A Place Called Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to
someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are
meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can
run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and
sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to
health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made
whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our
dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and
content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone
very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all
run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly
stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are
intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run
from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs
carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special
friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion,
never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your
face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look
once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone
from your life but never absent from your heart
Then, you cross Rainbow Bridge together….

Author Unknown

ZAKAI ASHKII ELU

August 2, 2003 – April 17, 2009
May you rest in peace my sweet, sweet boy. I will always love you.

Zakai was the victim of a horrible hit and run accident and was killed instantly. He squeezed by us and out the front door. He had no idea what it meant to have freedom. Freedom he was so excited to have. My sweet boy, your keep away tactic, this time, cost you your life. Now you will be free to run and play forever, no pain, no restrictions. We are truly lost without you. Your silly actics and playfulness will be sorely missed. Your coy look and playful sneezing to get our attention will be in our memories forever. Our hearts are aching for you. Goodbye Ky Ky.

Zakai (Zah-Ki (long i sound) was our main foundation stud that established the Native American Village Dog breed and is the sire of the June 2007, April 2008 and April 2009 litters. He was registered as a Native American Indian Dog from the Majestic View Kennels line. He was registered with the NKC, APRI and NAPDR. He was DNA profiled and was PennHip tested at 18 mos old with scores below thirty on both hips.

Zakai’s temperament was very gentle and he was very laid-back. Even when he was young he was very accepting of my son’s energy. Zakai built a very strong bond with him and seemed to feel responsibe to watch out for him.

He was timid with those he didn’t know but would usually warm up if given some time. This is not uncommon in the breed but it is also something I will be focusing on to see if it can be curbed or possibly eliminated all together. This of course, will take time. Although I don’t personally mind it since it offers me some peace of mind knowing that it would be hard for someone to steal him since he wasn’t going to let them get close enough to catch him. The drawback was he has used the “keep-away” tactic with me on occassion. Usually, socializing the pups when they are young and keeping them conditioned to the world around them and people can usually eliminate much, if not all, of the shyness. But none-the-less he is a great dog and I would be lost without him.