Zak was the resident social climber at Kipmik. He liked to think he was a tough guy and yet he turned to mush in my arms, which is where he most wanted to be. Highly energetic and playfully mischievous, he encouraged much activity among the other dogs and kept everyone in tip top shape. Zak had an unusual temperament in that he could be silly and out of control one moment and studiously quiet the next. Although he would twirl puppy scoots on the turns in the ring, he always pulled himself together for the straight stretches where it counted. He was lots of fun to show!

Zak was very sick as a tiny puppy from a mysterious viral infection. By eight weeks of age, he was perfectly healthy but far behind his siblings in size and weight. Looking like a very tiny adult with good structure and breed type, I decided to keep him to see if he reached normal size. At 25 inches and 84 pounds, he did just fine.

Zak completed his Canadian championship with ease, and acquired four points toward his American championship without a stitch of coat. At four years of age, he was looking great and plans were in place to take him stateside to complete his American championship.  Unfortunately, fate had other plans for dear Zak.

At a mere four and a half years of age, Zak suddenly showed minor signs of discomfort - unusual water consumption in the dead of winter and mild depression. Thinking he had an infection, I put him on antibiotics, close observation and house arrest. Two days later, emergency surgery revealed a massive intestinal tumor and peritonitis. Minutes later, he was gone. So fast. So young. Most of the photos on the previous page were taken two weeks before he died. He was in his prime, the picture of health and virility.

Zak sired three litters during his short life, two here at Kipmik and one with Amarok Kennels, and his kids are currently being seen in the show rings. Click HERE to see puppy pics. Zak was "joie de vivre" personified! Maybe he knew his life would be so short because he lived each day to its fullest, enjoying every moment. He ran, he played, he laughed and he loved with every ounce of his being.  Gone from my arms far too soon ...