On a quiet snow-draped winter day of January, I took my sweet Juno for her final walk.
The trees were cloaked in snow, the landscape blanketed in white. A perfect reflection of her arctic soul. I had always hoped she would leave in such a setting, one that mirrored her wild, beautiful spirit.
When I came across Juno’s story on Kijiji, I knew that our lives were meant to intertwine for the years ahead. Born in the snow in Nunavut, her story deeply moved me. She deserved a life that honoured her northern lineage. In the years that followed, she had the space to unleash her wild, lone spirit. Together, we shared our time in nature, the place that truly felt like home to us both. In the end, I’m not sure who saved or shaped whom.
16 years of loving, roaming, being…
She lived a life worthy of the Coast Mountains, covering the map of our region and beyond. Her paws left prints in places where humans rarely tread.
Together, we distilled life down to its essentials: wildness, freedom, stillness, companionship. With her, life made sense. Neither of us was ever truly alone again.
That unique friendship was enough to be happy. We argued often, and her love was something I had to earn. And that’s what made our relationship so special. The bond we built over the years is indescribable, perhaps only felt.
We were different species, yet spoke a language all our own, built on gestures, loving glances, “I wuv yous”, and the quiet understanding that deepened over the years. We became one in a way only she and I could understand.
A fragile shield, yet strengthened in ways I never imagined–that’s what life with Juno made of me.
In the warmth of our home and the embrace of my love, Juno peacefully went to sleep. Outside the window, a storm rolled in. Big flakes of snow fell softly. I whispered to her, “It’s snowing, Juno. It’s ok to let go now.”
I’m not sure where the good dogs go. But I like to believe in holding on to what brings peace. I trust she will rest peacefully in my heart and memories, forever a part of me and all the beauty I see.
A wildly beautiful existence. Our story.
Goodbye my sweet Juno. I will always wuv you 🖤🐺
Footloose Diary 