For me that dog was Magnum, aka CH Solocha's Magnum PI CGC.
I tried to do things the right way. When I decided that I wanted to show a dog, my friend took me to a local show and I watched the siberians enter the ring one by one, class by class. I liked them, I knew I did, but I couldn't tell you to this day a single dog who was there... until him.
I still remember the exact moment I saw "HIM ." He floated in like he owned the place and literally took my breath away.
I still remember what I said. I poked my friend and said "I want *that*" I still remember what she said to me. "Well I guess you do! He's the #1 siberian husky in the country!" (I still joke with my friends that even then my green eye knew a great dog.) You all know there is *nothing* more stunning than a confident male siberian husky in his prime strutting around with a natural proudness. That was Magnum.
I did my best to get Betty to let me offer him a retirement home (grin) but she wasn't having any of that! So, I did the next best thing and waited for a puppy. I waited almost 4 years for him. My Monkey. My Lava. Even though he didn't have all the necessary equipment, I took him anyway, knowing that I had to in some way have a small piece of Magnum. I've never regretted it. Lava is my heart and I've never had another dog who talked with me like he does - so special is our bond.
I received a note today that said that "Chuck and Betty Charlton have lost an old friend. CH Solocha's Magnum PI CGC took his place at the Rainbow Bridge this month. He lived a long and illustrious life and will always be remembered when people talk about great Siberians and great show dogs."
My heart is heavy. I will always remember Magnum as the dog who stole my heart and gave it forever to the world of siberian huskies. I will always remember him as I saw him that day almost 10 years ago - floating into the ring like he owned the place. He did, of course.
I imagine he went over the bridge in the same manner, striding right up like he owned the place as he did in his youth.
Godspeed my friend, Magnum. The world is a little dimmer, the stars a little brighter at your passing.
[reprint from October, 2007]
