top of page

Samoyed in the Aurora Borealis

A Tale of Farewell, Burial, and Celestial Commemoration

When our cherished Samoyed passed away at Pinehouse Lake, we honored her by laying her to rest on a serene island. That very night, the Northern Lights graced the sky, their radiant display seemingly embracing her spirit—a remarkable tribute to her presence and the magic she left behind.

samoyed husky seen in the aurora borealis in pinehouse lake

In the wake of this surreal encounter, Nikaya's celestial dance served as a poignant reminder—a testament to the miracles that grace our existence, often unnoticed amidst life's whirlwind.

Dre Erwin and beloved Samoyed Husky, Nikaya, sharing a moment together

Meet Nikaya, a Samoyed husky

Meet Nikaya, a Samoyed husky whose name embodies the essence of dawn snow. Nikaya wasn't just a pet; she was the sole remnant I carried away from a marriage, amid the weight of bills and house payments that lingered. Together, we ventured to Pinehouse Lake, where I pursued my passion for rural and remote nursing. Her presence became my solace in a new chapter, a steadfast companion amidst life's transitions.

Pinehouse Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada

Google Maps view of Nikaya Memorial Island located near Pinehouse, Saskatchewan.

🐾 The Spirit of Nikaya: A Final Dance in the Northern Lights

I. A Beacon of Light in the Shadows

Wrapped within the layers of life's unpredictability, Nikaya arrived as a gift, a beautiful addition to my world. As the pages of a shared chapter turned, fate designated her the steadfast companion I carried forward from a separation. Amidst the debris of a past life, Nikaya emerged as my constant, a furry beacon of light in a shadowed landscape, holding hope in her gentle eyes.

Together, we ventured to Pinehouse Lake, the vastness of nature embracing us. I embarked on my career in rural nursing, and Nikaya, with her playful spirit, became an integral part of my journey. She wasn't just a loyal friend; she was my confidante in times of solitude, my co-explorer of the northern wilderness, and a muse, inspiring me to delve into the art of therapeutic photography.

II. The Shared Affliction

In the turn of events that 2019 brought, our lives took an unexpected, silent turn. Nikaya's vibrant spirit began to wane, and I, too, felt the weight of lethargy creeping in. We were suffering from a shared affliction—a serious environmental exposure that stealthily invaded our living sanctuary and quickly deteriorated her health.

Despite my vigilant efforts and seeking assistance, the damage was done. The situation was one of extreme gravity, leading to both myself and my partner requiring urgent, high-level medical intervention (including being rushed to Saskatoon and undergoing hyperbaric oxygen treatments). The systemic failures surrounding the safety of our accommodation were profound and life-altering.

Her passing left a void that reverberated through the stillness of the lakeside. On the day she departed, we honored her by burying her on the island facing our home, a tranquil place for her spirit.

"Life's miracles often unfold above us, in the dance of the stars and the wonder of the skies. When we look up, we invite the extraordinary into our world, for the universe rewards those who lift their gaze, ready to embrace the magic that awaits."

III. The Celestial Journey

That night, as grief lingered heavy in the air, I set up my camera, hoping to capture the silent poetry of the skies above the island. In the soft embrace of slumber, the camera silently documented the night's tale.

The morning sun brought with it an astonishing revelation: Amidst the vibrant dance of the Northern Lights, the screen revealed Nikaya—her unmistakable silhouette frolicking in the celestial display. It was a sight that defied belief, a moment where the boundaries between worlds seemed to blur. The footage became a story shared by many, resonating across the country and beyond as a testament to her enduring spirit.

Nikaya's luminous dance in the Northern Lights became a whisper of the ineffable mysteries that weave through our lives—a gentle affirmation that perhaps the spirits of our cherished companions find solace, their essence twinkling in the starry expanse.

In a world where many are consumed by the mundane, her ethereal display is a gentle nudge to look up, to lift our gaze from the screens, and to marvel at the extraordinary that dances above. Her legacy is a portrait of hope and wonder, a reminder that miracles are not elusive spectacles but rather everyday occurrences that grace our lives, waiting to be noticed and cherished.

Image by Klara Kulikova

Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer You Need to Know About

We were suffering from a shared affliction—a serious environmental exposure that stealthily invaded our living sanctuary and quickly deteriorated her health.

 

To learn more about the silent danger of carbon monoxide poisoning, its symptoms, and prevention, please consult this resource.

Couple Enjoying the Ocean View

Therapeutic Photography: Explore, Reflect, Heal

Embracing Healing Perspectives

bottom of page