks,” her shelter name. The moment we saw her, we fell in love. Her spunky personality, endless tail wags, and joyful spirit completely won us over. She was only three months old, and from that day forward, we were inseparable.
I created a social media account to document our adventures together from the time she was a puppy. Before long, Laika won over everyone she met with her beautiful smile and infectious personality.
We gave Laika all the training she needed to thrive. She completed obedience training and enjoyed countless mental and physical activities throughout her life. She participated in agility, treibball, and therapy dog training. She truly was the life of every party. Her smile was contagious, and she wanted to greet every person she met.
Although she was a small mixed-breed dog, a Sheltie and Pomeranian, she had an enormous personality. Her Sheltie instincts made her a natural herder. She simply couldn’t resist chasing skateboards, scooters, bicycles, or runners. It was the one behavior we never completely managed to tame, and, in a way, it became part of her charm.
As Laika grew older, she met countless people and explored so many incredible places. Together, we volunteered as a therapy dog team at hospice facilities, where she brought comfort, smiles, and companionship to both patients and staff. We truly believe her unconditional love brightened difficult days and made a meaningful difference in many lives.
We also loved to travel. Laika joined us on road trips across the western United States, visiting the breathtaking canyons of Moab, Utah; the beaches of California; the forests and coastline of Oregon; the desert heat of Nevada (although none of us lasted very long there!); the Grand Canyon; and countless beautiful places throughout Colorado’s mountains and national parks. No matter where we went, Laika embraced every adventure with enthusiasm and joy.
She absolutely loved tennis balls. During our neighborhood walks, she would almost always “rescue” one that someone had left behind. She loved running off leash, playing in the snow, and splashing in the cool waters of Colorado’s lakes. Whether it was sunshine, rain, or snow, Laika was always ready for an adventure. She truly was an all-weather dog.
When Laika was about six years old, we adopted her younger brother, Fluffy. She also had a best friend named Lucy, whom she practically helped raise from puppyhood. Laika and Lucy were inseparable, and watching them together always brought a smile to our faces.
At the end of 2023, our lives changed forever when Laika was diagnosed with kidney disease. From that point on, our days revolved around special diets, medications, and carefully managing her condition. She never cared much for kidney-friendly food, but thankfully, she always kept her appetite. We were committed to giving her the happiest, healthiest, and longest life possible. We knew every extra day with her was a precious gift.
Even with her illness, Laika continued to fetch tennis balls, play, eat, and enjoy life until just a few days before she passed away.
Laika leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, adventure, and the countless lives she touched. She taught us patience, unconditional love, resilience, and how to find joy in life’s simplest moments.
Not a day goes by that we don’t miss her. Our hearts still ache, but we are incredibly grateful for the thirteen wonderful years we shared with her.
Run free, sweet girl. You will forever be loved, forever missed, and forever a part of us.
