A Sad Day

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved mascot and office dog and greeter Huckleberry Finn Hayden. At the age of 14 years 3 months, Huck contracted lung cancer, which rapidly overtook his ability to survive.

Long a stalwart companion of his keepers, Cindy and Paul Hayden, he was also revered by his fellow workers at Lake Superior Magazine and the many readers who followed his exploits in the magazine and visited him when in Duluth.

Huckleberry was a significant dog in so many ways. He appeared on national TV, made the local newspapers on several occasions, was written about in Lake Superior Magazine and, oh yes, he even contributed a column or two of his own on occasion.

All who knew Huck recognized him as a unique animal. As a sheltie, a breed not known for being sedate, Huck shined as a gentle, quiet soul, forever giving comfort to anyone who visited (or to needy office staff). He allowed the petting and looked you in the eye, understanding how good it made you feel. Wary of other dogs, he had a true affinity for people. He always willingly shared a little warmth.

A herding breed, Huck did feel the need to “count the sheep” when he returned from an extended absence in the office, making a brief visit to each staff member to assure himself that everyone was in place.

Huck knew when the camera focused on him but seldom sought the limelight. Still, he was a star and recognized wherever he went.

From puppyhood, Huck came to work every day, but he preferred sitting at his home beside Lake Superior, watching the woods, the lake and the sky.

He protected his territory from the “hated” squirrels who invaded the bird feeders, watched for the deer who ventured into his domain and walked on the rocks beside the big lake with the best of them, occasionally tasting that deliciously cold, clear water while carefully avoiding getting anything more than his front paws wet. He allowed his kingdom to be shared by his sisters, the Cats, but only on condition that he was permitted to ignore them completely. All in all, he had the perfect dukedom.

In his rest, he is buried beneath the pines in the center of his dukedom, beside the shining big-sea waters. We will miss the old boy, and at age 14 he was truly getting to be an old boy. Although sickness is never welcomed, Huck held up well and bravely until the very end when he couldn’t cope with the onslaught of the disease. For those who met him and recognized his charm, remember that he enjoyed all of his friends, his coworkers and his family as much as they enjoyed him. We will miss him, but we will remember him.

Paul Hayden