Sting was my fourth oxytocin child. When my youngest son was six months old, I saw him in a Facebook post and immediately knew that we needed each other. Sting was two weeks older than my son, so they grew up together.

Sting was a true husky — he dug holes, loved chasing chickens and pigeons, jumping over fences, and stealing unattended food. He also ignored all commands and howled dramatically, even when everyone was nearby.

Sting lived for 12 years, and his life was full. He pulled the children on sleds, swam in the lake, ate snow, and loved lying on the grass.

His final months were spent surrounded by complete love. Sting enjoyed the first rays of spring after winter and even managed to have a piece of chocolate — something he so dearly wanted but wasn’t allowed.

I am truly grateful for all the warmth and care we received on such a difficult day of loss. We waited for Sting to come home, and the colourful beads will always remind us of him.