Queen Natasha the Angel – June 10, 2003 – October 6, 2016

Queen Natasha the Angel

June 10, 2003 – October 6, 2016

Queen Natasha the Angel

Queen Natasha

Confidence.

Even at eight weeks old, I was confident and in charge.

Glorious Snow

Snow. Glorious snow.

Full speed ahead

Full speed ahead!

entertained

Royalty, through and through

like your office

Supervising the Hu-Dad in his study

Open this door now!

Open this door now!

Go ahead - try to resist these eyes.

Go ahead – try to resist these eyes.

Official Jeep Navigator.

Official Jeep Navigator.

One big smile.

One big smile.

Who? Me? Cause a mess?

Who? Me? Cause a mess?

I want in. NOW.

I want in. NOW.

Baby Bear, Natasha, and her Mama Bear, Nikita - from many years ago.

Baby Bear, Natasha, and her Mama Bear, Nikita – from many years ago.

Not up to anything. Nope.

Not up to anything. Nope.

Under the Hu-Dad's desk - the early years.

Under the Hu-Dad’s desk – the early years.

Kiska and Natasha - always pals.

Kiska and Natasha – always pals.

100_0043

Baby Bear Natasha harassing Mama Bear Nikita

Natasha getting a taste of her very first Christmas.

Natasha getting a taste of her very first Christmas.

Goodbye, Baby Bear. I love you and will miss you forever – Hu-Dad.

68 Comments

  1. Bobbie on November 1, 2016 at 8:03 am

    Sending Love & Light…

  2. Lindsey on October 21, 2016 at 12:08 am

    So sorry for the loss of Natasha. I lost my queen 6 years ago and it still hurts like hell. Every one leaves a hole in our heart, some just leave a little bigger hole. Run free Natasha.

  3. Rebekah on October 9, 2016 at 7:30 pm

    I am so very sorry. Run free, queenie.

  4. Eva and Murphy on October 8, 2016 at 12:46 pm

    I have been reading about the herd since 2008 and grieved the losses of Kodiak and Rusty, but this is the worst. Our hearts and paws are with you and the herd. Eva and Murphy, the English Cocker spaniel.

  5. Kristin on October 8, 2016 at 9:43 am

    So sorry. Her Majesty will be greatly missed, but she certainly leaves behind quite a legacy.

  6. Laura on October 8, 2016 at 2:45 am

    I’m so dreadfully sorry! I know you and the rest of the pack will miss the Queen forever, but I know she’s running free and happy, playing with the members of your pack who preceded her, and all our other wonderful angel dogs. Please hug all the others for us and know that we all loved Queen Natasha, the one and only. And when you can find it in your heart to tell us what happened, I know I’m not alone in wondering — but I’m also glad her last days were so happy!

    Laura and the pack
    Angels Casey, Madison, Isaac, and Rusty
    Melody the greyhound
    Sebastian the cocker spaniel

  7. KB on October 8, 2016 at 12:44 am

    I am heartbroken for you. I feel as if I knew her after all these years of reading about her exploits. What a wonderful life she had with you. I send you all my deepest sympathy.

  8. Cheerful Monk on October 8, 2016 at 12:41 am

    I’m so sorry. I’m glad she had that one day zooming around, and it was a shock to read this post. Best wishes to you all.

  9. Kristen B on October 7, 2016 at 8:01 pm

    So so sorry for your loss. Just shocking. Sending lots of hugs. It was nice seeing you yesterday evening .

  10. Julie on October 7, 2016 at 7:36 pm

    Dear Hu-Dad,

    I started reading your blog shortly after Cheoah and Natasha had their TPLO surgeries. My red woolly sibe had his own TPLO surgery and the staff at the surgeon’s office told me about your blog. I began reading it daily, mostly to follow the girls’ recovery to see what I might expect for my own baby’s recovery. It’s become a part of my morning ritual to read the blog over coffee ever since. It’s so lovely to see how dedicated you are to the wellbeing of your pups and fascinating to learn about the dynamics of your pack.

    Thanks for sharing your world with us. As I’ve shared in many joyful moments with you, today I share in your mourning. My husband was a little baffled by all my tears this morning, since I’ve never actually met you guys. I know how special Natasha was to you and I’m so so sorry for your loss. What a good life she lived. Rest in peace, Baby Bear. Hope to run into y’all someday at the park in Avl or out on the trails.

  11. Lucy on October 7, 2016 at 6:42 pm

    I am so sorry and am in shock to read about Queen Natasha. You and the Herd are in my thoughts.

