Sad Days

Our beloved golden retriever, Kenai, died unexpectedly Wednesday morning.  Brad wrote an eloquent blog post eulogizing our good dog here. 

 

 

 

As the incredibly nice woman at Boulder Veterinary Hospital said to me, it's a "painful blessing" that he died so unexpectedly, and I'm glad I was at home and able to be with him at the end.  He was 12, which is a good long life for a big dog.  He had ACL surgery a couple of years ago and his legs were a little shaky, but he was full of life and energy and doggie happiness just the day before he died.  

His last morning he didn't want to come downstairs for his breakfast for the first time ever.  I brought his food to him and he ate it all.  I canceled yoga and a morning meeting to stay with him and took this photo of him not feeling very perky, which turned out to be his last portrait.  A couple of hours later he was gone - 

 

 We are obviously devastated, but Brooks and I are keeping each other company, as we will do without Kenai for the next years.  

 

 

 

"Good dogs are with us for a little while to teach us how to love like it's our job -- because it is." 

 

Comments

[twitter.com/chrisyeh]

My deepest condolences. I found out about Kenai's passing via Ben Casnocha.

We experienced a similar loss earlier this year when our beloved dog Kobe passed away, 5 months after being diagnosed with incurable cancer.
http://chrisyeh.blogspot.com/2012/09/kobe-yeh-2000-2012.html

Her quick passing was indeed a painful blessing; it was only 36 hours from when she first showed any symptoms to when she passed away. Until then, she was as happy and energetic as ever.

Her illness also gave us enough time to bring the kids to visit her in the animal ICU.

We still grieve for her, but we spend most of our time thinking about the many happy memories.

[Laura Fitton]

thanks for sharing Kenai and Brooks with us, and i hope the pain of your grief fades swiftly.

[Timpettit]

I am grateful that you shared Kenai's final moments with us, as well as his handsome photos. May God find a way to fill the hole that Kenai's passing has left in your heart. I am so, so sorry for your awful loss.

[Jana Matthews]

Hi Amy - So sorry to hear that Kenai and Denali are both gone. The pictures brought back so many memories. Glad you have Brooks to comfort you - and that Brooks has you to comfort him. The unconditional love dogs give us is truly a gift. My thoughts are with you. Hugs from Adelaide. Jana

[Barb]

Kenai was a good dog! Sorry to hear of his passing.

[Lura]

I'm so sorry to hear that! How is Brooks handling it? Serious condolences to both of you.

[Daniel Feld]

Sadness indeed! Thanks for sharing the news and pictures Amy. Big hugs to you and Brad.

[Alberthartman]

I always thought dogs were God's way of showing us humans how far we have yet to evolve before we achieve divinity.

[Bob]

You can see the loving personality in those pictures. Beautiful dog.

[Pamela Solon]

Amy, your photos of Kenai are simply gorgeous. Somehow you capture his stateliness as a dog. Handsome, regal Kenai. What a good dog. Sending you the warmest and tightest of hugs.

[vinnie mirchandani]

Sorry to hear that. We have a 15 year old beagle, Peanuts and keep dreading a similar day. Glad you enjoyed him for as long as you did, and we are enjoying his second (or third or fourth) youth. Beagles stay playful all their lives..

[Clare]

My condolences, Amy. Dogs are family.

[Marianne]

aw.

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