Thunderstorm’s Sassy Sitka CGC

Ch. Tikiluks Shoshoni Stone Fox X Am./Intl. Ch. Tikiluks Dazzling Destiny CGC, WWPD, WPD, WTD

Breeder.... Steve & Bonnie Cox, Thunderstorm Malamutes

October 15, 1993 to November 9, 2007

We’d been married about 9 years whenwe decided that we needed to add a dog to our lives. We had narrowed our choices to the arctic breeds. After a process of elimination, we had almost settled on the Malamute when we met a young couple with 2 malamutes. The decision was made for us when their male named Windstorm leaned against Tom’s leg and looked up into his eyes with a look that said "THIS is the breed for you". It’s now 8years and 4 Malamutes later and we’re more in love with this breed than ever. SITKA was our first. She crept into our hearts the day she was born and we held her in our hand.

Once upon a time there was a lovely young Malamute. Her name was Thunderstorm’s Sassy Sitka. Sitka was a show girl and she loved the ring. She started her show career in the 6 to 9 month puppy class, but was retired after AKC Judge Dany Canino withheld a 4th place ribbon from Sitka one day. Judge Canino apologized, but stated that “something’s not right with your girl.” Soon after, Sitka’s cardiologist diagnosed a small hole in Sitka’s heart and recommended she be spayed. Five years later, when Dany Canino was judging near our home, Sitka was bathed and groomed and brought to the show grounds. We spoke with Judge Canino and asked her to pose for a special picture with Sitka. We told the story of the withheld ribbon and how we felt that we owed Sitka’s life to her and that withheld ribbon. Sitka’s puppy doctor had missed the murmur for 10 months, but Dany Canino’s keen eye knew that Sitka had a problem.

At 12 years of age, at the AMCA National Specialty in Columbus, Indiana, Sitka took her place in the 12 and over veteran class. She strutted around the ring, posed for the judge and in veteran sweepstakes won her bitch class and was chosen Best 12+ Veteran overall. She might have a small hole in her heart, but she’s ALL heart and we love her dearly.THANK YOU DANY CANINO.

DANY CANINO AND SITKA

Sitka turned 9 years old in October 2002 and is being shown in Jr. Showmanship by our friend's 13 year old daughter. Sitka is FINALLY getting to be a showgirl and is having a ball in the ring. In a class of 9 juniors at Palm Springs they placed 2nd the first day and 1st place the second day.

Sitka was our first mal and the love of our life.  She was a true “princess” and everybody knew it.  Although she could not be shown, Sitka was still a show girl.  All she needed was an audience.  Those that were at the 2005 National saw her win her 12+ veteran bitch class and best 12+ veteran overall.  Sitka showed to thunderous applause and she loved every minute of it.  At the 2007 National, Sitka also delighted the audience but, at the age of 14, she mostly finished out of the ribbons.  She didn’t care.  She was in the ring and having a ball.

We think Sitka had a stroke when she collapsed at home on November 9, 2007.  We had her put to sleep that same evening.  Somehow we always knew that Sitka would make the decision as to when it was time to leave us.  She will forever be remembered as our classy little lady who would “dance” for cookies and steal your heart.

AMCA National Specialty in Columbus, Indiana,
Sitka took her place in the 12 and over veteran class