  12. Laura Y on October 7, 2016 at 5:30 pm

    I will miss hearing about Queen Natasha and her rule. Your writings about her and your pack at Sibe Quentin are a pleasant part of my days. I won’t talk about closure when losing a loved one, as I think that’s a myth. We get through loss not over it. I hope your days are filled with memories of the Queen’s antics, and her love. Our little pack sends warm paws and wet kisses to all at Sibe Quentin. Rest in peace sweet Natasha????????
    ????

  13. Ann on October 7, 2016 at 5:04 pm

    No words….just tears. So so sorry, Natasha. All your sibs, family and friends will miss you.

  14. Jerry G-Pa Owens on October 7, 2016 at 4:49 pm

    G-Ma and I will miss getting to rub her belly this coming February at The Winterfest Smoky Style. She was so, so, very sweet. Some day you will be reunited at The Rainbow Bridge…….
    G-Pa

  15. Chris on October 7, 2016 at 4:39 pm

    So sorry for your loss

  16. Karen Dowell on October 7, 2016 at 4:35 pm

    So sad. I just had a Kiska pass away on Sept. 26????

    • Hazel Koda and Sue Verschneider on October 7, 2016 at 8:41 pm

      I’m so sorry to hear of your fur babies passing. May she run free at the bridge.

  17. Bonnie on October 7, 2016 at 4:34 pm

    So sad for you all…she was very beautiful,lots of love ❤❤

  18. 24 Paws of Love on October 7, 2016 at 3:13 pm

    There is something extra special about the pack leader that makes the cut a little deeper. We are so sorry to hear about Natasha. Our hearts and paws go out to you and the Thundering Herd.

    May she rest in peace.

  19. Alice took scalesi on October 7, 2016 at 2:43 pm

    So very sorry this news makes so many of us sad – my heart breaks for you!!!!

  20. Gracie on October 7, 2016 at 1:22 pm

    I’m so sorry to read of Natasha’s passing. She was an original. She is keeping Arwen company now. Hugs to you.

  21. jansfunnyfarm on October 7, 2016 at 1:06 pm

    We saw this yesterday on Facebook and wanted to come by to acknowledge the loss of Natasha. It is never easy to lose a furry. They stay in our hearts forever.

  22. Caroline on October 7, 2016 at 12:57 pm

    I am very sorry for your loss. Run free sweet girl!

  23. Shyuki and her hu-family on October 7, 2016 at 12:42 pm

    Our deepest condolences to your family and the herd. We have followed you and the herd for years and felt like an extend part of your family. The shock of the Queen leaving has left an empty hole in our hearts. She will always be in our hearts and are so thankful that you have shared your fur family with us. She has had a wonderful and loving life ruling Sibe Quentin and now she will rule above the Rainbow Bridge. RIP Natasha. We will all love you and will miss you very much. Many hugs to hugs to the human and fur babies. Keeping your family in our thought and prayers.

  24. Jenny Gaffney on October 7, 2016 at 12:42 pm

    so sorry for your loss, a loss we all feel because of your wonderful insight to the herd life, you will be sadly missed, Sweet Queen xxxxx

  25. Random Felines on October 7, 2016 at 11:50 am

    we are so very sorry and sending gentle purrs to all of you

  26. Juno's mom on October 7, 2016 at 11:43 am

    I’m just in tears and a bit of shock. That you could even put this tribute together last night says a lot about you and your love for Natasha. Fans of the Herd have her and all your family in our hearts.

  27. Kimberly Parker on October 7, 2016 at 11:11 am

    I first read your post on the way to work–it’s always the first thing I read when I have a moment. I knew Natasha had been slowing down but I wasn’t expecting this. Of course, I had to come back and re-read it when I got to work and could absorb it all. I am sitting here with tears running down my face because I know just what a loss this is for you and the Herd. You were lucky to have each other for many years–Natasha had a amazing life. She will be missed keenly by humans and dogs alike. Much love to you and the Herd from Camp Run Amok (angel Juneau, Sitka, and Poquito).

  28. The Ao4 on October 7, 2016 at 10:47 am

    You’re in our thoughts and prayers. What a wonderful tribute to the Queen!
    Cammie!

  29. Pat and Rebel on October 7, 2016 at 10:42 am

    I am so sorry for your loss, and know the pain of losing a beloved friend and companion. I am writing this with tears running down my face and I never met Queen Natasha but came to love her from the photos and videos Hu-Dad posts for the Herd. I know her human and canine family are very sad and in mourning but remember that she had a wonderful life, is not in any pain and is running healthy in the snows above the Rainbow Bridge with her friends and family that went before her and she will be there waiting for you. My sympathy to her human and sibe family. RIP Queen Natasha, you are missed and will not be forgotten.

