DIANA, aka Cherann’s Something Supreme
September 10, 2004 – June 20, 2018
June 20, 2018 (Wednesday, Summer Solstice) – My beloved Diana crossed over during the night. She went to sleep last night and woke up this morning free of pain and full of energy in a world, where one day we’ll meet again and cross the Rainbow Bridge together, along with all of my canine family. I’ll meet my mom and dad there, too.
Diana, I miss you and love you very much!
September 17, 2005 – In late August, I drove to southwestern Missouri where I picked up four, three-month collie pups for Colorado Collie Rescue, along with a year-old (September 10th) tricolor female, named Charlee’s Something Supreme. I call her Diana; surely you’ve heard of Diana Ross & The Supremes.
Diana will never take Melody’s place. Over the years, however, I’m confident that she will create her own special place in my heart; in fact, she’s already begun the process. Each morning, before I get out of bed, she snuggles-up next to me with her head on my pillow where she waits until I arise. Somehow sensing that she should not be on the bed, she only rests her upper torso next to me. Whenever I’m at the computer, she’s right there beside me, which brings me to the following story…
On the evening of Thursday, September 8th, while sitting at my computer, finalizing a few last minute details related to recent workshop reservations, I swiveled my chair around to pick up a document from a nearby table. In the process, I managed to knock a potted cactus from the windowsill on the opposite side of the chair from where Diana lay. I immediately began picking up the debris and removing cactus needles from my leg…not an easy task.
Realizing that Diana had become frightened and was gone from her usual spot next to me, I got up to look for her. She was nowhere to be found. Being somewhat warm that night, I had left the back door open.
Diana had disappeared into the night.
For the next 9 days I searched, placing posters not only in my area, but also in the surrounding communities of Estes Park, Longmont, and Lyons, to say nothing of going door-to-door and passing out over 100 flyers containing Diana’s picture. Reports were filed with the humane societies of Boulder, Longmont, and Fort Collins, as well as the Estes Park Police Dispatch. I even contacted three different pet physics. Newspaper ads? You bet…in four different towns.
As each day began, I was filled with hope, believing that ‘today’ would be the day when she and I would be reunited, only to be discouraged when I returned home each evening…empty handed.
On Friday night, 9 days later, I received a call from Park Headquarters in Rocky Mountain National Park informing me that Diana had been found on Bear Lake Road near Storm Pass Trailhead. Needless to say, I made the trip to Estes Park in record time.
It’s difficult to know exactly how far Diana traveled or, for that matter, which route she took. Given, however, there were no sightings until the day she was eventually located, she most likely trekked through vast wilderness areas, eluding coyotes, bear, and even mountain lions along the way.
The most likely scenario took her northward from Wild Basin, along Highway 7, to the Longs Peak Trailhead. There, she would have followed the Longs Peak and Storm Pass Trails across mountains and along streams until eventually winding up on the Bear Lake Road where she was finally picked up. The entire journey would have taken her some 15 miles across some of the most rugged areas in the Park. In addition to wild animals, she would have experienced thunder, lightening, rain, and even snow at higher elevations with nighttime temperatures hovering near the freezing mark.
If only she could talk and share her adventure with us, what a tale it would be.
It would make The Incredible Journey seem like a fantasy.
Although she lost a few pounds, she’s in remarkably good shape following her adventure.
Welcome home, Diana!
Your loss is shared by all who love their special friends. I also have suffered the loss of a Samoyed, and I also will cross over the Rainbow bridge one day to be with my best friend. Stay strong my friend
John, thank you for caring and taking the time to share your condolences with me. That means a lot.
Weldon-
That is some story about how Diana was lost and then found. Very heartwarming!
All pets special, but I can tell how very special Diana was to you.
May she rest pain free in that special home!
Thank you, Clint, for caring and taking the time to share your condolences with me. That means a lot.
Weldon and Lori – I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved pet. There’s nothing quite like the love of a dog, and I’m sure you will always treasure her memory. Peace to you all.
Stacy Niedzwiecki
Stacy, thank you for caring and taking the time to share your condolences with me. That means a lot.
OH, Weldon! So sorry you lost that adorable female doggie. She was a big dog and lasted to almost 14 years old! Now she has crossed the Rainbow Bridge — sad for you.
Thank you, Sue, for caring and taking the time to share your condolences with me. That means a lot.
Sorry for your loss. Diana was such a beautiful dog. What a testament to the love in your heart for all that you did in nine days to find her when she went on her “adventure.” Hope time will ease the sorrow you now feel in your heart,
Susan, thank you for writing and sharing your condolences with me. That means a lot.
I know the pain of an animal lost. I, like you, believe that one day there will be a great reunion. Revel in the memories and the pictures on film and in your heart.
Be well,
Kathryn
Kathryn, it means a lot when friends care and take the time to share their condolences with me. Thank you very much.
I was very saddened by your announcement, Weldon. After I lost my 6th friend, I couldn’t take it anymore. I wish you the best in your sadness and know you will transcend it.
Thank you, Maureen. I really appreciate you taking the time to contact me and share your condolences.
Dear Weldon and Lori,
Although I never met Diana, I know full well what it means to lose a family member, particularly one that offers such unconditional love as our pets do. Having experienced this loss several times over the years, my empathy runs deep while also knowing that time does heal the heart.
My best wishes for health and strength,
Mike Caroff
Thank you so very much, Michael, for taking the time to share your thoughts. I really appreciate you contacting me.
Weldon and Lori,
Sorry for your loss. I know how it feels having lost my yellow lab of 13 years. They are family. Not sure if Lori recalls me but I just retired from SCL Health – Good Samaritan. I was Sr. VP, Chief Information Officer. Now I have time for photography and my banjo playing. I waited a while and have a new dog – Holly, a golden doodle. You can’t replace your dog but they are special and I will always have one. Take care. Dave
Dave, thank you so very much for your condolences. Lori said to give you her best.
What a beautiful companion, Weldon.
I’m so sad for your sorrow and love you for your hope.
To see our friends at the Rainbow Bridge will be so grand.
Thank you, Beverley. It really means a lot when friends take the time to show they care during times like these.
Dear Weldon, Diana was a beautiful girl and I know she had a wonderful life with you. In this time of sadness, I hope you can find comfort in the memories of Diana and reassurance that you will see each other again. I am very sorry for your loss.
I don’t know if you remember me from Boulder Greenpeace and our reunion up in Denali one summer. I have fond memories of you and those happy days. Be well, my friend.
Kelly Pugh Wolf
Remember . . . how could I ever forget you? Knowing you has been one of the highlights of my life. I’ll never forget the look on your face when I unexpectedly appeared in Denali. It is truly heart warming to hear from you. I hope that everything is great in your life and that your days are filled with joy and happiness.
What a beautiful and adventurous girl! I can relate to the very difficult loss of a beloved companion. It is good that she could pass peacefully, knowing that she was loved.
Thank you very much, Wendy, for sharing your wonderful thoughts and comments.
Hi Weldon and Lori,
So sorry you lost your beautiful Diana. People wonder how you can get so attached to these wonderful furry friends—–oh so easy. They just about consume your life. I am glad you had her for such a long time. John and I think of you so often and keep on dreaming of Colorado and our wonderful memories (also Canadian Rockies). All best to you both!
Thank you very much, Barbara. Lori and I always cherish the time spent with you and John.