I read about this article from an old National Geographic magazine. It was only 2 pages but the story of this incredible journey has since made a huge impact on me. I wanted to write about this on my blog but i was hesitated. I got in touch with Ed Mulrenin, the guy in the photo. I was hoping for some comments and personal photos from him, but i am not getting any reply ever since i made that request. I guess he could be busy. Maybe there have been too many people asking the same question and he is getting pretty tired of it.
This story is about a man and a German shepherd, called Sonntag. In 1998, Sonntag injured his spinal cord while chasing a ball. Ed Mulrenin promised to Sonntag that he would not put him down simply because he was a paraplegic.
"I stuck by him as he would have me," says Mulrenin.
Many effort were tried just to get Sonntag walking again. Ed has to massage Sonntag's bladder so the dog could urinate. He got Sonntag a canine wheelchair and equipped their lives so that paralysis did not keep Sonntag from doing anything.
This story is about a man and a German shepherd, called Sonntag. In 1998, Sonntag injured his spinal cord while chasing a ball. Ed Mulrenin promised to Sonntag that he would not put him down simply because he was a paraplegic.
"I stuck by him as he would have me," says Mulrenin.
Many effort were tried just to get Sonntag walking again. Ed has to massage Sonntag's bladder so the dog could urinate. He got Sonntag a canine wheelchair and equipped their lives so that paralysis did not keep Sonntag from doing anything.
In August 2000, he replaced his Land Rover's front passenger seat with a custom built bed and took Sonntag on a 42 day, 12,500 miles trip to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. The photo above shows that Ed was guiding Sonntag to walk in the snowy weather. And at the photo below, Ed and Sonntag stopped for a walk along the way.
Upon their return, Sonntag's health was failing. Sonntag was having serious arthritis problem and he could barely get up. Mulrenin decided to end Sonntag's life. He was grieving, but he was satisfied that he had not deprived the dog of a moment of pleasure.
"I made it to the finish line. I kept my promise."
"I made it to the finish line. I kept my promise."
Sonntag was euthanized on April 10, 2001. And Mulrenin vowed to Sonntag that someday he will return to Alaska to spread his ashes over the Artic Tundra to connect him forever with that incredible journey.
I couldn't pull my eyes away from the photo above when i was reading that article on the magazine. It was the moment when vet's injection took hold, and he whispered in Sonntag's ear : "We made it, buddy, we made it."
I couldn't pull my eyes away from the photo above when i was reading that article on the magazine. It was the moment when vet's injection took hold, and he whispered in Sonntag's ear : "We made it, buddy, we made it."
I was trying to feel Mulrenin's pain at that very moment. The photo shows the close connection between Mulrenin and Sonntag, man and his beloved dog. It must have felt like a dear member in the family has left.
I could recall the day when my dog left. He passed out a huge sigh, looking at me. That moment, stays strongly in my memory even after 20 years. Only those of us who has or had a dog understands that bond. Dog is not a pet. Dog could be a friend, a buddy, once you are able to connect with it.
Here is the last web update on April 10, 2001, from Ed Mulrenin about Sonntag :
http://www.dwdconsult.com/TJWebsite/Sonntag/New_E-Mail/new_e-mail.htm
