Akuta my sweet brave one, from a litter that did not live long. I tried nursing your 5 brothers and sisters, back to health, no reason for their disorder was ever found, because I cared so hard for them , I had little time for you. Feeling you needed more care then I could give, I gave you to a sweet young girl, you were but 8 weeks old. The young girl tried very hard to be your friend, but Akuta, you choice not to be her friend, out of her heart she brought you back.. So happy you were to see me, you turned yourself inside out dancing with..delight. Only then did you decide to be the young girl's friend... Out of kindness on the girls part, Akuta you came home to the place you wanted to be, and gladly gave her kisses to thank her.... For her care.

Kineo - Brother to Akuta - March of 96

I buried all 5 brothers and Sisters, only 2 others remained.. Akuta, you and your brother stayed here, and for 1 year all was good. Then one day your brother went away.. we believe he was poisoned, but no proof was ever found. So "let it be".. for another day to see.

Now my Akuta, so sweet and brave, no more will see you, or scratch your head, for the wind did set you free, for the world you were to see. My soul feels so torn apart, but it is because, you were so much a part of me.. I find now that as I looked into your eyes, I could see me there looking back.

The cage that contained you, also contains me, the world that was beyond your reach, has been beyond mine for a long time. The freedom you seeked, is that freedom I often long for.

I heard your pain, and I called out, Akuta, you did not come.. I called out to the Creator, he called back, I did not come.. Oh Akuta, you and I are so much alike..

You have felt the warmth from loving hands, and the cold of the haterd of mankind.. I also have felt the warmth of love from both you and a human's heart. I also have felt the pain and hatred from a world so cruel, that it brings a sick darkness upon the Earth.. Yet as your Spirit soars high, and you travel with your sisters and brothers, know that you and they, cast a light upon my heart.

I thank you, for the love you shared, and the lessons you taught. Akuta, I thank you, for the lasting kiss and playful tug of my hair, as you said farewell. For in my heart and in my dreams, I well always hold them dear.

Now go and play with your sisters and brothers, that we all may meet in a better place and time. Till then be free as only a Wolf should be. The new fallen snow of winter glistens white and covers your lost body on the forest floor, above it, your spirit now soars to the sky. I let you go, my brother, free forever to be with the ones you love..

Katahdin - Photo from "93"