A Girl’s Best Friend
Sunday, May 1st, 2011This past Sunday I had to say goodbye to my furry companion of 16 years. I had to say good by to my pup Kai.
I came home from work Friday and knew it was time. He had reached that point of suffering and even though I never wanted him to leave me, I knew he had to.
I’d like to share about this amazing being that came into my life 16 year ago. I had just lost my dog of 2 yrs due to being hit by a car and I cried for days. Someone called and said there were some pups at a pet store in Bishop I should check out (I was living in Mammoth Lakes at the time.) So off I went.
When I got to the store and spent time with the pups it was instant love with Kai. He was the smartest and calmest one in the bunch! (Boarder Collie mix). It seemed to be a mutual I picked him- he picked me kinda thing. He was the cutest darn thing I’d ever seen.
I paid the store, put Kai I the car and we were off for our ride home. This is when I knew without a doubt that Kai was the dog for me. He was calm and relaxed the whole ride. No anxiety, no motion sickness. Just 30 mins off uneventful driving.
That’s when I knew, with out a doubt, that this was a match made in heaven! For the next 6 years Kai traveled with me across the country and Canada chasing good weather and rocks to climb.
Kai’s first climbing trip was to Joshua Tree. He was 5 months old and we spent 3 weeks hiking throughout the desert and climbing. Kai quickly became one of the best doggie boulderers that I ever met! He actually spent so much time at the base of climbs that when someone yelled the word “ROPE!” he would run away from the base. It always cracked me up to see him do that! And I didn’t even have to teach him that!
Kai hit the trails with me for long mountain runs. I loved how he would get us back to the car even when I wasn’t sure which trail to take! He was brilliant at that! We’d turn around on a run or hike and I wouldn’t have noticed a trail that merged with the one we were on and I’d just say “which way Kai?” and he’d head us in the right direction.
We spent so many days together exploring the outdoors. I never had to worry about having a companion to do things with. He was always ready to load up and go where ever I took us. He hung with the best of em. He loved backpacking and sleeping away from home. A 20 mile backpacking trip which took two days left his paws a bit sore…and the next time he was right back out there with me.
To say Kai was a special dog is an understatement. Most everyone who knew Kai would tell you he was an old soul. Kai was patient and wise, kind and loving. People where just drawn to him. He had his quirks which I loved. Kai was very sensitive also…..my Dad would teaze that Kai needed a doggie psychiatrist sometimes, cause Kai’s feelings would get hurt easily.
There is no way to do Kai justice for all he ment to me and those who’s lives he touched. He was a beautiful being with a kindness that doesn’t come along often. Kai made me a better person having been able to spend 16 glorious years with him.
I miss by dear friend Kai and know that he is having a blast now, chasing deer and squirels again…..
Thank you Kai for chosing me and for sharing your life with me…..I love you and will miss you!
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