Bubba's 1st Birthday at the Rainbow Bridge

Dear Dogster Friends both Human & Canine:

Today would have been Kody's 10th Birthday. This week has been, so hard. Our home and hearts so empty without him here. Sometimes I wonder if the tears will ever stop!

I want to thank everyone that has sent him gits, and in turn so much support to us. Those of us left behind have to find a way to keep moving forward. Only those who love animals, really "get it." Really strange when you find out who those folks are.

We talk to him every day, kiss his picture, and just try to get through the day. Got a sympathy card from the Vet yesterday. Apparently when we left on Saturday, everyone cried. They had all been there with us every step of the way. I knew they loved him too, the little character he was. I was told, the reaction to his loss had not happened there in a very long time. I was so touched. They included my little guy's paw prints, a gift I will treasure forever!

And to our Dogster Family-Thank you so very much for your kind and loving thoughts and words! I cry with every gift, but it is because you touch my heart!

I'm off to buy him flowers. He loved them so much, and a candle for his birthday! I hope he can see it from the bridge!

Love to you all,

Kody's Mom, Stacey

My Final Entry

I've been avoiding this entry for several days now. It's been just too painful to face. Our brave little boy had to leave us on Saturday, a peaceful passing, the battle over, our hearts so heavy, and tears that just don't end.

Kody stayed with us for 7 months we were told we would never have. It became horribly evident, that there was absolutely nothing more we could do for him last Friday, August 17th. IV fluids, every animal and even human medication we tried did nothing to stop his suffering. He was so ill, and yet if one of us left the room, he got up to follow. His little legs would shake, he was terribly unsteady, but he had a need, to be certain that we, his charges, were OK. He would have stayed no matter what the cost was to him. When I looked in his eyes, there was just a flicker of the dog I knew and loved so much. He was trapped in a sick body, that no matter how I tried and prayed, I couldn't save. It was so hard for me to accept. I'm his Mom. I'm a Nurse. It went against every fiber of my being to just give up. It finally came to me that this wasn't about me, or my needs or my fight. It was what best for him. What was best for Kody was to let him be at peace.

So, Saturday morning, I sedated him here at home. My final gift. He fell asleep here at home. In his favorite of all places, his Daddy's arms. Surrounded by familiar voices, sounds and smells, he slept. He never opened his eyes again once we left the house for the last trip to the Vet. Kody passed away as I whispered "I love you," in his ear.

I know we did the right thing for him, but the sadness and emptiness are at times overwhelming. The house is busy, but still so empty. I miss him so much! His birthday is Friday. He would have been 10. So, we are celebrating his life that day. With flowers (his absolute favorite thing on walks,) and a candle to symbolize the light he brought to our home and our lives.

If any of you out there say prayers for animals, please keep Kody in your thoughts. He was my teeny tiny champion, and always will be. Rest in peace sweet boy! We love you!

August, 2012

I.can't believe it's in been so.long since Ive written! Time slips by.so.fast. Kody is.still.with.us,.thankfully, but we.walk a tightrope everyday. He's worth it! A stable diet of.rice cereal, homade sweet potatoes & turkey. Some days he's his.bossy little self, others he's too quiet. I put.him back.on the IV & he perks back.up. He drinks but.doesn't seem.to.be.able to.keep.up.with his.needs.
He.still loves to.wall.with his Doggy-Dad, and loves to pick on the.cat! His last bloodwork was almost "normal," but I don't dare deviate from hks regular diet! I've learned the hard way, he just can't tolerate it.
Our beaitiful boy is tiny but seems content. We are grateful for each &every every day!
Stacey

A beautiful day

Kody is 9 years old, and if fighting renal failure. Having owned dogs for years, I had no idea how common, much less devastating this can be. He's always had his issues, but never, did I see this coming!

It all started in January, when one day he rejected his food, the next he didn't want water, and the next we went to the Vet. I was completely unprepared for what his blood-work would reveal. He was given a less than 5% chance of survival. Kody, however, had other plans. It's been a roller-coaster ride ever since. Some days he eats everything not nailed to the floor, and others, I have to put him back on the IV for fluids.

Through all of it, he's been a trooper! The first week, I truly thought he was leaving us. He was so ill, and my husband and I cried every day. I knew he would let us know when he had had enough. Then, just as we were losing hope, he got up one night, and barked at a visitor! His bark was weak, and his movements uncoordinated, but he was up!

Yesterday, he heard me pull-up in the driveway. I put the garage-door up, and I saw that adorable little nose poke out of the doggy-door. Before I knew it, he came down the driveway to welcome me home. It was like so very many other days I had taken for granted. Never again! We cherish every cuddle, every kiss, and every wiggle in our arms.

He's back to picking on our cat Max! He barks at him, and if Max dares to come too close to his food, Kody pretends to bite him. All he really does in mouth his neck. Max knows Kody is full of hooey. All he really gets is slimmed! Max has been Kody's constant companion throughout. It amazes me how Max will not leave his side on the bad days. I've never seen anything like it.

Today, Kody went outside with his Dad, and enjoyed the warm weather. He enjoyed just sitting on the grass, and talking with the neighbors, and their furry family members! He keeps trying to steal Max's food, which is a definite "no-no," but he keeps trying anyway. We pick it up, Max complains, we put it down, and my stealthy little sneak waits patiently for someone to walk out of the room.

So today is a good day!I'm grateful that he's here with us, enjoying the day, and feels good enough to just be a dog!!

Stacey