Beaufort Arctic Sea - A Service Dog Comes of Age

   One thing the Arctic teaches you is the value of responsible companionship. And as I usually travel alone, my companion is most often a canine friend. I don't know if it's just the influence of my Army years during Vietnam, or the way I was raised, but as an Alaskan at a young age I learned to appreciate the value of a good dog's defense senses, and unswerving loyalty.
   In bear country especially, this holds true - and it isn't the mean dogs I've found to be the most protective. Balou, my 107 lb. Landseer Newfoundland was a teddy bear - until the day we stumbled on a Kodiak Brown bear sow with three yearling cubs. He leaped between her full charge and I, bellowing a roar that I had never heard come from his big chest before. She actually came to a scidding halt - then with his second roar turned and, smacking one of her cubs on the rear, disappeared over the embankment and down the mountainside. There's no doubt in my military mind where I wouldn't be today without him.

So When our big Chessy-Shepherd, Sailor passed in February of last year, I had a hard time with the loss. My Wife was supportive, but it was my friendship in the Arctic with Jonathan Nettelfield that turned the tide for us. He kindly Advised me that when Dougal, his prize Yellow Lab, sired another litter, that I would have the pick of the puppies.

It was a long wait as the appropriate time drew near, but the miracle came to our Mother Earth just four days before my 65th birthday. More like a gerbil than a puppy, Beaufort Arctic Sea was far from looking like the promising dog that we knew would one day be our companion, and my Service Dog - but there he was. Reality could not have been sweeter and more exciting even with his helpless beginning. 

                                                                               

   And with the miracle of his first breath, one of only three to survive, our dreams were born with him. Beaufort Arctic Sea was our new beginning, and our hopes grew with his every dawning day. 
   But even with that joy, we had no idea how special he would prove to be. That gift Beaufort would grant us in his own wonderful way - one glowing day at a time. 
   This is the story of our journey together. And what he's giving me.  - WKD