Flora's Dana, "Soonja"

Sadly another beautiful little family member has left us to join the handful of other U.S. born Danish/Swedish Farmdogs in Heaven’s Farmland...

Soonja, born June 27, 2002 passed from earth July 31, 2008.

Soonja was a Tri color Farmdog from Kennel Flora and the 5th Danish/Swedish Farmdog born in the United States. She was from Flora’s second litter (Sire: My Bonnie Magnus Den Modige / Dam: Agerhonen's Flora Flode-Karmel). Soonja was born in California but lived her short life in Powder Springs, Georgia. In 2006 she took a little trip up to Alaska where she fell in love and started a family with Østbroen's Ursa Major, “Major”. They had three puppies: Austin, Clover and Dash.

Soonja was diagnosed with breast cancer a week or so ago. She passed away about 30 minutes after they finished the surgery.  We are all devastated about the loss of another U.S. Farmdog. With a lunp in my throat and a pain in my heart I say good bye to our beloved Flora's Dana, "Soonja"

Sally,
DSFCA Web Master
Mother of Anna and Luke

Dennis, Soonja’s (human) father comments below:

I remember her looking at me as they were taking her back to preop. "Please Dad, I'm scared." I told her she'd be fine and kissed her on her head. … Julia and I took her in about 7:45AM Thursday morning.  She had slept with me the night before and I took her for a walk about 7AM.  She had seen a rabbit and started to give chase but slowed down after 8-10 steps. 

The surgery was extensive.  I've spoken to the surgeon twice.  Right after they finished he called and told me that the cancer had grown into her right front leg and it covered most of her right mammary gland all the way to her hind quarter. One of the fastest spreading he had ever seen.  He said she may have had only 2-3 months with the surgery.

She had taken the operation fairly well but had an erratic heartbeat about 2 hours into surgery.  She stabilized and they continued for another 90 minutes.  Total of 3 1/2 hours on the little girl.  About 30 minutes after surgery her heart stopped and they could not bring her back.

Soonja was buried just above Dash - so she can watch over him.  Clover and Austin are doing fine.  They have looked for Soonja the past 2 days and seem to understand she is gone.  Last night, Austin laid beside Soonja's bed in my room.  He did not get in it, just laid on the floor beside it.

Soonja was the best mommy dog I've ever seen.  Even was cleaning her pups at 6AM on her last morning.

Dennis

In memory of Flora's Dana... from her breeder.

I was deeply saddned to hear the news of Soonja's passing, and have not been able to put into words my thoughts from these past few weeks.  It is difficult to for me to digest that half of Kennel Flora's 2002 litter is now gone, way before their time.

Flora's Dana  aka "Soonja" lived far across the country from me, so I do not have as much to share about her activities as I did Miss Tilly.  What I do know is that Soonja was a very important part of Dennis' family and has helped them through some difficult times.   Throughout Soonja's life, Dennis kept me informed of her progress as she grew and developed from puppyhood to a fully mature female.

As a young puppy, Soonja was the "delightfully devilish puppy" from Flora's 2nd litter.  She was the alpha female and in charge of keeping all the other puppies "in line"  (or at least she thought that was her job).  When playing alone with a human, however,  Soonja quickly forgot all about the other puppies and turned full attention to captivating whatever human was available.  I know she captivated the heart of Dennis Gray and his family.

Soonja was also considered the "pick" of the litter as assessed by Lilian Christensen at age 7 weeks.   According to Lilian, at the time this puppy was assessed, she had the correct attributes and would most likely be the best female from this litter to breed into the future.  For this reason, Dennis agreed to keep this puppy intact and breed at least one litter, which he did.  I am happy, at least, Dennis and his family have Austin and Clover.  

This is my first encounter with breast cancer in a farmdog female and something I feel compelled to investigate further.  As I learn more, I will share what I find with the group.

-- Melody Farquhar Chang

Comments from other Farmdog Family members

My heart goes out to Dennis, as it does to anyone who experiences such a profound loss. Please hold him in light,
-- Donna Meiners, Major and Pyrus

So very, very sad. My heart goes out to Dennis, he has endured so much, and now this. I know it is a huge loss for him and Julia. Thanks Donna for passing on the sad news. -- Helene

Your profoundly sad news of Soonja took my breath away.  I hold you both in my heart and prayers.

Soonja, Dash and Tilly have sunny skies and are romping through grass together. -- Sue

This hits close to home because Annika is her sister. Dennis has endured so much in the past year. My condolences to him for one more painful loss.
-- Carol

What terribly sad news.  My thoughts are with Dennis and Julia during this difficult time.
-- Jeri and Suzy

Our thoughts to the family. I know how hard it is to lose a four legged family member. -- The Jensens

Poem from Gemini

My Sister Soonja...
a few short weeks together
we had with Momma Flora —
you, me, Tilly, Oscar, Annika, Libby...

All sharing a little bit
of growing up, playing,
being loved by Flora —
then off to caring families
near and far...

I am very sad to hear
that you — so dear
to people persons,
Dennis and Julia,
have left them in life.

But you have not left
them, nor any of us
in spirit. You will be loved
by them and all,
as you were in life.

Your young ones,
Austin and Clover
will carry on with
your legacy, and
Dash and Tilly
will be by your side.

All our lives are blessed
by your being a great part
of our growing Farmdog Family.

Love, Sister Soonja!

Gemini

This picture is Gemini, not Soonja. It is here because Genini is Soonja's littermate and is very sad for the loss of her sister.

I have added a Memorial and Honor Donation page to this site for all of your friends to make a donation in Soonja's name. You can find the link in the left menu.

Sally,
DSFCA Web master