I Love You, Kismet

hiking dog

Hiking in BC



Kismet’s Wonderful Life Video

We know when we make the decision to bring a pet into our lives that we are making a commitment for the rest of that animal’s (or our) life.  And given that dogs and cats live significantly shorter lives than we do, we are almost guaranteed to have to say goodbye at some point. This week, I said my final farewell to Kismet, my cherished Tibetan Terrier whom I rescued 15 years ago when he was a feisty, frolicky one year old. To see his story, go HERE. DSC02687 Even as a youngster, Kismet was an old soul. With deep, dark, wisdom-soaked eyes, he could reach into the depths of your soul with the intensity of a deity explaining life’s meaning. With Kismet’s unbreaking stare, it was his disciple that unwittingly looked away first. He often seemed deep in thought, and I wished I could go inside his head to share his ponderings. It was because of the expression on his face that Jeff and I dubbed him our “serious little man.”

Explaining the Meaning of Life

Explaining the Meaning of Life

But for all his intenseness, Kismet portrayed joy with equal zeal. He ran with gusto, barked like a freight train and licked like a child savoring an ice cream cone. It was not only Jeff and me he licked. Perfect strangers were often the recipients of his slatherings, as well. Our running joke was “Kismet can’t handle his licker.”

Of the things he loved, Kismet especially adored a good butt-rub. He would drop down on his forelegs, rear-end raised in the air, and playfully growl until someone scratched his “sweet-spot” just above his tail. People often misunderstood this posturing until they were told what he was requesting, but when they obliged him, they had a friend for life. Kizzy also loved boat rides, and always claimed his spot at the front of the bow, ears blowing in the wind. His joy was a sight to behold.

He was my protector, and if he sensed ill-will in anyone, he did his best to hold them at bay. He never (well, once) bit anyone, but his bark was enough to ward off evil-doers. He was protective of his sister, Roxie, as well, and once shielded her from a pack of curious dogs at a Doggy Day-Care.

Camping

Camping

Chillin'

Chillin’

Kismet had his share of medical traumas, and underwent not one but three surgeries for torn knee ligaments. He was also an unwitting victim of Rimadyl toxicity (He nearly died, but emergency vets and $6000 healed him). Clearly, it was not his time, and he bounded back from each ordeal ready to take on the world once again. But in time, Kismet grew tired. The delight disappeared from his once-shining eyes. The prance in his gait was reduced to an amble, and he preferred the escape of sleep to life explorations. He no longer could do what brought him joy, and together, we made the decision that his time in this world, in my world, had come to an end. kismet   For all his silliness, depth, loyalty and his love, Kismet was, first and foremost, my best friend.  He helped me at a time that I thought I couldn’t go on any longer. And in the end, it was my duty, my obligation, to help him cross the rainbow bridge, where he could once again frolic in the sun, free of pain and disease.  He made his transition with the help of a gentle, caring vet, peacefully at home, in my lap, surrounded by Jeff, Roxie and Chance. I love you Kismet. You will forever hold a special place in my heart.  I’ll see you on the other side, Little Man.

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Happy Anniversary to Chance!!

  Chance Chance here. Guess what day today is? It is my 4-Year Anniversary of being rescued by Mommy and Diddy! One Dark and Dreary day in April, a nice lady named Pat Thomas over at Photophetish saw me and my homey on the side of the road near Atlanta. She … Continue reading

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Lenny and Squiggy to the Rescue!

baby squirrel

  I’ve been preoccupied with death lately. My Mother continues to wage her battle with terminal cancer while we try our best to carry on with our lives. Depression and helplessness hang heavy in my heart, especially while I am back at my home hoping to get our house sold. … Continue reading

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Happy Valentine’s Day with Love

Valentine’s Day.  A day to celebrate love. AND a day to celebrate one of our cherished, beloved pups, Kismet! We’re not really sure, but when we adopted Kismet from a rescue in May of 1999, he was “a little over a year old”. We decided to make his birthday fall … Continue reading

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Goodbye, Lennox. Rest in Peace.

Today is a very sad day for me and millions of animal lovers around the world. The two-year battle to “Save Lennox”  was lost, ending in his euthanasia by the Belfast (Northern Ireland) City Council. For the condensed story, see this article. I first learned of this story a few … Continue reading

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Ramen Noodle. A dog, a survivor, an example to us all.

While I was reading the latest issue of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary’s print magazine, I was so taken with a story called “The Strength of a Noodle.” The feature photograph was taken by professional photographer Carli Davidson,  It was the story of a (probable) puppy-mill rescue dog, Ramen Noodle, an … Continue reading

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10 Reasons to Adopt a Shelter Dog

Considering getting a dog? Not sure where to begin? Here are 10 reasons why you should check out your local shelters. Save a Life Adopting a dog from a shelter saves lives. The HSUS estimates that 3-4 million pets are euthanized at shelters each year. When you adopt, not only … Continue reading

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