Quito was the most extraordinary dog that I will ever know. No offense to all the other dogs who have been or will be in my life. She was magnificent. I will try to write an obituary that is happy instead of sad (yea… sure as the tears begin to fall.)
I am lucky to have had several standout, strong, powerful female figures guide me and inspire me in my life. Quito was one.
Quito died many months back. I have not had the heart to write about it yet. She was diagnosed with cancer, more specifically hemangiosarcoma, on September 24, 2018. This was only two days after she went mushing through downtown Anchorage for the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk. This was the last time she was part any dog team. She (and I) enjoyed it immensely.
Quito underwent a long, invasive surgery to remove the tumor which was underneath her shoulder muscles and along her rib cage. Despite great efforts, the doctors could not get clean margins for complete cancer removal. Her two week surgery recovery was some of the most pain I have witnessed in a dog.
A month after the procedure, Quito was doing well. She would run around the kennel and visit her favorite friends and relatives. She always became frisky during the cooler months, the “mushing time” of the year, and this past winter was no different. However, the tumor began growing again and it got large. We never left Quito alone this past winter. She always had a companion who stayed at the house with her. She needed to potty more often and needed her extensive medications. I just wanted her to be comfortable. A HUGE thank you to all my Quito sitters. You enabled me to continue to mush and race this past season and not worry as much about my canine friend. I know that you did it for her, not for me. But I thank you anyway.
By early March, Quito’s tumor was too large for her to continue to humanely live. We were forced to put a date on the end of her life. I am reluctant to be honest here, but I will. I couldn’t do it. I said ‘Good Bye’ and I went out on the Iditarod Trail. Allen helped me with the Iditarod ceremonial start, the restart in Willow and then he came home for Quito. Then he said his final ‘Good Bye’. Quito died on March 4th, 2019.
Many of you know Quito’s ‘glamorous life’. It is well documented for the past 10 years. Simply put, Quito was the smartest, most talented, physically tough and best put together Alaskan husky sled dog I’ll ever know. Racing was easy for her. She competed, year after year, and won, race after race, even earning the Yukon Quest Golden Harness award – twice. Here is the post when Quito won her first Yukon Quest Golden Harness Award and this post is when she was awarded the MVD in 2012.
When Quito was only four years old, Allen and I noticed something different about her. After long training runs, when we returned to the kennel and put the team to bed, Quito would curl up for about an hour nap, then pop back up and start barking at her sleeping teammates. They were all still in bed. We had some fantastic dogs back then: ChaCha, Venus, the Candy bar litter, the Car litter, Ash, Manny, Stormy, JJ, Rose, Nutmeg. But Quito outshined them all. She never got tired. Allen and I would stand in awe and watch her bark directly at someone… taunting them to wake up. She was ready to go. There were great things ahead for SP Kennel because of Quito.
From 2010 (age 4) until 2015 (age 9) Quito was undoubtably the boss of the SPK racing teams. It was: Quito, Aliy and Allen. Who was really in charge sometimes was debatable. She remained the alpha dog of all the SP Kennel dogs until the day she died. Her priorities were different as she aged, as they are for all of us. She didn’t saunter through the yard barking at everyone as much as she used to. She would pick and choose which dogs to greet and which to ignore. But even in her final days, she would wake up on her thermarest dog bed in the living room, run outside onto the deck and overlook her domain. Sometimes she would go down into the yard, sometimes not. It varied from day to day.
Quito lived her entire life at SP Kennel, except for one week she spent at Joar Ulsom’s kennel when she was bred to Kosak. That is a story unto itself. I was very reluctant to leave her, but in reality I couldn’t stay in Willow for that long. The evening that Allen and I returned to pick her up, she saw us from a distance and started yelling at us. I believe it was something to the effect of “Get me #/!!8#! outta here!” I let her out of the pen, she immediately ran over and jumped in the open car door. So much for enjoying her time with Kosak.
Quito was the mother of some of our best and brightest. With four litters – the Latino, Golf, Golden Harness and the Olympics litters, she managed to juggle her career and motherhood with ease.
