Hi,
I haven't been on for awhile. I took my daughters out of town for a few days just to get away and came home to an empty spot in the living room where Kiva always laid around during the last few years of his life. Every time I look at that spot, it's like a stab in my heart. When I was in the living room watching TV or reading, he would lay there and constantly stare at me with this incredible, intense love in his eyes until I would go over and pet him. And I got a beautiful sympathy card from my vet and all the staff. Which made me cry as soon as I saw it. It was so weird because the house didn't smell like him at all.
But today it is really icy outside and all of a sudden I found myself thanking God for taking him when he did. Kiva had become completely deaf and if I touched him from behind or showed up when he wasn't expecting it, he'd jump a foot. I always felt so terrible when I accidentally scared him. He had been such a proud and protective watchdog. Also, he was so scared of slipping and icy sidewalks. Sometimes it was absolute hell to get him to go outside to go to the bathroom. He wouldn't go out the front door or the back. He'd get all excited to go for a walk and then stop at the front door and refuse to go out the door. He would just look at me so helpless and sad. We would try everything, running to get area rugs for him to walk on, towels on the front porch, I even bribed him with cat treats (his favorite) to go gingerly one step at a time out the door. I had someone build a non-slip ramp covered wiith astroturf when he couldn't walk down the stairs from the deck into the backyard without falling. It was all so stressful. I find myself feeling relieved that he missed this winter. It would have been really hard. . And also the fact that he isn't in pain anymore. I know it was the right time although I miss him terribly. Maybe it will help everyone who had very elderly pets to think about the pain and the bad stuff that he or she won't have to suffer anymore. I don't know. But I wish all of us some peace and lighter hearts in the new year.
Love, Mimi

I know that you did everything you could to make Kiva as comfortable as you could. He must have know how loved he would and I will never forget the look of love in Snookie's eyes either. It does help to know that my girls are not in pain anymore, now we are the ones who are left to work through the pain and sorrow.

Snookie was always thrilled with the snow even at almost 11 years old. She would run and play and get her beard covered in snow and also in her leggings and skirting. It would take me a long time to dry her off then she would want out all over again. I too wish peace and healing in this new year. Hugs
Ann

Dear Mimi,

Kiva looked like a beautiful boy.

I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and yours are in my thoughts at this, your most difficult time.

Respectfully,
Brett

Dear Mimi,

Thinking of you and feeling your sadness. You're right to think that at least now Kiva won't have to suffer in the winter months, not being able to run around as he used to when he was younger. He really looked so handsome. I do have a soft spot for shepherds......actually, I have a soft spot for ALL animals but we currently have a shepherd, Heidi. I know what you mean about the emptiness in your house. I hope that empty feeling lessens for you in time.

You and your family are in my thoughts.

Love,

Lynn