One month today we lost family member and dear friend Sylvia Snow, or Syl as we always called her. She was elderly and had cancer so we knew our time with her was limited. However, we were really hoping that she would be able to make one last cross country trip to the woods of Quebec with us this Christmas. While she slept a lot and acted much like an elderly lady, she would still go on walks with us, prance around begging for treats in the kitchen, and often had pep in her step. Her absolute favourite treat has always been bananas.The photo above was snapped the morning of the day she passed away. At the time we had no idea she would die later that day.
Sylvia came to us from the Toronto Humane Society. She was found wandering the streets of Toronto with her sidekick, Loki (who is very aptly named), We saw their photos on the website and made the hour trek to Toronto to inquire about adopting them. Like many humane societies they have a policy that adult animals that come in together must leave together.
When we arrived the staff seemed happy that a family was interested in adopting these two Siberian huskies. They brought the dogs to meets us…….and then brought their paperwork which had been completely shredded (probably by Loki). Perhaps this should have been a sign to run, but once we commit to something, we tend to be all in.
Loki
While they were both excited about going to their new home, they also were deeply attached to each other. They could not be four feet apart without going into a panic. We soon discovered that not only were these two energetic, they were also clever. We were a homeschool family and spent much of our time at home but when we did go out Loki and Sylvia would also break out for a little adventures. Crates, locks, bolts…..it didn’t matter what we did, Loki and Sylvia found a way out. One time they knocked the air conditioner right of the window. Another time Loki broke through an aluminum door. Usually they would head off to the nearby conservation area to socialize. We always found them and they never understood why we were so annoyed.
By the time they were about six they finally started settling down. We moved to a log house in the woods of Quebec. We agreed to look after the landlords goats, geese and turkey and the dogs were fascinated with these new friends. During that time we also did daily hikes in the woods, logging and swims at a private lake. It was a wonderful time for all.
Sylvia was always fond of kittens and cats. Except for Loki she didn’t like dogs much though. We adopted a little pit bull puppy, Charlie and she never tolerated her as much as she tolerated Loki.
Eventually we would move west across the country. A truck with 3 people, 2 Siberian huskies, 1 American Staffordshire, 3 cats and we even brought along our 7 goldfish-we must have been quite a sight.
So Sylvia spent her golden years in Saskatchewan. About a year ago it occurred to me that she was probably about the same age as my grandma. I would never tell my grandma she couldn’t have a cookie or a treat and I began treating Sylvia like I would a grandma. No doubt, Sylvia played the elderly grandma card for all it was worth.
I am grateful that she was able to die at her home surrounded by her family. I am glad that it was fairly quick and painless. It’s been a strange month getting used to her not being around. Every time I open a banana I expect to her claws to be tapping on the floor and her rushing out to get a piece. I am thankful that we live on a country property and were able to bury under some shade trees she often sat under. She died just days before our first heavy snowfall and the ground froze. In the spring I will plant lily of the valley on her grave.
When my kids were young I always made up little songs, poems and stories about our pets (silly I know), Sylvia’s would always start- Sylvia Snow, the Siberian queen, the prettiest girl we’ve ever seen…….
This is 40 
