Montana GH-864

RIP Montana,  2004 – August 25, 2017

Montana came into my life unexpectedly, and it was the best thing ever.

He became a member of our family the day before Thanksgiving 2013. At that time, for a ten-year​-old dog, you would have never guessed his age given his energy. He was our constant companion on every hike and backpacking trip we took. He loved the woods and the trails. He loved being outside. He loved everyone he met. He had a small following of friends around our neighborhood from our daily walks. The kids at my son’s daycare came to expect looking for him every morning to say hello.

I will miss the way he liked to lean against me and yes, even the way he would step on my foot. I will miss his “snout-whippingâ€, my term for his nuzzling my hand to pet him. I will miss him following me everywhere and keeping me company. I will miss him greeting me at the door everyday when I come home from work. I miss him terribly when I’m out on the trails hiking – I still expect to see him right there with me, trotting along. To me, Montana wasn’t just a dog. He was like having another child, another real, actual member of our family. Unfortunately, a sudden unknown illness caused Montana’s health to deteriorate rapidly. He stopped eating and could barely walk. There was nothing that could be done to save him. The day I had to say goodbye to him was the day a part of me left with him, never to be replaced. Even though our time together was way too short, I’m grateful for these last four years. I’m grateful I was able to fill his last years with lots of adventures and, most of all, lots of love.

Take care, Montana. Until we meet again.

Tara, Aaron and Liam Oxenrider