Best Friends Forever
Tundra & Aloy
I’ve worked with hundreds of dogs in my career and have never met two dogs, who are not litter mates, that are so bonded with each other. These girls are bffs in every sense.
Aloy, is a 4-year-old Alaskan Malamute who is known for her personality and style. I mean, check out her collar! (River Rising, llc) She has an adventurous spirit and is very patient with humans that she loves. She lives with her sister-in-cat, Ripley and her human parents.
Tundra, who just turned a year old, is also an Alaskan Malamute who is known for her playful spirit and her size. She is a big Malamute! She lives with her humans and seems to love just about everyone. She greets new friends with such enthusiasm, that sometimes, it can be misinterpreted as overbearing. Well, I don’t think she’s overbearing, but I love Malamutes,
Besties on the beach
Tundra’s predecessors, Sterling & Walker, were quite popular on Instagram and were on my list of dogs that I wanted to meet. I finally got the chance to meet them a few years ago and their mom and I became friends (as Malamute people do!) Shortly after that, I met Aloy’s parents and we hit it off immediately. Aloy was also on my list of dog that I wanted to meet, and I was so excited when I finally got to meet her.
Unfortunately, after I met them, both Sterling and Walker passed away, within a year of each other. It was terribly difficult for their family and their Instagram family grieved with them, including me. I was heartbroken. Those boys were so special.
After some time, Tundra came crashing into the picture. Not at all graceful, she stole everyone’s hearts the moment she arrived. She was a soothing balm for everyone’s grieving spirits.
It didn’t take long for Tundra and Aloy to meet. (Their moms are best friends). I followed along on Instagram, not wanting to be intrusive, but, I should have known better. If I had just asked, they would have let me play with the girls.
Playing Bitey Face
Aloy’s birthday was last week. She turned 4-years-old, and her celebration lasted over a week.
Last Sunday, Tundra and her mom, Aloy and her folks, and Tony and I went to the beach for “Aloy’s Birthday Romp”. I love that Tony and I are now included as some of Aloy’s favorite people. (Honestly, she prefers Tony and she howls when she sees him. It’s so cute!)
It was cold and windy, but it was perfect weather for two Malamutes, with their luxurious fur coats. I brought my camera and went to work. As the dogs raced up and down the beach, and, finally, ended up in the water, I listened to my friends share memories from when the girls first met and how they instantly bonded. Aloy took Tundra under her wing and showed her that waves aren’t evil things that will eat your paws and gives her confidence to try new things. Tundra brings out Aloy’s playful side and when they get going, it’s best to stand back and let them run.
When they start running, it’s best to get out of the way.
I’ve been working with both families for well over two years now and feel that they are like family. If they call, we answer. While both families tell me how lucky they feel to have us in their lives, honestly, WE are the lucky ones. Not only have we got new human friends who love us, we know are considered family by their dogs.
If only humans could get along like Aloy and Tundra, the world would be a much better place. Two amazing dogs, who are not related, who love the world and fill it with joy where ever they go.
What could be better than that?
Hugs to your dog,
Holly