It's the middle of the night and I'm sittin here on the computer. Can't sleep, nothin on TV, don't feel like reading. Got home from the emergency vet a little while ago. Brought Kiki in. Everyone calls her Kikimama. She had been wheezing and having a hard time settling down since this afternoon. Deb thought it best to take her in. On the way to the vet she seemed to quiet down a bit, almost to the point of us turning around and heading home again, thinking that the car ride maybe relaxed her. Figured we'd let her out and walk her before deciding which way to go. She was full of energy, running up to all the different doors in the strip mall. For some reason we elected to go ahead and see the vet. Walked in the door about midnight, Kiki leading the way.

15 minutes later they brought her back out, wrapped in a towel. Complications from a collapsed trachea. She had had this problem all her life, 13 years, but never to the point of any surgery or even medication.

Debs extra heartbroken, as she insisted we take her along to visit my son and daughter-in-law in the afternoon. Kiki did seem a little stressed, to the point I cut the visit short and insisted we head home. Normally she loved to go visiting. I reassure Deb that it wasn't her fault, but it's really a matter of it doesn't matter now. It was just so fast and unexpected.

On the way home, I realized it was exactly 10 years ago we brought her home. July 4, 97. She was an unwanted 3 year old. But for those 10 years with us she was a little princess.

Tomorrow I'll lay her to rest next to her mate Petey and daughter Little Bit, who we lost last November. Now I'll have 3 to say "hey" to whenever I go out to the barn!

I guess prayers aren't needed now. What's the saying? "All dogs go to heaven"?

Kiki just last week.......

mkapp78792007-07-05 01:46:27

So sorry for the loss, Mike. I know how it feels. We have two of our friends resting on our property, too...

What a sweet face on that little Kiki...that picture says a lot about why she meant so much to you and your family, and why you loved her so much.

It never gets any easier going through this. They're all such special and individual beings. Losing them breaks your heart anew...but that's only as it should be, and must be. It's simply the reflection of how much love existed between you.

I'm so sorry for you and your family, Mike. But what a wonderful thing you did, giving her the best home she could have. And she knew it, of course. Most of her life got to be spent with you, and it was happy and filled with attention and affection.

What's that other old saying? "It's a dog's life." And thanks to the Kapp family, of which she was a beloved member, it was a great dog's life.

Mike,

Mike,

Mike, it seems many of us have lost beloved pets.  I lost my long time companion corker spaniel last summer. She is resting peacefully near our flower garden behind our garage.  About a week after she died, the Veterinarian sent me a letter containing this poem.  I hope it helps.

 

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet
goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special
friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water
and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals that had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor.
Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we
remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy
and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special
to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops
and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body
quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green
grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet,
you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy
kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and
you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from
your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together

...Author Unknown

 Yes our pets are truelly family. Having to bury a dog just reminds you of all life's experiences spent with a family member. A decade with that cute dog will  give many memories. Have a peaceful week-end for you and your wife.

  Melissa B.

Mike, Sorry for the loss. Had boxers all my life. Purebreds average 8 yrs. Lost 5, all been great dogs and friends. The last one Thor was the first that the kids had lost. Hurts seeing them go through it. I always say "no more" and the next day we start looking for another. My wife volunteers for the local animal help association. She has fostered and helped many animals. Your a great person for adopting out of a shelter and giving Kiki a second chance for being loved. There is another out there waiting for you. God Bless, we'll say a prayer for Kiki.