This was written the day we did the final act of caring-the final act of love. I feel I need to share this-as all of your tributes have help in some of my healing!!
My Kota Boy,
Today you left us and your life here on earth. Our special buddy, beloved companion . . . our hearts are so heavy and we miss you so much already. You will live in our mind and our hearts forever, with deep appreciation and heartfelt gratitude for all you gave to us.
There will always be an emptiness in our hearts. We love you and thank you for all you gave to our family. You out lived your body. Your mind was healthy but your body was gone. The last few days we had with you, we knew that you wouldn’t be with us much longer. You were a fighter and very brave till the end-not once did you weep. Daddy and I couldn’t see you suffering anymore; you were in so much pain. Please remember our final and last caring action was a final act of love. You have always been safest in our care. It was the most loving thing to let you go… keeping you here with us would have been for us, not for you.
But we were together until the end. We laid on your blanket together and we never took our eyes off each other. Daddy and Mommy kept rubbing you and told you what a remarkable dog you were. Then mommy whispered to you to go “Shu Shu”(sleepy) – It was the hardest thing I ever had to do. Finally a tear drop came from your eye, I looked up at Daddy and felt you go. I’m positive it was your way of saying “thank you for letting me go.” We mourned, kissed and petted you after you were gone. Then mommy gave you one of her great enormous hugs and a whopping huge smooch on your nose and said our goodbyes.
Dakota, you were our perfect loving, confident and loyal friend until the end. Your gentleness and unconditional love is so missed and will never be forgotten. To us you were more than a pet, you were a part of the family. You weren’t just a dog, you were our first baby. Our faithful and loyal companion, we were together for over 13 years; you stood by our side at all times, you always walked us to the door, stood in the window until we were out of sight and then always greeted us with excitement, a wagging tail and of course with someone’s shoe. I will always remember how you loved to “go for a ride”. You would get so excited-running back and forth to the door. We will miss you ripping up tissues all over the house-there was something about tissues you did not like. Food was your greatest love. You ate with a good appetite right up until the very end.
You were always a great protector. You never left mommy’s side when she was home alone. Even when you slept you were on guard, always had your ears perked listening for any strange sound. When Daddy went to work mommy knew she was safe at home alone. I had you to protect me. No one would be able to get through the door with you here. You also looked after mommy when a bee was around-you would jump at it and try to eat it to protect her. You were never an outside dog-your true devotion to us always showed by only wanting to stay outside if we were outside –you always did your business and came right back to the door to be with us. And let’s not forget your little scratch at the door to come in. The only time you would bark would be if another dog passed our house. Our last morning together, you still had the strength to come into the bathroom while mommy was showering and stay in there till she was done. What a loyal and devoted companion!!
We will think about you often, sometimes we will smile and sometimes we will cry. You are greatly missed my Kota Boy. The house is going to be so empty and lonely without you.
You rest in peace now and play in the meadows at the Rainbow Bridge along with Tootles. She will be so happy to see you! We will see you again someday. Dakota, we will love you forever and ever.
Mommy always told you before bedtime to protect us – I know you will continue to do so!! Thank you for keeping us feel safe and happy all those years.
“Close your eyes now, my longtime friend,
and let this time of suffering come to a peaceful end.”