Artemas

I rescued Artemas for my 2003 B-day from Lifeline Puppy Rescue. He came from a kill shelter in Goodland, KS. Artemas was cute, super smart and extremely loyal and friendly. He loved coming to work with me to meet and get pet by customers. He spent his time hanging out within 30 feet of me. He enjoyed hiking, playing with popped soccer balls, singing with his friends, bones from the butcher and eating. Nicknamed Arti, “T”, Tartie, Smartie Arti, Smartemas, and A Plus Arti. He never needed a leash or wondered out of eyesight. Until his last week he would carry all of the empty dog dishes to me and loudly flip them up-side-down, letting me know it was time to eat. Artemas had 3 different types of cancer over the last 1 1/2 years. We removed what we could but apparently could not get all of it. They told me he would survive 1 1/2 years if we did chemo, but I will not do that to anyone and here we got that 1 1/2 years w/o it. Artemas was hiking until 2 weeks ago when he took a turn for the worst. He lost his appetite for anything but steak and eggs, which he got. He lost his ability to stand up on March 10 and his gums were anemic. The mobile vet visited us and Artemas left us in the sunshine on the deck. His pack howled together as he left us led by intuitive older brother Oscar. It was something. My pack of 7 (3 now deceased) picked their pack song on their own a decade ago when I played the seventies music channel–On the first beat of Three Dog Nights ” Shambala” all the dogs run into the living room or outside and howl with the song. Deceased pack leader Jethro Tull picked the song and held the best tone. I know Arti is now singing with brothers Jethro Tull and Barry White until we all sing together again. Much love, my Artemas.  Six kisses, sweet soul. We miss you.