I've seen a flurry of mentions on the passing of Paul Walker, who died in a car crash on November 30th. He's most noted - or at least referred to - as a "Fast and Furious" star. (The movie, not the ATF gunwalking scandal.) But Walker also played Jerry Shepard, a guide at an Antarctica research base under contract with the National Science Foundation, in the movie 8 Below.
And that's where the Hawk clan's "serendipitous sorrow" comes in. Make the jump over the stylized doggie deposit (watch your step!) to learn more...
When HawkWife & I saw
8 Below a few years back, we were struck by the similarities between how the character of Maya (the lead dog) was played and our recently passed Missy. Although Missy was a Malamute and Maya (the character, as well as the doggie actor) were Husky, there was a striking similarity of look, appearance, and - the way the movie portrayed Maya's initiative, leadership & intelligence - a startling echo of familiarity with our former companion. But that's not where it ended.
We had recently adopted another Malamute to help fill Missy's role & responsibilities in our home - Mr. Jack - and we thought it was curious (but sad) that the movie also had a dog named Jack (tho he was older, and died early on).
Our Jack died in May of 2012 from bone cancer. He was only 8 1/2 years old.
Now, with the passing of Mr. Walker, we're not only remembering the role that - for us - he is best known; we're also remembering the movie again. The Missy-like "Maya" character. The "Jack" who died early on.
And seeing yet another weird match.
In the movie, Maya passes leadership of the pack over to Max, a young Husky who shows promise, intelligence and caring.
We'd just adopted a Husky who had been abandoned by his former family. He's young, very gentle, loving and very good for our elder dog, Ember.
His name is Max, a.k.a. "Cuddlecakes."
Yes, "Cuddlecakes." Not a nickname I thought I'd ever give to a dog, but it was surprisingly appropriate for our gentle, loving new furball.
He's slowly picking up new nicknames, but we've only had him a few months. He appears to enjoy being a part of our new pack, and is very eagerly learning to define his role & express his personality.
He gets along great with Ember, who is now 16, and they look after each other.
...the passing of Mr. Walker reminds us of our fur family, its past (passed) and present members, and the movie that "stars" the personality & embodiment of one of our own.
Our condolences to Mr. Walker and his family, and our thanks to him for being a part of a quirky Disney movie that reminds us of the warmth, love & family we enjoy with our furry counterparts.