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June 1, 2008. 7:43pm
The text message I received Sunday night was not good: "I think now is the time to stop by if you plan on it to see Kahly, she is not good so just call me."
You would think I would have learned by now, especially after what George went through. Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Two months after my friend and former neighbor's dog, Kahly had a six pound tumor removed from her spleen followed by a heartbreaking prognosis: her type of cancer is so vicious chemotherapy would not help; she took a turn for the worse. I have been meaning to stop by for a visit ever since her surgery. I even have a tasty treat for her. But I have once again caught myself up in the day to day, sometimes tricky, sometimes overwhelming thing we call life. It's been on my mental "To Do List" this whole time. But it appears Kahly does not have much time left. I do, so all those little things can wait for once.
As soon as I got Shannon's message I picked up the phone and called. I knew exactly what she was going through. She answered the phone in tears and I knew it was even worse that I suspected. When she told me Kahly is getting weak and tumbling over, it brought back the last 4 days of George's life. Shannon probably didn't know this, but I was getting choked up, holding back my own tears. When I kept responding to what she was telling me with "I know. I know." they were not just words of comfort... I truly know exactly what she is going through. It is amazing how quickly it took me back to George's quick decline in January. I told her what she is going through now is the worst part. Watching someone you love suffer is unbearable... having the ability to release them from the suffering is a blessing, as hard as it is to think of that.
I have told a few people about Kahly and her problems. They suspect she may have a brain tumor. I get the same response each time: "what is going on? why does this keep happening, all these dogs getting cancer? This never happened years ago."
I visited Kahly Monday, June2, after work. Still the beautiful sweet chocolate lab I remember. Such sweet gentle eyes. I could tell her brain is still alert. She wanted to get up, walk around and play. But her body just wouldn't let her do that. I could tell it was frustrating her and causing anxiety. I am glad I made it to see Kahly and be there for my friend Shannon. I avoided the guilt and regret of not getting the opportunity to visit at least one more time. After a while you learn, the same lessons keep repeating themselves until you get it right! Thank goodness Shannon reached out to me to let me know about Kahly.
While I did not say anything to Shannon Monday night, I knew in my heart the time was near. I knew from the look in Kahly's eyes.. The same look George had. They have an amazing way of communicating what they want to us. Thursday, June 5th, I got the message from Shannon. Kahly had a rough night and they could tell she was tired of fighting.
I am certain she got a very enthusiastic greeting at the Rainbow Bridge by her former neighbor and secret admirer George. Anyone who ever met him knows about his zealous "hellos"! He'll do his funny little nervous grumble because after all he had a dog crush on her!
May Kahly be in peace and be an angels to her loved ones here. And may researchers continue to work more wonders on the treatment and hopefully cure of cancer in our beloved pets. And may we not put off until tomorrow what we can do today. I am grateful I did not.
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I am sorry to hear about the passing of your friend's dog Klausie. How fortunate he was able to pass quietly and peacefully in his sleep after getting one last chance for walks and playing. I am so happy to hear feedback like yours that my blog is of some comfort. That was part of my intention when we launched it. Thank you so much for your post to this site and please send my sympathy to your friend.
~michelle