7.17.2012

Remembering K

I'm sure that most of you throughout the Blogosphere have heard, as we did this morning, about K's Journey Over The Rainbow.  We learned the sad news this morning, as many of you probably did, from our friend Ann at Zoolatry.  



K was the treasured companion of KB, and over the past few months it has been a privilege to witness both K and KB's strength in the face of the adversity of K's cancer diagnosis.  Their shared zest for life and commitment to making the most of all the precious moments of each day that they spent together was incredibly inspiring.  In fact, even though I only discovered KB's blog after K was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, visiting their blog each day was, although often poignant, rarely a sad experience. Sure, we shed more than a few tears, but in truth, the beautiful photos of K romping through her world with courage and strength and joy, were uplifting and life-affirming more often than they were sad.  A shout out to life, as it were, rather than a dirge of imminent death.  

Which doesn't make this sudden loss any easier to take - after all, we had all watched K, with KB ever by her side, beat the odds over and over again.  How can it be that she is gone, never to romp again on this earthly plane?  

As sad as I am right now, though, I know it is nothing to what KB is feeling, and my heart physically aches for her pain.  Everyone who has ever loved a dog has either experienced, or one day will, the loss of one.  Dogs just don't live as long as we do, and the truth is that no matter how much time we have with them, it's never enough.  I had sixteen incredible years with my Dakotah ... and they were not enough by half.    But K's loss at such a young age, when she should by rights have had many more years to romp through the Front Range of the Colorado Rockies with KB, is just so unfair. 

Still ... the only way to ensure that we never have to suffer the loss of a beloved animal companion is to never open our hearts to them in the first place.  And that is no way to live.  So today I am going to spend an extra moment or two with each of my treasured companions.  I will lay my hands on each of their heads, or scratch the soft underside of their chins, and give thanks for the unflagging love and companionship they give me each and every day we are lucky enough to get to spend together, because each of these days, in fact, each of these moments, is a precious gift, and should be acknowledged as such. 

K and KB knew that, and they made the most of every day they had to be together.  In their names, and in K's honor, let's all try to do the same.

If you'd like to stop by and offer your condolences to KB, you can do so HERE.

Romp free, sweet K ...

12 comments:

tubby3pug said...

I knew of Ks struggles from other blogs and am so sorry to hear this. Your post is truly beautiful, as my dogs age I sometimes feel as if I hear the ticking of their time with me passing by. Every sunday night I find myself thinking how did another weekend in their company pass so quickly. Its so important to make the most of our time with our dogs because our time with them will never be enough. I do think that is one important lesson dogs teach us though, how to love in the face of inevatable loss

urban hounds

Patrice and Higgins said...

So, so sad.

~Higgins

Old Kitty said...

We've been over to KB to send our purrs and hugs for the loss of gorgeous K. This week has started in grief - and it's just terrible. Take care
x

CATachresis said...

I did not know K, but your tribute is wonderful and so true xx

Elaine Pritchard said...

That is such a beautiful post. Thank you for saying so beautifully what is in all our hearts.

Love and licks, Winnie

Prudence said...

We didn't know K, but feel as if we do thanks to your wonderful tribute. We'll visit KB and leave our condolences there too.
Thanks buddy!

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

All so very true. A beautiful tribute to such an amazing dog and her loving human.

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

The Island Cats said...

What a nice tribute to K. She will be missed.

The Daily Pip said...

What a lovely tribute to K ...she was a true inspiration.

Your pal, Pip

Bassetmomma said...

What a great tribute to K. She will be dearly missed.

Unknown said...

What a wonderful tribute and we will miss K dearly as will all her friends. Have a happy Wednesday.
Best wishes Molly

sonia a. mascaro said...

Oh! I am so sorry... so sad...
I visit his blog "Romping and Rolling in the Rockies".
You did a beautiful tribute to sweet K. He will be sorely missed.