  30. Khumbu on October 7, 2016 at 10:25 am

    Much love to you all. Run free Natasha.
    Hugs and woos from us here

  31. Koda Hazel and Sue VerSchneider on October 7, 2016 at 10:23 am

    Oh HuDad HuMom HuGrandma and Thundering Herd, I, Koda and Hazel send our deepest sympathies to you all at the passing of your Queen Natasha. Although it is a part of life it always leaves a void. She is now in the arms of her creator, back with her dear old friends and most importantly in no pain.

    My Rusty and Misha are being sent to greet her and give her plenty of kisses. Misha will make sure Queen Natasha gets the royal treatment.

    Hugs to you all
    Sue Koda and Hazel VerSchneider
    Virginia Beach

  32. Nanük on October 7, 2016 at 10:11 am

    Safe travels Queen Natasha. Prayers for peace for those that loved you,

    Nuk & Family

  33. Annika on October 7, 2016 at 10:11 am

    Rest in peace, Natasha! I don’t think I’ve ever commented before but I’ve always enjoyed following your long and benevolent rule of Hu-dad and the herd and I wanted to say goodbye. Run free!

  34. Lisa on October 7, 2016 at 9:57 am

    Oh no! Condolences to you and the Herd from me & Eddie.

  35. Denise Schoen on October 7, 2016 at 9:54 am

    My heart breaks for you and your family. Love and prayers for all of you during this difficult time.
    Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful fur family. So many memories of The Queen come to mind.
    Hugs to all {♡}

  36. Dennis the Vizsla on October 7, 2016 at 9:54 am

    hello thundering herd its dennis the vizsla dog hay i am verry sorry queen natasha had to go away run free natasha and enjoy the deep everlasting snos north of the rainbo bridj!!! ok bye

  37. Susan McManus on October 7, 2016 at 9:51 am

    No! My heart is breaking along with yours. I have been praying for your sweet Natasha since I “met” her over a year ago. Poor Kiska must be lost without her Queen! I will continue to pray for you as you mourn the loss of your precious furbaby. God Bless the Queen!!!

  38. Padma on October 7, 2016 at 9:46 am

    I am so sorry for your loss. I have enjoyed reading your posts and getting to know the Herd over the past year. Take extra good care of yourself and the Herd during this difficult time.

    Natasha, wear your Silver Harness with pride and look down on hu-dad and the Herd to provide them comfort.

  39. Lizzy on October 7, 2016 at 9:40 am

    Words can’t express how I sorry I feel. Our furbaby passed away this January equally suddenly I from bloat (she was 17 years old) as well. Natasha was the life and soul of the Thundering Herd. The world is slightly dimmer without our Queen in it and we will all miss her. Take a few days off and go and hug your other fur babies (they are probably reeling from the loss of their queen).

  40. Ellen on October 7, 2016 at 9:39 am

    I am very sorry for your loss.

  41. Laura on October 7, 2016 at 9:05 am

    I am so sorry for your loss.

    • Sylv on October 7, 2016 at 9:37 am

      My heart aches for your loss.

  42. The OP Pack on October 7, 2016 at 8:59 am

    So very sorry for your loss. We know how special Queen Natasha has been to you from the beginning. They sure have a way of stealing our hearts. She is now running free – we bet she and Ciara had a grand welcoming at the gates. Soft woos and gentle hugs.

    Woos – Lightning and Mom

  43. All Things Collie on October 7, 2016 at 8:52 am

    Oh no!

    Is it crazy that I am in tears over the loss of a dog I have never met? I will miss seeing pictures of her on your blog, and reading about her. I didn’t know she was sick, was this loss unexpected?

    I’m so sorry.

  44. KJ Pierson on October 7, 2016 at 8:49 am

    I’ve been dreading seeing this post for the last little while. I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet, to me at least, is worse than losing most people. If you all need anything, just give a yell 🙁

  45. Kara on October 7, 2016 at 8:43 am

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the herd. Tears are being shed all over by those who have come to love Natasha through your posts. We have been blessed and pray for comfort for you all.

    Kara, Gus, and Harley

  46. Shawn on October 7, 2016 at 8:42 am

    In times like these , I find strength in knowing that in the course of a dogs life, there are infinitely more good days than bad ones! Godspeed and run free sweet Natasha.

  47. Daniele on October 7, 2016 at 8:41 am

    So sorry for your loss. Warm thoughts to the Hu-Dad and the Herd.

  48. Karen on October 7, 2016 at 8:12 am

    My heart is hurting for you all. I am a relatively new reader to your site but I have spent many enjoyable hours reading all of the antics that go along with owning 6 sibes. The special bond you had with that sweet Queen Natasha came through in every story told. Prayers for comfort for you and the Herd.

