Remembering Epi-Husky Hu-Dad, Friend & Photographer "Captain" Nick Templeman
"Smell the sea and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly." ~Van Morrison
This was a difficult post to write. It has taken me a bit to write it after hearing yet another long-time social media friend, Nick Templeman, had earned his human wings two months ago today. The above is a collage I created from photos shared by Nick (the large framed photo is an image I created by merging various pics of him with four of beloved companions: Tundra, Thunder, Yukon, and Kasper). I know when Nick crossed the Rainbow Bridge, he was eagerly greeted by his beloved furangels, who were there waiting for him.
Nick and I "met" as so many of us have, through our love of Huskies and our personal journeys we shared in blogs and on social media with having epileptic dogs (Epi-dogs). We met through our epileptic Siberian Huskies—my sweet Husky boy, Gibson, and Nick's dear Husky, Tundra a/k/a "Wolfer" and "Tundy" (who was diagnosed with early onset idiopathic epilepsy when she was just eight months old and also had her own Facebook page). Nick, no stranger to having a dog with epilepsy, shared Tundra's story and his family's journey with her through epilepsy in my book, EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy.
Nick's beautiful husky Tundra's photo in my EPIc Dog Tales Book
Often times, we make lifelong long-distance friends via social media connections. "Facebook Friends" are in touch for awhile and discuss beloved dogs, then a period of time passes before we speak again; each busy living life with Huskies, work, family, and friends. But that connection between Epi-dog caregivers always remains. Just one of the many legacies of caring and loving dogs.
One of the photos Nick sent me of his Epi-Husky "Tundra" in 2013
When my Gibson tore his CCL back in December 2012, it was Nick who saw my post and reached out across the miles to tell me about a specific leg brace he was using with success on his "Kasper." Thanks to Nick, I did order a WoundWear brace (sadly, they are now out of business as the founder/owner Dr. Joel Spatt also passed away). The brace became part of Gibson's Conservative Care Management of the torn CCL, for which he, too, healed from. I was so grateful to Nick for that recommendation, and he was genuinely happy to have shared the tip and see the success for my Gibson as well.
Nick's "Kasper" with the brace for a torn CCL.
While many folks, myself included, knew Nick through the Siberian Husky and Canine Epilepsy Facebook world, that was only a part of his life. He was also an accomplished and talented photographer and "Captain" of the Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions in British Columbia, where he and his "Chief Whale Spotter"—Yukon—took so many folks out for amazing whale watching and wow, his photos were amazing. He sure knew his Orcas! And those photos made me wish I could go whale spotting, especially when his beloved and very handsome #chiefwhalespotter, Yukon, kept watch from the bow. (Yukon is the red & white Husky pictured above).
Nick was well-respected and friends to so many in both his home country of Canada and here in the U.S.A. He was a devoted hu-dad to his pack over the years, and was quoted as saying, "The dogs own me!"
I am sending heartfelt condolences to his girlfriend, his family, remaining pups, his friends near and far, co-workers, and all who sailed the seas with him.
Rest in peace now, Nick. Thank you for your friendship from afar. If you see my FiveSibes, give them all a big hug from me, and an extra special one for Gibson and Tundra. I know you'll be up there watching over your loved ones both on land and on the seas.
To visit Nick's obituary, go HERE.
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