
Drifter
April 29, 1996 - June 9, 2007
a few days before his death
Two years ago today, June 9th, Black Ice's Prairie Snow Drift CGC, Drifter died from lymphosarcoma. The winter of 2007, Drifter was still working in harness and we had noticed he was really slowing down. I assumed it was just getting older. He actually refused one day in March to come out of his dog box and would now work. The day before was his last time in harness.
In May 2007 I discovered swollen lymph nodes on Drifter. He was diagnosed with cancer. After extensive testing it was discovered it had spread to major organs; lung, heart and his GI tract, so I opted to let him die naturally and not do chemotherapy with him. It was not easy to care for a dying dog for the next 5 weeks.
I prefer to remember him in the picture below. Running full speed out of the barn with a smile on his face.

Also his best buddy and running partner, Naoisha, died from the same cancer on June 14, 2008.
Here are my two boys together when they were healthy.

The following poem was written by someone to honor Drifter.
Drifter looks down from the shining night sky
Upon the trail-hardened dog team that's now running by.
His silver harness sparkles and he wears it with pride
Unbeknownst to the team, he is there by their side.
The weary sled dogs grow tired trudging up the long hill,
But Drifter's spirit whispers, "You can do it, you will!"
The tuglines then tighten as the strong dogs dig deep.
Up the laborious hill, the sled team does creep.
The musher calls, "Whoa" once they get to the top.
The furry, hot sled dogs, in the snow they do flop.
Silence and cold seem to be all that is here.
Yet a light, arctic breeze sighs, Drifter's spirit is near.
The musher remembers those times long gone by
When Drifter ran with them. He made the sled fly.
Soon the team's rest is finished. Hike! Ready for fun?
In memory of Drifter, they complete the Gold Rush Mail Run
We never did make it to the mail run since I ended up at Gunflint Lodge and my boss was not able to give me the time off to make the trip. I feel I did not fulfill a promise to this amazing sled dog, but also to myself. I hope he understands because I do not. Someday I will take the team or may be not--it was a dream I had when Naoisha and Drifter were alive and not for the team of dogs I have now.
But I do want to take some of the boys ashes to Manitoba and spread on the trails they ran so many miles on with me.
I miss you Drifter. Take care of Naoisha, Denver and now your cat K.C.