In Remembrance of Kokopelli (by William)

More than four millennia ago, our ancestors brought forth on Earth the first pack of tamed wolves in history.  At the beginnings of humankind, wolves were a predator to be feared and to run away from, but in the earlier years of species, Homo Sapiens and neanderthalensis, we learned how to tame.  Being friends with animals has many benefits.  From this date on in history, dog has stayed beside man through the ages.  We have found dogs to be loyal companions, protectors, sled dog runners (for diphtheria and Yukon), therapists, and even a tasty treat in desperate war times.

Like our ancestors before us, my aunt and uncle have enjoyed the company of Kokopelli for many years.  Kokopelli’s name means “night mischief.”  We call him Koko for short, which only means “night” in Inuit.   Koko is one-fourth wolf, and another half Alaskan malamute.  Koko was a very well-behaved dog who lived a very good life.  The only beings who have bullied him are me (when I was young), my cousins, and a pesky skunk.  Having the primal instinct in him, the only beings Koko bullied were some very unfortunate opossums and rat families. 

I once went to my aunt and uncle’s house for a sleepover.  That night, I was watching a nature documentary.  Koko came over, being his friendly self, he sat down next to me and rested his chin on my knee.  It reminded me of Buck in Call of the Wild, resting with his master John Thornton beside campfire in the wilderness.  Another time, two of my older cousins came to my aunt’s house while I was there.  “A husky!”  They both exclaimed, then Koko was forced by my cousins to take selfies with them.  They grabbed him by the neck the whole time, and Koko’s eyes bugged out and his expression read, “Ugh, annoying kids.”  There was another memory when I was six years old.  Auntie allowed me have a quick cruise (Not actually sit-ride) on Koko’s back.  Koko looked happy as he ferried me around. 

Koko and me in 2013

Koko died yesterday on Good Friday, April 10, 2020, at the age of 12 years and 2 months.  In dog years, he had lived up to more than 85 years.  I just hope he is happy in heaven, watching us from above, and still likes boiled eggs.

Life can be so short, all fitting in just one blink of an eye.  Let’s take this moment to honor life and most of all, Kokopelli.