  49. Elizabeth on October 7, 2016 at 8:12 am

    So incredibly sorry for your loss. They leave such big holes in our lives.

  50. Sea Wolf on October 7, 2016 at 7:58 am

    So, soo sorry to hear. Good girl, run free now with your silver harness. Condolences from me and the pack here. She had the best of care in the best home ever. She never knew pain, abandonment or abuse unlike so many others. The others before her will now bow at the bridge to the Queens arrival.

    Terry

  51. Mary Allen on October 7, 2016 at 7:50 am

    Fly free Queen Natasha, I hope you are running with my Sassy. Prayers for the rest of the Herd and Hu Dad ❤️????

  52. Lori on October 7, 2016 at 7:43 am

    Oh no! My heart is shattered with all of you! This is so unexpected…. I’m so very sorry hu-dad and all the thundering herd. My heart felt love and prayers for all of you in this time of great sorrow. Sear sweet Natasha… run free baby girl. ????????❤️️

  53. Cyndi on October 7, 2016 at 7:36 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss.

  54. Kate on October 7, 2016 at 7:33 am

    My heart is broken for you and The Herd. Rest in peace, beautiful Queen.

    • Mike on October 7, 2016 at 7:29 pm

      Amen

  55. Jane on October 7, 2016 at 7:12 am

    I am so sorry for all of your loss. I know this has got to be extremely hard on all of you. I have been following you for about 5 years now and have been through a couple of losses, but I think our Queen is the hardest hit. It was a 100% shock to me this morning. Please give the herd an extra big hug and kiss for me.

  56. Michele Rick on October 7, 2016 at 6:09 am

    So sorry to learn of the Queen’s passing. She was blessed with a wonderful family, many subjects to rule, and all of the care one could provide. To all at Sibe-Quentin, my condolences.

  57. Hokie Pack on October 7, 2016 at 5:58 am

    Sad news, tears for the Thundering Herd and Hu-Dad ????
    Soft woos for safe passage over the Rainbow Bridge for the Queen from the Hokie Pack.

  58. Zoe on October 7, 2016 at 4:30 am

    Oh my goodness .. what happened!!!!

    With heads bowed and paws raised we honor Her Royal Highness Queen Natasha
    Run free at the Bridge, I’m sure you are rejoucing in seeing your pack members that passed before you, that you are healthy and pain free.

    To Hu-dad and your family, please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of this most extraordinary creature. May the pain of your loss be lessened by knowing the love and joy you shared with her.

    Know that while not as you do, we all loved her, and we also mourn her loss.
    The world will turn a little more slowly and be a little less brightly now that she is no longer with us.

    Please accept our prayers love and support

    The Walsh pack
    Sabo the German Shepherd
    Jasmine the Lab
    Delilah the German Shepherd
    Athena the English Mastiff
    And their servants
    Harry and Zoe

  59. Mom 'n Ebby on October 7, 2016 at 4:19 am

    Mom sez: As you can guess, this hit me especially hard right now. I’m sitting here with tears running down my face. Last picture posted showing her running around the yard at Sibe Quentin. My heart goes out to you and the Herd right now. God speed, Natasha! And when you get across the Bridge, give our Iceman a big sloppy kiss from me’n Dad!

    • Susan McManus on October 7, 2016 at 10:04 am

      I am sorry to learn of your Iceman. You are in my prayers! They are such a part of us.

      • Mom 'n Ebby on October 7, 2016 at 2:31 pm

        Thank you very much, Sue, for your comment and prayers for Ice. He was 14 years old last June 21st, the Longest Day, and hadn’t been well since last winter, but we’d hoped he’d make it for at least this last summer. Well, he did, so we can be thankful for that. Even knowing it was inevitable, our hearts still hurt!

        • Hazel Koda and Sue Verschneider on October 7, 2016 at 8:36 pm

          I’m so sorry to read of your icemans passing. We have last our first two fur babies. Misha was our baby from 6 months and went to be with her Rusty again at the ripe old age of 14 and a half. Although he passes in 2010 and her in 2015 reading of someone else’s baby brings me to tears as well.

          Hugs to you and your family

  60. Becky Slack on October 7, 2016 at 4:10 am

    This just breaks my heart. My sympathy to your family and the entire Herd.

    • Marlene on October 8, 2016 at 6:48 am

      This just breaks my heart, I had tears in my eyes

    • Jean Burkhardt on October 9, 2016 at 10:23 am

      My heart breaks for you on the loss of Queen Natasha. Any time I hear about someone losing their beloved dog-it hurts my heart as well because I know that pain. Run free sweetheart-you have earned your silver harness and I know you were greeted by the ones who went before you. Godspeed.

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