Photo of Spirit by Ara Gureghian
The Sad Passing of an Iconic Riding Companion
For any readers familiar with (or not) Ara Gureghian’s blog The Oasis of My Soul you’ll know of his constant riding companion for the last 11 years or so — Spirit. I felt a great sadness today when I read of his passing. Spirit, a rescue dog, occupied a big space in Ara’s life and in the minds of his many readers. When I look at the picture of Spirit with his helmet and goggles I’m reminded of how these creatures become more than an animal or dog. They become part of our lives if you let them, and bestow great gifts to those smart enough to befriend them.
A photograph reveals a lot about how a photographer feels about their subject. Ara’s photo speaks volumes about Spirit.
Michael Beattie, author of Key West Diary, has a fine post about Spirit.
I wish I would have had the chance to meet Spirit. In our occasional correspondence, I always asked that he give Spirit a pat on the head for me.
I’ll give my canine pal Junior a pat on the head in remembrance of Spirit…
Saw about Spirit’s passing soon after it happened. Very sad for Ara.
Indeed. Has to be a difficult time.
It is perhaps an interesting fact; most dogs enjoy riding in sidecars.
Many photographs of same can be seen in videos and on Adventure Rider (ADV).
Spirit was the “poster boy” for such activities. Now sadly he is deceased; my concern is for Ara. As he noted his age is 70 years.
Over time he has lost his son, his mother, and now his dog. All his physical anchors. Ara has also endured health problems (as have most of us who also reach
70+ years of age).
The future for Ara will perhaps make or break his resolve. I would suggest another rescue dog, however leave many months between Spirit and a possible replacement. Healing of the soul is required…. Ara will know when to look for another four-legged
companion.
I tried to get Junior in a sidecar. Nothing doing. He immediately recognized the folly.
Spirit on the other hand seemed entirely comfortable. The last few years Ara indicated Spirit had grown increasingly nervous or uneasy in the rig though. Hard to say what motivated the change.
I wish the best for Ara as he moves forward without Spirit. Hopefully another door will open that will provide him comfort.
My heart and soul reach out to you Ara. Sprit, spirts will Long live on. From Danny and my loved rescue Norman from South Africa.
Dogs are just fine companions. Their spirits do live on after they’re gone. Pretty amazing.
It’s been interesting to follow the travels of Ara and Spirit over the years. I met Spirit at one of the BMW rallies patiently waiting outside one of the halls (no dogs allowed).
No dogs allowed. What’s up with bikers? Geez. I guess you could get dog hair on the BMW or something…
I too was so saddened by this news. I wish the best for Ara. RIP Spirit.
It is sad news. I hope he finds some comfort from all those around the world who found joy in his writing and photography.