Endwaltz (for Tibet)

Tibet was my beloved Malamute who passed away in late June of 2010 from bladder cancer. Everyone who met Tibet was touched by her intelligence, charm, wit and of course beauty. She was a gem. A rescue, Jack and I took ownership of her at around 2 and a half years old and she was an integral part of our lives -- it revolved around her (pet people will understand this).

I have wanted to make this video tribute for some time but only now have been able to approach it -- time heals, as they say.

Tibet was truly a great friend to me beyond the scope of most dogs I have previously met or owned. I can honestly say that without her I might not have survived the years after Jack died, a time when the world seemed to collapse around me as at least 5 friends passed away (I've lost count) and others got very sick including my Mother (who we lost last year). Tibet was a very important anchor for me.

When she was diagnosed with her cancer, every option was tried -- chemo therapy to holistic medicine. But in the end we had to let her go -- the cancer was just too aggressive. Her last days were spent doing as many of the things she loved as possible -- walks on the beach and out on the trails across Richardson Bay in Marin, and just walking all around San Francisco. And after a great day of hikes, play, special food and visits with friends. I was there in the room holding her (along with my friends Ron and Paul who spent most to the day with us). And she went peacefully and without pain, And for that I am grateful.

This video is for Tibet and our friends and family who loved her and rallied beside her with me. You know who you are and I will never forget all you did for us -- everything helped.

This video is also for the doctors at all the hospitals who I can honestly say went out of their way to do everything they could for Tibet. These include Bay Area Veterinary Serrvices (San Leandro), San Francisco Veterinary Services (which made a financial donation to the UC Davis Companion Animal Memorial Fund in memory of Tibet!), Adobe Pet Hospital (Mill Valley), Tender Care Veterinary Hospital (San Rafael) and Pets Unlimited (San Francisco) . This is for the pet stores in San Francisco who Tibet loved visiting so much -- you were all so kind to her, so thank you Best In Show, Noe Valley Pet Company, Jeffrey's Natural Pet Foods, The Animal Company as well as Critterland in Mill Valley and Petco in San Rafael I'll also give a shout out of thanks to Animal Care and Control which runs a wonderful program providing donated supplies for pet owners in need -- so all of Tibet's things will be used by other dogs.

This video is also for numerous friends who have lost their dogs and cats to cancers in the past year as well. If you have time, interest and financial resources please help where you can. Visit www.PetCancerAwareness.org or get involved with other organizations you know.

A bit about Endwaltz: This is a song I wrote around 2002 for my former life partner Jack on the night his beloved friend Theresa died. He was truly in shock and I do believe that was the first time he really faced his own mortality head on. Sean Mylett (singer in our band, "ing") and I worked up this demo of the song which Jack adored (Sean is singing this one, not me). Jack sent it out and played for everyone he could get to listen. He loved Sean's interpretation, but ultimately wanted a big female voice to record it and tried getting it to numerous famous singers he knew -- some who liked it but weren't in a position to record it. Someday maybe someone will. Or perhaps not. This song has served several purposes that have helped many people: I was honored to be able to play the CD demo at Theresa's memorial gathering about 6 months after she passed on... and I played it for everyone at Jack's memorial gathering.... it seemed only fitting.... and now it feels right using it one more time for Tibet. This song is not on any of our albums but it contains what I feel is one of Sean's most beautiful vocal performances.




So thank you for listening and watching.

Peace to you all.

Mark Smotroff
San Francisco
March 2011

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Malamute
• pets
• dogs
• tribute
• slideshow
• nature
• wildlife
• pet cancer
• inspirational
• out doors
• folk music
• love
• husky
• northern
• breed

[305ta]

Most people who dont have dogs in there lives dont understand how hard it is to loose one...I lost my faye last year in october..She was 15 years old...I didnt want to have to put her to sleep..But she had lost most of her teeth and had other health problems also...I didnt just drop her off and leave her...I stayed untillt he end..To this day it still bothers me looking at her brown eyes before she closed them for the last time..She is with my dad now...i made a video also..

[AgilityMalamute]

What a gorgeous tribute to your wonderful Tibet. Thank you for sharing Tibet's story. It took me a while to gather my 'courage' to watch this. I still miss my Athena so much every single day and this was such a reminder. I am sorry that you also have to share the pain of losing your beloved Malamute to Bladder Cancer.The song made tears come to my eyes at once, it was lovely. We must take comfort in knowing that we gave them wonderful lives while they were with us. Best wishes, Tara

[bigjohnsf]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to a remarkable being.

I only met her once but she was unforgettable.