Ara and Spirit — both good names, belonging to two best friends: Ara Gureghian, the once self-employed personal chef; and Spirit, the pitbull and the Sidecar Dog. Their journey began 10 years ago, though their time on the road only eight. It was 10 years ago that Ara’s son and only child died of liver cancer. For two years following the unconscionable loss, Ara battled demons, sitting in a rented studio, watching TV, and drinking a 12-pack every night. But one Friday night, he decided enough was enough and took off on what has become an eight-year journey on his motorcycle, Old Faithful, with Spirit by his side.
How did he and Spirit meet? After Ara’s son died, he wanted company; and he found said company in Spirit. Spirit was a victim of animal abuse and was being very close to being put down before the couple met. So, they effectively saved each other.
In this eight-year journey since, the pair have felt the freedom of the open road — “Mother nature is my mistress,” Ara says, “and she’s very generous” — but the Center of the Universe lies deep in the desert, where his mother (Maman) and son (Lance) rest.
As for answers?
“Eight years later, I’m realizing the answers are… there’s really no answers,” Ara explains. “We always want to know why, but there’s no why. That’s just a fabric of life.”
