Sitka's Final Journey

Kubuna's Dry Run Sitka
April 7th, 2005-November 29th, 2015


If you are reading this obituary I've run across the rainbow bridge into the arms of my Heavenly Father. While I'm sad to leave my humans I'm excited to receive my new body free of pain and worldly concerns. God gave me a wonderful life on earth. I was privileged to have many experiences other animals never get. I traveled as far north as Vermont and as far south as Florida during my 10 1/2 years. I walked the halls of hospitals, nursing homes, and other places encouraging those who were hurting and encouraging them to seek healing emotionally, physically, and spiritually as a therapy dog.

During my time as a therapy dog, I served along side other furry friends as a member of Therapy Dogs and Associates, as well as being the first dog ever certified to go into Central State Psychiatric Hospital, Petersburg, Virginia from the outside world. I was invited to festivals, into stores, and restaurants. I published articles in a small newspaper in Virginia and enjoyed many years blogging. My furry body has been published in several Brown and Trout Alaskan Malamute Calendars including the new issue for 2016. I am May!

My most important job while on earth was being a member of the Perdue Zoo where I tried my best to keep my mom sane and safe. That was a mighty big job. I know she is going to have a tough time for a while. She promised me she would be okay. I gave her a look of doubt with my big brown eyes. She then told me she would "try" to be okay. I know God will see her through; He is faithful. However, I would ask that you extend both my mom and dad lots of grace as they grieve.

Woofs and Wags,
Sitka

Adventures With Sitka In Shenandoah National Park

Mom and I in Shenandoah National Park,

Well, it's been a crazy summer and fall crept up on mom and I. You see, my human siblings have kept mom and dad "very" busy. I'm trying desperately to help them slow down and enjoy each moment of this life.

Recently, I found out I have an ugly disease called Lymphoma. My parents are committed to making the rest of my life awesome. They are cooking for me, spending lots of extra time with me, and as you can see in the picture above they are continuing to take me on adventures. They have slowed the pace as not to overdo it, but continue to help me enjoy life. What more could a fur baby ask for?

Well, I would ask for prayers on behalf of myself and my humans. My humans, especially my mom are having a tough time with my diagnosis. They know I'm an old guy and I've lived a good life, but they long for more "years" with me.

In the picture above you will see the bond between mom and I. We are taking in the view and enjoying our time together. Isn't that what should happen all the time and not just when we realize our time could be limited? My parents have always been extra attentive and overprotective of my furry siblings and I. They've always taken us on lots of adventures and given us lots of love. I pray all humans and furry kids out in the world will know love as I have. It's a beautiful thing. God created us to love and share love. So, keep loving......

Woofs and Wags,
Sitka

Catching Up-2015

Well, it's been a while since I've been allowed to get my furry paws on moms laptop. To say my humans have been busy would be an understatement. However, I can't go into the details or they might get cranky with me. You know how weird humans can be about their privacy and the privacy of others.

How about I tell you what I've been doing lately. In April, I turned TEN years old. I am now officially a senior citizen. I've learned that seniors get extra benefits in the human world and I'm cashing in all my benefits and getting all the attention I can.

Since turning TEN, I've been to the beach twice with excellent accommodations and I have reminded my humans that those accommodations were made because of me and only me. You see my humans would not even know the humans who own the house I've visited if it were not for me. I've introduced them to some wonderful people over the last TEN years and Mr. Doug and Ms. Dianne are just two of them. Of course, these two humans are a little extra special because they too have been owned by malamutes. They understand me!

If you are a human reading this don't underestimate the places your furry children can take you or the people they may introduce you too. As your furry friend, I  want you to understand we have a special connection with God. We can take you places you never would have gone and introduce you to beautiful humans along the way. Yes, there will be some craziness along the way and we might even get you thrown out of a church (DON'T ASK), but we will help you get to the place GOD wants you to be.

Woofs and Wags,
Sitka

Confession

*This picture was taken at our church. Mom did not take it. She thinks our pastor (Mike Maxwell) took it last year.




Many of you know we have been enjoying a beautiful winter wonderland. While some humans do not like snow; we love snow in the Perdue Zoo. So, what does snow have to do with my title "Confession?"

Yesterday, while mom and dad were occupied making vegetable soup, doing laundry, and other such human chores I came upstairs to find those yummy peanuts I have been watching dad eat each night. Temptation got the best of me.

