MOONLIGHT’S GEOFFREY RINPOCHE CGN

(Totem’s Firewalker x Moonlight’s Arctic Sky)

Born May 4, 1998 - 2012 (14 years)

ChD # 11,720 Eyes Normal

Geoffrey came to me during a very difficult time and was truly a "furry ray of sunshine" for myself, my family, and my pack. Geoffrey’s momma, Sky, was the daughter of two dogs that I’d sent to clients in Florida many years previously.

My "Little Man" is a delight to be around with his sunny personality, charm, intelligence, and sense of humor. He has participated in Rally-O classes, but really doesn’t enjoy the formal work – trick work is much more to his liking, thank you very much! Geoffrey is the lead dog of my #1 pleasure team and is a steady and reliable worker. He adores babies of all kinds – two or four legged – and is a superb teacher for puppies. Even though he is the smallest male, he has retained his alpha position among the five males without aggression - just dignity.

Geoffrey along with Anakin participates in the yearly "Winter Light up Event" in Williams Lake. The boys pose, hitched up to the sled, for pictures to benefit the Salvation Army food bank. He clearly enjoys these events and delights the crowd with his sweetness, talking and "woo-ing" on cue.

Geoffrey is the first male to meet new puppies because of his pack position and his gentleness. 

Geoffrey meets his future kennelmate, Dorje.
To:
           Malamute Entry
           My Mals List
9 yr old Geoffrey loves the Saskatoon berries. He is definitely my "Handsome Little Man."
December 2007. 9.5 yrs
Geoffrey is as eager to run
in harness as the younger
dogs - and works very well.
Geoffrey's correct and effortless movement enabled him to lead a younger team 42 times at an age when other dogs wouldn't be able to. On many of the runs, Geoffrey was also breaking trail.
March 2008. Fit and photogenic and definitely not looking his almost 10 years of age.
January 2009. At 10.5 + yrs, Geoffrey is still in fabulous shape. He lead the team of four a total of 60 times in this sledding season. He is a solid leader who is teaching Dorje (on his right) how to do the job well. Geoffrey's granddaughter, Zhouma (behind him) and son Drala (behind Dorje) complete this super team.
February, 2010. Geoffrey who will be 12 years old in 3 months does not look nor act his age. He still delights in scrambling up on top of the five foot high hay bales. Sadly, our work was cut short with an abnormally mild winter, but Geoffrey handily lead the team of four 19 times in December and the first week of January, 2010.
Nov. 16, 2010. Geoffrey is now 12 1/2 yrs old. He amazes everyone who sees him - including two veterinarians - with his youthful appearance and behavior. He is still popping up onto the 36" dog house repeatedly - and it is certainly quite a bit above his head. Geoffrey's first harness job this winter will be to raise money for the Salvation Army Food bank (with Anakin) again. Then as soon as there's enough snow, he'll be leading the team of four with Dorje.
Jan. 2011. Geoffrey is doing amazingly well in harness. With our wonderful relationship and communication, Dorje and Geoffrey let me know when Geoffrey needs a breather - and when it's time to move on.  His spirit remains very strong.
Summer 2011. Geoffrey is 13 yrs old and still very active and playful. He is much less tolerant of any grooming now which is a bit of a challenge! He no longer jumps on top of the 36" dog house for which I'm grateful but still manages the 18" bench. Going for a walk, he has his tail up and pulling the entire way. We have our annual photo shoot in November and depending on the snow conditions and how he feels, we may go out for a few shorter runs. I know it'd break his spirit if he didn't go....

November 2011. Geoffrey and Anakin raised over $500 for the local food bank at two photo sessions.

Shortly after, there was a 3/4 page article in the local paper about "Geoffrey and Anakin retiring." These two boys have  been wonderful canine ambassadors - and ambassadors for Alaskan Malamutes through their charity work.

March 2012. Just 2 months away from his 14th birthday, Geoffrey did not look nor act his age. His vitality was amazing.

The third week of May, Geoffrey knew that Dorje was dying - and his heart was broken........... literally. His sudden death from heart attacks hit me broadside. I was fortunate to be beside him when he crossed the Rainbow Bridge......and yet again, this very special dog taught an amazing lesson - this time on dying gently, peacefully, and with dignity.

Geoffrey was an amazing being in every way. He was a natural 'alpha'; through his dignity and way of being, he earned respect. His spirit was incredible - extremely aware and very loving. Geoffrey wore a gold colored harness and truly was a "Gold Leader" in every conceiveable way. He was sound, fit, and worked for 13 years - yes, even went out for a couple of extremely short runs in December 2011 - and outworked the younger dogs.