Bering, our first Chinook, came to live with us in 1979 when he was five years old. He had been kept at the Suki Kennels in northern Maine for several years since his puppy purchasers returned him. He had been raised in a home full of conflict with little time for him, so he'd learned few manners. Peter and Judy Orne, who were paying his keep, couldn't bear to destroy him even though he was altered (and therefore useless in saving the breed). They were just keeping him alive.

I was incredibly fortunate to meet Judy and arrange to get this wonderful dog. He seemed to know I had saved him. In addition to being a magnificent animal, he was perfectly behaved in my house and could go anywhere with me off leash. He was such a joy after the three Siberian Huskies I had owned who ran for miles when they got out the door.

He helped raise my children, he comforted me through the difficult end of my first marriage, and made me feel safe in the townhouse the two of us shared. He died of cancer in 1986 leaving me better adjusted because of his unconditional love and a better dog owner because of his instruction.