March 21, 1994 - March 25, 1999
On May 25, 1994, I stopped at a pet store 'just to look at the animals.' knew that I was just looking because I know enough about dogs to KNOW that you never buy from a pet store....you always go to a breeder. But, look I did...and lost me heart to the biggest, sweetest black eyes you ever saw. That those eyes belonged to a Shih Tzu, a dog that I had never particularly liked, did not stop the complete infatuation. After great debate and a whole night of soul-searching, that puppy became mine....and if the truth were told, I really became hers! This puppy was 8 weeks old and weighed a hefty 1 pound, 6 ounces! I took her home and named her some ridiculous name. The puppy refused to answer to any name for a couple of days. Finally, I tried on Killer Dog (KD for short) and SHE liked it! So that was it. She was KD, and I was her slave for life.
The problem was that she and I were both unaware of how short that life would be. At the age of 7 months, KD had a seizure. After a consult with our vet, it was recommended that we take KD to UCDavis for evaluation. At Davis, we learned about blood tests, CAT scans, and MRIs. The results showed an arachnoid brain cyst that had to be removed or I would lose KD. The surgery was successful for a while, but the cyst returned. A second, more radical surgery followed and KD returned home (after many doctor visits, lots of test, and many hours of special care) to lead what would become a normal life for her. Her gait was very peculiar; she always walked like she was slightly tipsy. The fact that KD still suffered from occasional seizures, combined with my working over an hour away from home, made it best for KD to go to work with me. It became normal for KD and I to get our bags, briefcases and her food packed and hit the road early every morning. My job changed and I had to spend more time at work, so we found a doggie daycare 5 minutes from school and KD spent the days there as a pampered princess.
In June of last year, KD suffered a slipped disc. Once again, we were on the road to UCDavis for more tests and surgery. The recuperation was a long process, but again, she came through like a trouper! Is it a wonder that she became known as KD the Wonder Dog? During the course of the tests for the disc problem, another cyst was found on her cervical spine. One more surgery followed in October to remove the cyst. The recovery from that procedure was not as quick as expected. I found a wonderful vet hospital in town that would take KD for day boarding. What a find that was for us! Every day KD was given the royal treatment. She insisted on attending Tuesday staff meetings and sharing as many lunches as possible! By March of this year, she was still not walking on her own. But, she was walking in a sling that I made for her and had just graduated to a walker that we constructed from PVC pipe, when she caught pneumonia. It was back to UCDavis for more tests. The results this time showed that the brain cyst and the spinal cyst had returned. It was time to let KD go to the Rainbow Bridge. So, last Thursday, March 25, 1999, as I held her little head in my hands, I let my KD Dog go on the final journey.
Anyone who ever met KD would attest to the fact that she possessed a grace and sweetness that had to be a gift from above. She melted every heart that she met. Although I have cried many tears, and will cry many more, the presence of this wonderful creature in my life was a blessing that I would never give up. She taught me so much about compassion, listening and committing with a whole heart.
That gift would not have been possible without the help of the wonderful staff at UCDavis. Dr. Bailey, Dr. LaCoeuter, Dr. Berry, all of the students and animal technicians made our life so much more special. But, a special thanks to Dr. Karen Vernau...the best neurologist on the face of the earth. Her willingness to see the joy and light that emanated from this bundle of fluff, allowed KD to stay on this earth in a healthy way. We could not have done it without her on our side. Another special thanks goes to the entire staff at the Aptos Animal Clinic, particularly Dr. K, Sunny and Deana. Their dedication to KD made her last five months ones of joy and comfort. Thank you all for helping me keep KD her for so long.
I will never forget the lessons that KD taught me. I know that she waits for me at the Rainbow Bridge. KD will greet me with those wise eyes that follow my every move and she will be thankful that we never have to be parted again. Until that day, run and play and rest my sweet KD.
Vera