There is too much to say about this incredible soul. I am so fortunate to have known her, to have loved her and to have been able to appreciate her incredible skills as a sled dog.
The 2014 Iditarod was an adventure I will never forget. I wrote a ‘Trail Notes’ journal about that race. Here is an excerpt from when we were trying to reach the Safety Checkpoint during a violet blizzard.
“This is not where we needed to be. With darkness surrounding us, all I could think about was the ocean just to our left. So, I crawled back out to Quito, grabbed her harness and she and I inched our way north directly into the wind. We found traction on a small strip of tundra. We struggled like this until we could regroup and head to the west again.
“I could go on and on with this gruesome tale. I remember all of it like it was yesterday. But, the overall theme to this story is that my dogs and I pulled together in an amazing united effort. And, to be honest, Quito was really the main reason we made it.
“Quito trusted me with her life. And I trusted her with mine. I have no doubt that I would have been lost to the storm without her. During the worst of the white out, when I couldn’t tell if we were still in Alaska or on the Moon, Quito kept going. She always tried to find the trail and when she couldn’t, she did her best to go in the correct direction. When the cabin at Safety popped out of the white out blizzard, I was amazed. I didn’t even know we were on the trail. Quito did that.”
Quito was recently profiled in Mushers Magazine’s “Famous Feet” feature. The feature portrays very special dogs that have name recognition beyond the kennel – Quito was the perfect fit!
Quito will soon be inducted to our SP Kennel All Star Hall of Fame.
Rest in Peace dog. You were a lovely, strong lady and you will be remembered fondly in my heart.
~ Aliy
Oh my gosh, my heart aches for all of you…..we have had many heart shattering moments in our 35 years of shelties…..
our sincerest condolences …this special girl will live on in your hearts, and everyone’s memories……
Quito will never be forgotten. I hate cancer so much and am so very sorry for her and your suffering. I am so honored to have her daughter, Wedgy. She is my precious treasure and we both are sending big hugs to you, Aliy.
Rest In Peace sweet girl. ❤️ I feel fortunate to have watched you over the years and to enjoy sponsoring your sweet boy Driver.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
I’m lying in my tent, camping in Minnesota, dreaming of having my own team in a few years, and reading about Quito. And crying. Quito, you’re remembered and mourned by a fan who never met you and I’m sure you inspired a lot of people just like me. My condolences to Aliy and Allen and the rest of her human family and friends.
I’m so sorry, Aliy. I lost my sweet girl this summer. I feel like this quote applies to me and my dog too, if only metaphorically: “Quito trusted me with her life. And I trusted her with mine. I have no doubt that I would have been lost to the storm without her.” ❤️
This is a beautiful tribute that has left us in tears. We are so sorry for the heartache that you have endured through her surgery, recovery, relapse and passing. We truly feel your pain. Much love to you, Allen and all of SPK.
Love,
The Straw Ladies
Rest in eternal peace, sweet Quito. You have earned your reward 7 times over.
Thank you for writing this loving tribute to an awesome dog who gave her all every single time.
Hard to hit the like button on this one. My heart goes out to you all. That special “one” will always be. Know we all support you and send love and huge hugs as you grieve.
Blessings.
So with a heavy ❤️ at the loss of a special soul you carried my heavy ❤️ with you. Again thank you Aliy
What a wonderful tribute to an amazing dog. How wonderful that you shared so fully in Quito’s life, and she in yours. I am so sorry for your loss.
As I’m sure Quito will remind you, our beloved furry friends don’t go far when they “leave” us. She still stands nearby. <3
Quito will live on in all our hearts….forever and always, there is no quit in Quito!
Such a wonderful tribute for your very special friend. Thanks for sharing this with us.
I am so sorry to hear about Quito. She loved running, racing, being part of the team, the adventure and life with you, Allen, SP Kennel and dogs. I always kept my eye on her. She was special. Her soul always lead the way whether it was on the trail or through love, her direction was as constant as the north star. Thank you for sharing her with us through life up until death. Love to you all at SP Kennel… (3 tissues later) Risa Dorfman
Tears are flowing! Took a long time to finish reading this as I couldn’t see! Have lost many dogs through my long life, so I understand your pain. Bless you! From all you have written, Quito was one of the greatest mushing dogs and friend a person could have!! You were so lucky to have had her!
