Dogs remind us to live in this moment. And the last 12 months have gone in a blink of an eye. I knew at some point I wanted to do an update here but I hadn’t really been ready to talk about the loss of my dear Noggin. I’m still not ready, knowing there are no words to sum up how grateful I am to have had her with me for 9 of her 14.5 years, but I will offer a few thoughts (Noggin wouldn’t want me spending too much of this grand life of ours staring at a screen).
Noggin was the calmest, most patient, and tolerant dog I have ever known, yet up to her last day she still looked and acted like a yearling. On every trail we shared together her enthusiasm to see and discover all that lies ahead, her highly-animated tail-wagging trot, and her intelligence responding to gee & haw on a dime brought me pure joy. Noggin’s death was very unexpected—she appeared to be in amazing health. Two weeks earlier we had even gone up to Michigan to try out some other Alaskan huskies to see if she might want a new buddy. Chloe, our little corgi-springer sidekick, passed away in 2024, just a month shy of 18 years old, and I’d been having a hard time thinking about another dog because I just missed her so darn much. Our dogs never live long enough—we want them forever and ever! But it was time, and we had time, so off to the UP of Michigan we went.
One at a time I took Noggin out on the trail with a retired sled dog up for adoption but none of them thrilled her. “Nope! Not that one…” she warned us with her signature understated expressions. But when Sophia, also a retired lead dog, joined up shoulder-to-shoulder with Noggin on a hike, all was right with the world. Noggin reached over and play bit Sophia’s muzzle like she was a pup again. I was so happy Noggin was so happy. I felt Chloe right there with us, and all of the other dogs I’ve ever known and loved.
Every day should be an adventure, my string of dogs—past and present—reminds me.
Two weeks later we lost our beloved Noggin to an aggressive tumor we didn’t even know she had. She showed no signs she was unwell. One minute she was tail-swishing her way down a favorite path with Sophia by her side, chasing butterflies, eyeing squirrels… and hours later she was gone, leaving us all in shock.
Now I know Noggin picked Sophia out not just for herself, but for me.
Out on the road, in the wild, at libraries & schools, I feel Noggin with us, leading the string, the white tip of her black tail flagging back and forth, “Follow me! This way!”
String of Dogs 
Hi Karen There really are no words other than I am sorry. You were lucky to have her and her you. The bond you shared was so special. I am certain she picked Sophia especially for you and wants you to keep exploring and sharing your amazing story.
I am sure you probably do not remember me but you made a lasting impact on my life. I am a nurse and cared for both of your parents. When I lost my mom, you sent the most beautiful flowers some time after her death. I want you to know, you are special. Six years ago, I adopted a puppy. She is the most beautiful highly specialized mix breed you will ever see. 😉 I had failed at all other attempts of dog ownership but she was the one and I swear she rescued me.
There is nothing I can say that will ease your heartache but know I am praying for peace as you navigate this new path. Hugs Beth Rabideau
Hi Beth! OF COURSE I REMEMBER YOU! It’s so great to hear from you! I often think of you wondering where you are now. I was actually just talking about you to a high school friend of mine whose son is in nursing school at Marian. And I remember you telling me back around the pandemic time you had gotten a dog. I would love to see a photo and hear more about her! I’m so glad to hear she’s been such a wonderful experience for you. These dogs really do rescue us in so many ways. It was really hard losing Chloe, my corgi-springer mix, knowing that she was the last dog I’d ever have that would have known and loved my parents (as well as my dear Aunt Dot who died in 2023 at 92 years). Chloe was with them all literally right up to their last moments. Thankfully I had her for an amazingly long time——almost 18 years. But losing her was definitely the end of an era. Even though Noggin and Chloe were so different in every way, they were two peas in a pod. They adored each other (and I adored them!). I hated to try to “replace” Chloe but I did want Noggin to have a dog friend if she wanted one : ) And thankfully she immediately fell for Sophia as her new sidekick. These dogs keep us marching forward, enjoying the day and our health and all of the other things we might take for granted. I know I have been been fortunate with so many of my dogs living so long. I hope you have as many years with your beloved pup!
I’m so sorry to hear about Noggin…. I also lost a dog, of 16 years, this year and it hurts so much💙💙. I’ll be thinking of you❤️
Oh, Trudy, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dog! 16 years is a wonderful long life but it also means so much is missing when they are gone from our daily lives. It really is excruciating to suddenly be without our dear friend after so many years together. I still think I hear Chloe or Noggin in the other room sometimes or see Chloe at my feet while I’m cooking (it feels really weird cooking without her). So much love we receive from them! Thankfully we hold it in our hearts forever.
❤️