August 7th 2010 11:46 pm
[ Leave A Comment ]

It is with a heavy heart that I (Foster Lady) I inform you that Koli now runs the Frozen Tundra of the Great Beyond.

In June she went into renal (kidney) failure. We did what we could to save her; but by the time we knew, it was too late. July 20th we said goodbye.

I'll be keeping this account active as a memorial in her memory. She was loved by many and it has been heart-wrenching witnessing so many broken hearts.

On a fortune cookie the day after I asked for people to send her warm loving energy: "Love is a warm fire to keep the soul warm."

It's not the best song I thought of, or the first; but it is the only one that has stuck in my head/remember thinking of. The week after she went, I played "Leave Out All the Rest" by Linkin Park

Thank you everyone for your support over the years,
"F.L." a.k.a T.A.K.

---------------

There were many things that could have lead to her going into renal failure; however the most likely culprit is the Proin we had her on. For the past few years she took it willingly, then in her last three months she had started to refuse it. I found several veterinary (and medical) articles from back around 1982 where studies were done when people and pets were turning up with renal failure. It was pulled off the market back then for use in humans.

I had a gut feeling something was wrong and should have pressed to get bloodwork done sooner. I waited too long after the vet said she seemed fine. This is the second time that I used my head instead of my intuition. It's a hard lesson to face, but one that hopefully sank in this time. Listen to gut, advocate *fiercely* for the animal, and if need be get a second opinion (though in this case the later didn't apply.)

---

I'm still amazed and in awe at how many people showed up to say goodbye to her. How many people said prayers for her, how many people were constantly asking for updates. The tears shed, the hugs needed. Men, grown men showing up to see her were in tears unabashedly. She was loved and cherished by so many. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you that cared about her.

I wish all foster dogs could receive the support that Koli received. My last wish if you never glance upon her page again, is that you keep her in your memory and give other animals and children needing homes as much love and support.