Beautiful Bjorn has left us. Even though he did his best to live forever like he promised me, he passed away silently on August 27th 2025. He was the most amazing gift God could ever have given us, and is missed every single day. Although he is survived by his sister Beatta, and our 3 cats Patches, Cotton, and Panda, he has left void that will never be replaceable.
Our New Bundle of Joy
We picked up Bjorn on February 19th 2015, in North Battleford, Saskatchewan about 4 and half hours from where we live. It was a cold and icy trip, but we were all so excited to get our new puppy. He was a purebred Great Pyrenees, so when they handed him to me he was already over 10 pounds. I immediately thought, “Where’s my puppy?” We loved him the moment we met him, and he rode on our laps all the way home.
Even 2 of our 3 cats fell in love with him as soon as he arrived home. Kikki eventually warmed up to him, despite her nervous disposition. Bjorn was always so chill, even as a puppy. I remember our first walk around the block with him in his harness. He was not having it. We had to give him treats just to get him to walk. It didn’t take long for him to get used to it though; he loved his walks and his car rides. He was friendly with everyone, and rarely barked. It wasn’t until Beatta joined our family that Bjorn started to be more vocal.
Growing Up
Bjorn grew quickly, and since his parents were 120 – 160 pds, we knew he’d be a big boy too! I started him in obedience classes right away, and he was a real champ! He got along with the other puppy in the class, and charmed everyone he met. Once we were in our local PetSmart and a seasoned rancher stopped in his tracks remarking, “That’s the cleanest I’ve ever seen one of those. He’s a good looking dog.” And he was, a very good looking and well behaved dog. He was very proud of himself when he graduated.
The Perfect Companion
Bjorn truly was the perfect companion. He was great in the car, travelling all the way to Vancouver and back, which takes 13 hours each way. Of course we’d stopped in a motel over night, and he was a rockstar! He loved swimming, as well as hiking in all weather conditions. Since he was born in December, he loved the snow. He would spend hours outside in the snow and colder temperatures. Of course I’d have to limit his time outside when the temperatures dipped below -20C, but once he’d warmed back up he’d want back out again!
His intelligence was incredible! He could be stubborn some times when he really wanted to smell that tree a bit longer, but he never forgot the tricks he learned at puppy school. You wouldn’t be able to find a better dance partner, but he never jumped up on anyone. He knew how to make everyone feel welcome, and never forgot a face. He was in love with his Nana, and the feeling was mutual. You couldn’t help but get down on the floor with him to cuddle. If you were feeling down, he’d be there to cheer you up. Nothing made him happier than being at your feet. He was simply the best.
Our Gentle Giant
HIs charm worked on humans and animals alike. Neighbours and strangers were always commenting on what a beautiful and friendly dog he was. It didn’t matter the size of the dog or cat, he was so gentle with them all. He just wanted to play with everyone and share his love. His incredible charisma convinced us to get Beatta a few years later. Great Pyrenees dogs do go through their teenage phase from 9 months to 24 months of age, so if you can have patience during this time you will end up with the best dog ever.
Bjorn was a gentle giant, but he was always very protective. When we would take him tent camping with us, he wouldn’t get much sleep through the night. He stayed on guard by the tent opening, and caught up on his sleep during the day. When the kids were young, or when we went for a walk he would place himself between us and any other person we came across. Never in a threatening way, but in a protective way that let you know he wasn’t to be trifled with. There was only a few times he let us know that someone was not to be trusted, but he never bit or attempted to bite anyone.
In Conclusion:
Bjorn was the best of all dogs, and he will be greatly missed. It’s hard to go into the kitchen and not see him on the landing or under the table. To come home and not have that great smile and wagging tail welcoming us home. I am so grateful for all the pictures and amazing memories I have of him, and he will never be forgotten. Even our other pets are feeling his loss. Thanks for the memories Bjorn, I can’t wait to see you again when Jesus brings us home.
