. . . going to miss you when you’re gone. These are the words to the Grateful Dead Song. Our dog Ryder, we found her in a campground/trail head after someone dumped her there. We named her Ryder because we had just competed in an endurance ride called “I Know you Ryder.”

We came back home with Ryder and with Rainbow. The two got along very well. Then Jenna came home from a dog sitter, an Aussie. The funny thing was, we were home with Ryder and Rainbow, after our trip, and Jenna’s summer caretaker let her in the door. Jenna came in and joined the other two. The three dogs all acted like they’d been living here with us.

There was no question about us taking her home with us – Mr. Siggi, before his death, had said to Pete that he wanted to come back as a dog.

Jenna, Ryder, and Rainbow with Pete

He did come back as a dog. He came back as Ryder.

I did agility, search and rescue, and sheep herding with Ryder. She was agreeable but didn’t excel at any of these things. She was content to be a pet and trail dog.

This morning I was petting her and I discovered a lump under her jaw. Actually, I felt the lump or thought I did a few days ago. I had Pete feel it. Pete said that he felt it last night. Why he didn’t say anything to me remains a mystery.

Pete, after breakfast, called Zack Kaiser, our veterinarian, and Zack said to check her arm pits. I did find a lump there, so most likely it is lymphoma. We will have Zack examine her tomorrow.

Tonight I looked up dog lymphoma, and yes, it can be treated with chemotherapy. We’d have to take her (I am sure) to a specialist in Anchorage, for repeated visits. I’m sure that Zack will say that she’s an old dog and that this would not greatly increase her lifespan.

So we will make sure that she’s kept comfortable.

I’m glad that she had the spring, summer, and fall to hang out and enjoy herself. This was my wish.

It will be a double loss when Ryder dies because then Siggi’s spirit will go with her. I do believe this. Ryder has Siggi’s very sweet, kind, and thoughtful disposition.

I remember when Ryder got kicked by Hrimmi and had to go to the veterinarian and get sewn up. I didn’t go. The veterinarians were majorly impressed by the fact that she was so trusting. We were lucky because she didn’t lose her eye. The occipital lobe was damaged, and a tear duct was blocked so her eye, at times, watered.

Ryder is eating okay and she still can make it around the loop. However, she is way underweight. Zack isn’t one to recommend particular diets. I will see what I can find in doing research. She does like canned salmon.

We’ll see how tomorrow goes. Love this dog.

Next: 246. 9/16/26: Birthday Eve