Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Farewell Hudson


Our beautiful Hudson was 16 but even 16 years never feels like enough time.   The heat of this year was too much compounded by his age and failing hind quarters.  He laid down where his brother had lain in January of 2015 and prepared to leave this land.  To avoid prolonged suffering our vet came to him and helped him cross over mid-afternoon on August 11, 2016.   Even the skies broke with thunder and a brief respite of rain as our Hudson laid down his burdens and passed on to be with his brothers.

Hudson was born at the sanctuary and helped his brothers as they ruled their pack with strength and understanding.  Leaving the alpha and beta responsibilities to his brothers Murphy and Winston, Hudson focused on strengthening the bonds between his family members and was ever ready to protect and defend them at all costs.

As he aged, Hudson became a respected elder and even after his brothers had passed on, he still retained a high rank during meal times and occasional disputes.  He could be seen right alongside Lincoln, given uncontested preference for the choicest parts of the meal.

His pack always showed him respect.  When the howl would begin, his family would gather around him in a circle, requesting permission to join in with excited wagging tails as they kissed up to his lower jaw.

Hudson’s pack stayed with him until the very end, especially his nephew Lenape who had a particularly strong bond with his older uncle.  Being a lower-ranked member of the pack, Lenape had looked to Hudson for guidance and reassurance.  Lenape and all of the members of the Big Pack will greatly miss their wise and noble elder.

To Hudson:

“Named for the river that flows from Lake Tear of the Clouds in the Adirondack Mountains to Manhattan New York.  Born here, you grew with your family, never having to be separated from those you love.  You lived your life in the same majestic style of that mighty river.  Calm and serene, even tempered and at times tempest and fierce but never hateful.  You were an elder in your pack.  Always respected.  Hudson of the Big Pack!  In my mind’s eye I remember the first time I saw you.  Beautifully stoic in your stance, yes even as a puppy.  You seamed to look upon your world through a unique and philosophic gaze.  How you cared for all in your pack.  Not the Alpha, you were their sentinel and their elder.  The young would depend upon you to teach them and how you did that with such grace and dignity. How I will miss your bear-like looks and your steadfast way.  Always there when I would walk the grounds and you would listen when I cried.  You were always there for me too.  You would tilt your head and look at me and somehow that made me feel better. I always thought you the most beautiful in the park.  I will miss you, we will all miss you.  I know you are at peace and there is no more pain.  I understand that, I just wish I could explain it to my heart. 
Hudson, all that have met you through the years are better for having known you.  We all love you.  I will listen for your howl in the winds.  Run free with those that have gone before.”

May you have peace now, Hudson, and know that we will all remember your honorable and dignified presence.
   

IN LOVING MEMORY HUDSON OF SPEEDWELL
February 15, 2000 – August 11, 2016

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Rest in peace Hudson. You will be missed.

Unknown said...

I will miss you Hudson. You will always be in my heart.

Me! said...

Rest well, Hudson. So glad to have met you.

Jeanne said...

Beautiful tribute to a majestic soul.

Unknown said...

May you run as fast as you like among the clouds

Unknown said...

May you run as fast as you like among the clouds with your brothers

Unknown said...

That's a beautiful eulogy for a beautiful animal! Really touched my heart. I can understand why my son has had such love for Wolves

Unknown said...

A truly beautiful animal rest in peace in wolf heaven Hudson....

Unknown said...

There's always one... that captures our heart more than the others... Run free beautiful boy!

Unknown said...

It makes me sad to read this, but what a lovely life he had at Speedwell. One of my favorites.

Unknown said...

Reading this makes me sad, but what a lovely life he enjoyed at Speedwell. One of my favorites.

pavloveia said...

Farewell, Hudson. I never knew you, but I know your energy still exists and you will never truly leave the land, the wolves, and the people who were a part of your life here. You will be remembered always by those who loved you.

Unknown said...

Hudson had such a long life I'm sure he enjoyed many Speedwell guests and wolf families there.