Things were going pretty well until I found my head stuck in the large paper grocery bag dad had been using to put the peanut shells in. I was trying to figure out how to get it off without ripping the bag when I heard dad coming. You see I was taking my time in order to leave no evidence. Unfortunately, time was NOT on my side.

Thankfully, Dad has a wonderful sense of humor. He pulled the bag off my head and laughed at me. I considered being mad at dad for laughing at me until I thought about how silly I must have looked with that brown paper bag on my head. Also, dad didn't even fuss at me. I deserved punishment, but I didn't get it. That my friends is what humans call "grace!"

I understand that God gives my humans "grace" a lot. Therefore, my mom and dad have learned to give "grace" to others, human and furry. I'm thankful they are not selfish with "grace" and share it with us furry kids, too.

If "grace" is new to you I will tell you what I think it means. "Grace" is getting love and forgiveness when I don't deserve it. In fact, it is given to me when I'm the biggest furry mess possible. Let's just say my humans and other humans have given out a lot of grace over my almost ten years of life. Otherwise, I'd have likely had a death sentence by now.

If you are wondering about all my furry sins. Well, guess what? I've done my time more than once and I've been forgiven by both humans and God. So, we don't talk about those things anymore. We focus on the positive and the good. I overheard my dad tell mom a few nights ago, "We all have negative things in our past and if we focus on those we will stay in a bad place. At the same time, we all have done good/great things. If we remember those times when God has used us for good we will find healing, peace, and contentment." I don't know about any of you, but I think these are pretty wise words to live by whether you find your head stuck in a bag of peanut shells or something worse.

Since confession is good for the soul. I'm off to take a peaceful furry nap.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Sitka-Catching Up

For all of you faithful followers, I'm still kicking my furry paws. In my old age I'm enjoying life. Finally, my parents have organized their world more efficiently around my wants and needs and I am fat and happy. This past Monday they even had a surprise Birthday party for one of their Bible study friends and I supervised. Some of their friends had not met me and were quite shocked at my size. It's not a new scenario; when people meet me for the first time they usually say, "I knew he was big, but I didn't realize how big!" Rather than taking this negatively, I just howl. That's my way of looking at the positives. God made me "big!" There is no need to get a complex about it.

Now you know what's happening in the Perdue Zoo. Trouble (elderly ten pound toy poodle) and I are eating, sleeping, and enjoying the rest of our days. We are both thankful for the life we have and the humans God gave us.

Woofs and Wags,
Sitka

Thanksgiving Love

Thanksgiving means many things to many people, but I'm a dog and thanksgiving means "Love" to me. This picture is the hands of the humans who chose me, adopted me, gave me a wonderful home, fed me, trained me, and most importantly loved me when I was not lovable. I don't know about you guys, but I am putting my furry paws together and thanking my Heavenly Father for humans who have never given up on me and believe me I have given them plenty of reasons over the last nine years and five months to do so. I am also thankful for a God who created me, loves me, and understands all my weird ways. I may live out the rest of my furry days with arthritis and altered life adjustments, but I 'm thankful to do so with humans who care. 

Over the next few days, let's count our blessings and thank those who love us. Don't forget to thank God. Life may be difficult or painful, but there are always things we can be thankful for if we look hard enough.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Seasons Are Changing

The seasons are changing again and with each change Trouble (poodle) and I (Sitka/Alaskan Malamute) get a little older. Older comes faster in our furry world than it does for most humans. I suppose God allows us to have shorter and fuller lives with our humans so we can have longer lives in eternity with Him. I understand in heaven everyone gets along and there is no more pain. I love my furry life here on earth, but I must admit "no more arthritis" is sounding pretty good. And, then there is the part about "no more sorrow." I don't know about you guys, but I have trouble comprehending "eternal happiness." That puts new meaning to "Happy, Happy, Happy!" I know it all goes a lot deeper than this, but what if we looked at our earthly lives as preparation for our eternal lives? No offense, but I think we animals do a better job at this than humans. We are more content and it takes less to make us happy. Trouble and I think it's because we are content and happy just to be in the presence of those we love whether few or many. Trouble and I do like to have our breakfast and dinner on time, but we understand there is no shortage of yummy food in heaven and we don't even have to watch or waistline there. So, it sounds like our earthly issues will be taken care of on the other side.

Woofs and Wags,
Sitka

Sitka Checking In

To say that lots has been going on in our world would be quite an understatement. Life just keeps happening with humans and furry kids alike. Sickness of humans and furry friends, death of humans and furry friends, and much more.

