Big Sky Marky, or just “Marky”, was a once in a lifetime dog for me. Marky was a male Border Terrier with colors of Grizzle and Tan that I discovered after first pet-profiling myself on the Internet and then after a nationwide search. I was living in Orlando, Florida during the search and found my “Marky” at Big Sky Border Terriers. I flew to Helena, Montana on January 31, 2011 (minus 20 degrees) to take Marky to his new home in Orlando (temp there was 84 on that date). Just 2-1/4 years later Marky and I would return to Helena as I accepted a career position with the Montana VA Health Care System. Almost immediately I started a dog friendly hiking club called “Helena Hikers” (now a private group called MT HIKE Exclusives). Marky and I loved the outdoors, and Marky was well trained for off leash areas and to come when called. If me and my hikers did an 8-mile hike, you can bet Marky did triple that with all his curiosity. Marky has even done multi-night stays in Lookout Towers. Marky was incredibly respectful of property – perhaps because I gave Marky enough of his own property to enjoy. Of the nearly 8-years Marky and I shared together in Montana, Marky participated in literally hundreds of hikes, base camp trips, short, and long backpack trips. As long as the temperature was above 32, Marky was a participant. The picture I have provided is truly my favorite. Not only are the colors superb, but Marky with his backpack on (never more than 20% of his body weight) exemplifies his enjoyment of the outdoors with me. I cannot describe well enough how much Marky enjoyed camping. Marky would sleep stretched out lengthwise with me in my sleeping bag and he always had a way of communicating with me to let me know what he needed. Marky was a no-collar-when-indoors dog. So when I had the collar in hand, Marky knew we were heading for goods times outdoors. I can say without boasting that Marky had a First Class Life. Marky was humanely euthanized for advanced cancer on February 23, 2021. I was looking forward to another six years with Marky. My dear family and friends grieve with me. Marky’s sweetness, and frankly cuteness, has touched literally hundreds of lives. Rest well my Marky. I will return you to the mountains this summer.
