They say a dog is “man’s best friend.” I would humbly disagree. Balto was immensly, even exponentially more than that to us… he was life, he was love, he was joy. He was NOT just a pet, but he was my best friend, a son to my wife and me, and a brother to our boys, only he came in the shape of a handsome, furry, four-legged German Shepherd. God has Balto now, he’s crossed over the Rainbow Bridge and without a doubt, he’s whole again. He’s running with the big boys, Odin, Justice (Bubba) and the others. He’s happy and surrounded by Gods love….and that brings me comfort. Balto was the very first portrait of ANY pet I'd ever done and he was the inspiration for me to begin this kind of work. He remains immortalized in our home and forever in our hearts. Until we meet again, God Speed, my dear Balto! We miss and love you so much!
Balto's Story
Adopted in June of 2018, Balto was just 10 months old and from the moment we brought him home, we knew we had found a place in his heart…and he in ours. Throughout his life he was an amazing, spunky, energetic German Shepherd, fearful of nothing, but as gentle as a butterfly. Any chance he had to play ball or go for a walk, hesistant he was not. From day one he was my best friend, never leaving my side. In fact, I couldn’t leave a room without him at my hip. When I left the house, he'd lay by the door until my return. He was loyal and faithful, until the very end.
About a year and half ago (Summer of 2022), my wife and I noticed Balto having trouble walking, even stumbling ocassionally. A quick trip to the Vet confirmed our worst fears; Balto had the canine version of ALS or Lou Gehrigs disease, to Vets it was known as Degenerative Myelopathy. We knew there was no cure, so we made the best of the time he had left with us on Earth. Balto fought hard until it was his time to cross over… leaving us on Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024.
MEET THE AMAZING BALTO
Until one has loved an animal....ones soul remains unawakened!