I/Sitka am getting older. I'm almost ten doggie years old and for a giant breed I suppose that makes me around a 100 human years old. They say wisdom is found in us old guys, but I don't know how much stock you should place in that. What I have come to realize is life is way too short on earth, but thankfully we can look forward to an eternity with our Heavenly Father who created us. I don't know about all of you, but I'm ready to embrace the "no more pain or sorrows" promised when I enter heaven. Arthritis is a big pain, but what's even harder is watching lots of humans struggle and suffer in this life. I don't like it and I thankful God understands that I don't like it.

If life keeps happening I don't know when I will write again, but I will. I just have to wrangle moms laptop a little more often. Let's keep praying for all those who we know are struggling and hurting in both the human and furry world. Each or valued and treasured in the heart of God.

Woofs and Wags,
Sitka

A Furry Soul

Last week, my humans took Trouble and I to the mountains for the day. We love traveling and roaming around in God's beautiful creation. Life gets complicated and it does the furry soul good to get away. A stroll through a meadow helps renew and restore us to the creatures God created us to be. It really is that simple when we slow down and focus on the ONE who loves us most.

So, if you are a little cranky or frustrated take walk or a drive. Get out into the beautiful creation around you and focus on the ONE who loves you most. HE is waiting to soothe your soul whether it's furry or not.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Sneaky Snake

Two days ago during our morning stroll I saw Dad grab trouble and run back to the house. My Dad is 71 years old. He doesn't run unless there is a good reason, so I took off running and quickly caught up with he and Trouble. Dad tossed Trouble and I into the florida room and went back to the woods behind the house. It turns out he had seen a large copperhead and didn't want us to get bit. By the time Dad returned to find and eliminate the threat of danger, the snake was gone. Both Mom and Dad have been on the look out, but haven't seen him. Apparently, we have a very "sneaky snake" lurking around. We all hope he finds a new home to lurk around and stays out of our back yard.

We pray all our human and furry friends will stay safe and be on alert for danger. You never know what lurks around the corner on the path you travel. 

Woofs and Wags,
Sitka

Catching Up

Lately, my humans and I have been very busy. Actually, I've been in a supervisory position. Mom and Dad need a lot of direction as they clean up and clear some of our yard. They do a great job staying on task, but they often forget to take care of themselves. Trouble and I have to bark and howl at them to remind them to rest and stay hydrated. My Dad forgets that he is a senior citizen and Mom thinks she can keep going like the energizer bunny.

Trouble and I are also senior citizens. We try to find a shady spot to supervise from and sometimes it is just too much for Trouble who is 16 years old. He must be well over 100 in doggie years. So, as the moments tick by and we all move a little slower I will try to share my furry wisdom a little more often.

Hope all of my friends, furry and human are enjoying the beautiful spring weather!

Woofs and Wags,
Sitka

Introducing Griffin

Today, I'd like to introduce you to my furry friend, Griffin. He shared with me his desire to become a writer. His mom and dad don't know, yet. He's been a little hesitant to share his calling with them. He's still trying to clarify things with God. Mom and I are encouraging him to be all God created him to be. Isn't that really what life's all about?

Since my retirement, I don't get out much, but Griffin sends memo's via mom. We have our ways of communicating and it's beyond most humans comprehension. Fortunately, for Griffin and I we share a human who "gets us" and "gets God!" We are both excited God chose our families very carefully. He knew where we needed to be to fulfill our calling.

So, let's all hear what Griffin has to say:

Hi, my name is Griffin, but my human friend Andrea calls me Griffy. I'm still a youngster and I'm learning lots of things. Sometimes, I can't contain all this bouncy doodle energy and I find myself in a bit of trouble. My friend Sitka assures me I'm not the only one. He says, "Don't let the old dogs fool you. They've been there, too and done their share of stumbling into trouble." I sure hope he's right, cause I've given my humans a lot of cause for concern, lately.

My recent adventure ended with a trip to the doggie emergency room and surgery. You see, I have this obsession with socks. If there is one to be found I will get it and eat it. This was working pretty well for me until this past weekend. You see, these "two" socks got stuck in my tummy. Can we all just say, "OUCH!"

You might be asking, "Why do you eat socks? You know they were on some humans feet?"

I really can't explain it. Thus far, I can't resist there fuzzy temptation. While my humans and even some of my furry friends think it's disgusting. I find them yummy to the tummy. Well, that was until they got stuck. Did I say "OUCH?"

