On Wednesday we had to say goodbye to our second baby, Kia. Back in February of 2007 she developed a huge tumor under her tongue which we removed and prayed we had gotten it all. Wednesday we realized that we didn’t and that the tumor had come back in her tongue this time instead of under it. The tumor encompassed 75% of her tongue and the doctor recommended we put her to sleep because of the quality of life she might have if she survived a surgery that extensive.
She was nine years old and we miss her terribly. She was a great dog, not unlike our other baby, Chester who died 1 year and 2 weeks ago. She never barked, only ate candy a few times in her life, and loved to be right next to you at all times. She always cocked her head to the side when you spoke to her like she was understanding what you were saying to her, and loved to bound around outside in the snow. I suppose we need to be thankful that this seemed to come on rapidly and neither dog was suffering for more than a few days – although being thankful is hard for us this week.
She came to us back in the beginning of 2002 and we loved having her for almost 7 years. Kia didn’t have an elderly moment in her life which we are thankful for – she was bounding, playing and chasing toys until the very end. I know that she and Chester are “living it up” in heaven and I am sure we will see them again some day, although some day seems too far away now. I hope that God can read her this email after she has time to love on her brother, whom she has missed this last year a lot.
Hannah had become extremely close to her as well, especially after Chester died, and I pray that she will be able to handle the news with the resiliency that children show every day. We are honored to have been her parents, and ask that you will pray for her and us as we all go through this awful grieving process.
Kia, the best girl dog ever, we love you, miss you, and hope that we’re forgiven for not finding the tumor faster.
We love you all,
Ian, Whitney, and Hannah
Here are some pictures of Kia – some at her best, and one at the end…
I’m sorry Whitney!
I, for one, am really going to miss her. She was by far one of my favorite dogs. I loved that she always got so excited to see me and that she hated to peel herself from my side when the time came. She just had this wonderful way of making you love her as one of your family, even though she was ‘just’ a dog… Kia was obviously well loved, and it showed everytime I saw her. She had a happy life, and I’m sure she is glad for every moment of it now that she watches you continue on without her. I hope that you can find comfort in knowing that she and Chester are together, waiting patiently, until you are all reunited. Remember, as long as we remember them and hold our love for them, they never truly die; they just move on in life. May you find piece and love through your grief. -Jenise