In Memoriam
Onyx, the Akita puppy
September 21, 2020 - July 3, 2021
"The secret to life is to have no fear." -Fela Kuti
September 21, 2020 - July 3, 2021
"The secret to life is to have no fear." -Fela Kuti
Onyx was fearless. He came into this world to teach us to be courageous, to find joy in the little things, and to have fun.
Onyx was adopted at three months old and he bonded instantly with his big sister, Amina. She welcomed him into the pack with a short growl (I'm the alpha here) and Onyx wasn't afraid at all. He just went with the flow. It helped that Amina followed the growl up with nonstop kisses (and you're my buddy that I'm going to look after).
Onyx was curious about people, animals, and the world. His human pals at daycare always said that Onyx wasn't the typical Akita. He loved everyone and all other dogs! Onyx had really good manners. Whenever I had company, Onyx would run up to greet each person one at a time. The first time he saw a sunflower he was so excited that he ran up to it and explored the plant with all of his senses. He reacted the same way to most things that he saw for the first time-- including other animals. Onyx was curious about all life had to offer.
Onyx was very smart, attentive and mature. He could master the hardest level dog-puzzles in record time. Onyx loved to use his paws like they were hands, and giving "high-five" was his favorite trick. He was from a litter of beautiful black and brown Akitas. He may have been the last one of his mates to have both ears stand up. However, he might have been the largest of the group-- leaving this Earth at 9 months, 110 pounds.
Amina had a lot of fears for being only four years old. New experiences made her noticeably nervous. But whenever Amina saw Onyx do something she'd become a little more curious and a little less afraid. Onyx helped Amina to be more brave and confident. He gave her a purpose, which was to look after him-- and she did that as if he were her own pup. Today, Amina gives high fives, she plays more confidently at day care and dog parks, and she tends to puppies and small dogs with even more nurturing and loving care; all thanks to Onyx!
On his final day Onyx followed his big sister Amina, like he always did, as she tried to escape the frightening sounds of fireworks. Undoubtedly, they stayed together until then end when he was hit by a car. Amina found her way back home many hours later. Onyx tried to hold on as we rushed to the emergency room, perking up whenever I called his name, but he passed shortly thereafter.
The rainbow bridge is for all of us to cross and some of us get there faster than others. Onyx reminded us that life isn't about that destination, but about the journey. His enthusiasm for life inspired us to make the most of each day and celebrate the things that make us unique.
Onyx was adopted at three months old and he bonded instantly with his big sister, Amina. She welcomed him into the pack with a short growl (I'm the alpha here) and Onyx wasn't afraid at all. He just went with the flow. It helped that Amina followed the growl up with nonstop kisses (and you're my buddy that I'm going to look after).
Onyx was curious about people, animals, and the world. His human pals at daycare always said that Onyx wasn't the typical Akita. He loved everyone and all other dogs! Onyx had really good manners. Whenever I had company, Onyx would run up to greet each person one at a time. The first time he saw a sunflower he was so excited that he ran up to it and explored the plant with all of his senses. He reacted the same way to most things that he saw for the first time-- including other animals. Onyx was curious about all life had to offer.
Onyx was very smart, attentive and mature. He could master the hardest level dog-puzzles in record time. Onyx loved to use his paws like they were hands, and giving "high-five" was his favorite trick. He was from a litter of beautiful black and brown Akitas. He may have been the last one of his mates to have both ears stand up. However, he might have been the largest of the group-- leaving this Earth at 9 months, 110 pounds.
Amina had a lot of fears for being only four years old. New experiences made her noticeably nervous. But whenever Amina saw Onyx do something she'd become a little more curious and a little less afraid. Onyx helped Amina to be more brave and confident. He gave her a purpose, which was to look after him-- and she did that as if he were her own pup. Today, Amina gives high fives, she plays more confidently at day care and dog parks, and she tends to puppies and small dogs with even more nurturing and loving care; all thanks to Onyx!
On his final day Onyx followed his big sister Amina, like he always did, as she tried to escape the frightening sounds of fireworks. Undoubtedly, they stayed together until then end when he was hit by a car. Amina found her way back home many hours later. Onyx tried to hold on as we rushed to the emergency room, perking up whenever I called his name, but he passed shortly thereafter.
The rainbow bridge is for all of us to cross and some of us get there faster than others. Onyx reminded us that life isn't about that destination, but about the journey. His enthusiasm for life inspired us to make the most of each day and celebrate the things that make us unique.