So sorry for your loss, we met her right after the Olympic litter. She was such a wonderful proud mother. Her heart and spirit will continue in the hearts of all of SP Kennel. Mush on Quito!
So sad. I am weeping as I write this.
I’ll never forget her.
All my love to you and Allen, Aliy.
I’m so sorry for your loss and what a story about this dog. My tears are running because I lost my Golden Lab Mix three years ago and can feel with you and you’re right that ther’re always one special dog. Best of luck for all your running companions and for you.
I’m so sorry Aliy. What a beautiful girl, so special, and the bond you two had was very special. She lives on in the hearts and mind of you and all of your fans. She led an amazing life.
I am so very sorry, Aliy. What a beautiful girl, inside and out. Thank you for sharing your heart.
Quito was simply elegant and magnificent. Your tribute to her was beautiful and heartfelt. I am sorry that you and Allen have had to suffer the pain of losing her.
I am deeply hurt by this news. My condolences to the entire kennel. Rest in peace, Queen Quito.
So sorry to hear about Quito. She is a legend at SP Kennel for sure and always in the spotlight. Rest in Peace.
Both of you have my sympathy as well as your dad Aliy whom was her sponsor. She truly was and will be the
top of the ” All Star Hall Of Fame”.
I just don’t have the words for this. Quito was the BEST! I have had so much pleasure in watching her race, be a mom and controlling the entire universe of SP Kennel. One of a kind and she forever will be missed.
An Indian Legend Says:
“When a human dies there is a bridge they must cross to enter into Heaven. At the head of the bridge waits every animal that human encountered during their lifetime. The animals, based on what they know of this person decide which humans may cross the bridge…….. And which humans are turned away”
Can’t wait for you two to meet again. I am so sorry the loss of your dear friend and comrade. We all admired her from afar.
So sorry to hear of Quito’s passing. We have lost several special dogs in our lifetime and know the hurt all too well. I always think of Allen’s comment “there is no quit in Quito” and also of your experience in the storm outside of Safety when I think of her. Wishing you and the entire kennel our condolences on your loss. A copy of a poem I found a while back that seems applicable.
“Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed beauty without vanity, strength without insolence, courage without ferocity, and all the virtues of man, without his vices.”
What a beautiful tribute to a phenomenal dog. She was truly exceptional. My heart goes out to you for this loss. Love and hugs to Aliy, Allen, and the whole SPK family.
Oh my Aliy! I have wondered how you handle this, because I know how devastated I am to lose such a dear friend. I was thinking of Bullet, with no idea Poquita was having issues.
Lots of tears here.
I won’t say more on that, just this:
The only reason we feel pain or emptiness, is because we have been blessed with SO MUCH!
Aliy, you indeed were blessed with an amazing dog, family member, partner and teammate in Quito.
And we were blessed that you share her life with us!
For all the pride, joy, celebrations and tears, Thank you!!!
<3
I am sitting here in Melbourne, Australia with tears streaming down my face. May your happy trails continue beautiful Quito 🌈🐾🐾❤️🖤to Aliy, Allen and all at SP kennel both two and four legged.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I admired Quito although I never met her. She was more wonderful than words can put. She was a blessing to the kennel and I hope that someday when I have a kennel, I have a sled dog as amazing as Quito.
I send lots of love to SPK during this difficult time.
no words – just tears
What a beautiful tribute to Quito. From your writings/notes, she was an awesome and most spectacular sled dog. Aliy, she truly knew you, and you certainly learned to read her every intuition. Having had several beautiful canines pass through my life also, I can only express my deepest sympathy to both you and Allen and all of the workers at SP Kennels. I do sincerely believe, that God has a special place for our ` Very Bestest Friends’, and that one day, we WILL get to see them again. God is a loving God. Thank you both, for being her guide through life. She thanks you from her heart.
Job well done Quito! Thank you SPKennel for providing for her in her elder years. You truly are a dog first kennel. Rest In Peace Quito. Your example to human and canine shines on.