So, here I am asking for prayer. I want to be all God created me to be. I want to be a good furry child and bring peace, love, and comfort to my mommie, daddy, and all those God allows me to meet. And, yes, I'd really like to pursue a career in writing. 


Oodles and bouncy doodles,
Griffin

SNOW, SNOW, PRAISE GOD FOR SNOW!

On February 12th God began answering my prayers and as you can see I was quite happy about it. SNOW, SNOW, PRAISE GOD FOR SNOW! Doesn't it make each of you feel good to know God cares about a furry critters prayers? I hope you are each reminded of how much GOD cares for you and wants to hear from you. One of the cool things about God is that he understands every language, even the woofs and howls of an old malamute. After all, he authored all our languages. What an amazing GOD we have......

So, put your furry and human paws together and as mom would say, "storm the heavens in prayer!" Tell Him all those things you can't tell your closest friend. You will not shock Him. He loves you and wants you to feel His loving presence. Once again, if I can embrace the God who created me, so can you.

Me, I'm praying for more snow......

Woofs and Wags,
Sitka

Just Go With It

Friends, I need for each of you to put your furry and human paws together and pray for a friend of mine. She is a very private (human) person and doesn't like for people to know her business. So, I'm not gonna tell you her name or where she lives, but I am gonna tell you her business. How's that for furry privacy rules/settings!?! Privacy is very important, but so is prayer! A K-9 prayer warrior's gotta do what he's gotta do!

Well, here goes! My friend is having gall bladder surgery, tomorrow morning. She's not too old, but she's not too young. She is "Big Chicken" when it comes to needles, doctors, and hospital procedures.

Recently, she had another procedure done and my mom went with her. Mom was absolutely NO help at all, but she had taken a  picture of me for my friend to look at and a miracle happened. As long as my friend looks at my picture and talks to me she doesn't loose her human marbles. Well, unless you count the fact that she's talking to me through my picture. I have assured her that GOD has his ways and I can hear her and it really doesn't matter what the humans around her think as long as she stays calm. So, tomorrow my friend will carry my adorable picture with her again and I will help her stay focused while the hospital staff uses those great big needles. God is cool like that!

As you pray for my friend, remember GOD works in ways you humans can't understand. Don't get all weird about it. Just go with it.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Praying For Snow

Mom and I thought we would awake to another beautiful winter wonderland, but instead we are receiving a winter rinsing. I suppose God thought He should clean off the rest of the snow and messy chemicals those humans put out before giving us more snow. There, I said it. We want snow.

Please God, I'm an old man malamute and I'm begging with furry paws together for a majestically beautiful and deep snow.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Snow Day

We finally got our first real snow for 2014. Although my arthritis doesn't allow me to romp and jump around in it, I am thankful we were blessed with enough for my humans to play in. In the picture above Dad is supervising my human sister as she pushes her son, Elijah and niece, Savannah. Dad says those are his grand-blessings and it's his job to protect them. I am pretty sure my sister can handle it. I think Dad forgets sometimes that she's a grown up.

Little Eli had never been on a sled before and I'm happy to say, "he loved it!" Mom and I have convinced both Savannah and Elijah to love the snow. Now, we just have to work on the new little human God just gave us. Her name is Charley, but she's way to little to come out and play this year.

As little humans go, she's cute and absolutely gorgeous, but she has this issue that seems to run in our family. You see, when we get babies they have this ugly disease called "Colic" and they scream a lot. Mom told me it's because their tummies hurt real bad. Looks like to me some human would have found a way to fix that disease by now, but what do I know. I'm just a dog.

I understand the bitter cold is everywhere and some humans must get out and drive in it. If you are one of those humans, be safe! I am genuinely concerned, but I also don't want to lose any readers. Not just everybody reads and understands dog/malamute!

Woofs and Wags,
Sitka

Fetch Mom, Fetch

Okay, this isn't a photo of what's going on in our bedroom, but it's the only photo I could find of Mom to use. Mom has taught me many things over the years and tonight I thought I would change it up a bit. It's time for Mom to learn a few tricks.

So, while Mom was trying to read I started throwing my big red squeaky ball and barking at her to go get it. She looked at me like I was crazy. I kept throwing it....looking at her and barking. Finally, she said, "I taught you to fetch. I'm suppose to throw the ball and you are suppose to get it."

I woofed and I wagged. I howled in my native tongue and she still refuses to fetch the ball.

Can you guys believe it? I've been fetching balls for my mom and dad since I was 3 months old. That's almost NINE years and she refuses to play the game she taught me. I'm getting old. She's going to have to start fetching that darn ball when I throw it. I'm not a youngster anymore.

Woofs and Wags,
Sitka

Celebrating New Life!

Sorry I haven't been on line in a long time. It's actually Mom's fault. She's been too busy and on some days too stressed out. We've been trying to work on Mom's issues, but it's a big job. We've discussed her weaknesses before. She is trying and with God's help she will continue to keep moving forward.

Instead of dwelling on the negatives in this life, I prefer to celebrate. Mom and Dad are the proud grandparents of grandbaby #3. Her name is Charlotte Rose, but we are going to call her Charley. She was born on December 30th, 2013. Isn't she adorable. We think so! Dad says Baby Charley even looks like our human Mom. Isn't that cool?

Okay, so I'm getting old and tired and all this celebrating is wearing me out. I'm off to take a furry nap. Hope to chat with all my faithful followers again, soon.

Woofs and Wags,
Sitka

My Helicopter Parent

Yesterday, Mom and Dad took Trouble and I to the mountains for the day. It's the first time I've been able to travel since I became ill in late August. I am still unable to hike, but I was able to get out, walk around, and enjoy the cooler temperatures. Mom took the above picture of me looking over one of the over looks on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park.

Mom and Dad have always been extremely protective of Trouble and I. They hardly let us out of their sight. Recently, I have been hearing the term "helicopter parents." I thought it only applied to humans until yesterday. People think my Mom is the one who is overly protective, but they have "no" idea what lengths Dad will go to.

Dad decided to have an early human dinner and Mom agreed. Dad rode around in circles until he found the perfect parking place where he could see the car through the restaurant window at Big Meadows Wayside Cafe. I liked the spot he chose because it meant I could keep an eye on my humans and also watch all the people coming and going. However, it was a little embarrassing when I realized Dad was using binoculars to watch every move I made from the dinner table inside. Good grief, now the whole world knows I too have a helicopter parent! Come on, Dad, I'm 8 years old. I'm not a little pup anymore.

So, what's a wise old dog like me to do. I have to get through to him or at least teach him a lesson. While he turned to eat his dinner, I carefully removed the head rest and lifted the rolling cooler over the seat into the back with me. I didn't open it. I thought that might be pushing it. I just wanted to remind Dad who is really in charge around here. He's still trying to figure out how I did all that and he never saw a thing. He is even more baffled because I left no marks or evidence on the seat, cooler, or headliner in Mom's car.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Sharing Mom's Weaknesses

Many times in this life, God uses us (humans and furry creatures) in the lives of others. Quite often we stretch those we love the most and sometimes the stretching is painful. God has chosen to use me many times in the life of my human mother. I'm thankful mom allows me to share some of her weaknesses as she journeys with me through this life.

Mom likes the analogy of the Tortoise and the Hare. It's a childlike lesson that keeps on teaching in our home. The lesson for us is, slow and steady wins the race and we all want to win. So, why does mom try to run ahead of God instead of taking it one step at a time and staying the course?

 We all have weaknesses and my mom is no different. Mom wants to "get it done" and/or "fix" every problem that arises in the lives of those she loves. This may not sound like a weakness to any of you, but in my mom's case it's a weakness. As dad says, "she becomes obsessed with making all things right in the world." Mom's heart is in the right place, but she is NOT God and she can not fix everything.

Mom's other weakness is "lack of patience." Not only does she want to fix everything, but she wants it done quickly. Mom is learning to patiently wait and trust God in all things and situations. Daily she struggles and clearly she's a work in progress. We love her anyway!

Over the last few months, I have been very ill. In fact, I almost left this world . God has answered mom's prayers and allowed me to stay here for now. He continues to teach her to trust Him as she and the doctors reassess my health each week. I have not received and instant healing, but rather a gradual healing. I am slowly and steadily getting better. It's one step at a time. Trust and patience have become a part of our daily lives. Is mom still struggling? Of course, she is. She is human.

The human world often seems to complicated to me. Many humans may say, "you're just a dog," but it seems to me life would be a lot less stressful if we could all just trust God with the things we don't understand and can not fix on our own. Mom expects me to trust her and I do. So, I expect mom to trust God and stop worrying about things beyond her control.

Like Mr. Hare, I continue to make slow and steady progress. I plan to finish the race God called me to with victory, as I enjoy life here in "The Perdue Zoo!" Thanks again for your continued prayers, love, and encouragement.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka