Christmas holiday started on a very sad note. Our family had to say good-bye to dear Kona, our dog who was just short of her 10th birthday. A good part of December was spent on taking her to the vet’s that began with what we thought would be a simple procedure to remove a cracked molar. After complications and new findings over the next couple of weeks, the vet diagnosed that she was bleeding into her abdomen and that a successful surgery would be unlikely, in particular due to an unexpected heart condition detected about a week prior. (Later an autopsy showed she had a cancerous mass on her spleen that had also spread to the base of her heart.)

If there were any words to describe Kona it would be hyper and neurotic. In fact, we teasingly called her our “Crazy Kona”. Since puppyhood to grown doghood, she was a non stop, unbridled energy force with a deadly tail that has whacked off plaster on the corners of our walls, flung cups off of tables, and if you ever had gotten close enough to her while in her joyous wagging frenzy, she could leave bruises on your legs. Her sister, Mocha, had learned to tightly close her eyes when Kona was nearby. Kona had two speeds. She was either on full throttle or she was off. It was nice whenever she was sleeping just so we could show our own love for her while she was calm, and she could get her much needed rest.

It was Kona’s affection for all of us, as well as for her sister, Mocha, which made it easy to ignore her wild nature and many annoyances. It was her own special “quirkiness” we had grown to love about her over the years. We knew she couldn’t help inheriting all the neuroses of the German Shepherd/Doberman mix she was. For me, it is Kona who taught me what unconditional love is all about.

On that Friday evening before Christmas, Chris, Allison, Ryan and I surrounded Kona at the vet’s office, each taking our turn to cradle and hold her until she slowly took her last breath. We are so grateful that she was not alone when it was her time to leave us. She was surrounded by the love of her family. Our dear Kona is at now at rest.

Carol

1/4/ 07 – Carol McClelland
Hi Carol,
So sorry to hear about the loss of Kona. I know how difficult it is to lose a four-footed friend. I’m glad all four of you were with Kona when she passed away.

Blessings to you all…including Kona and Mocha.
Carol Mc

1/5 Carol
Carol,
From one dog lover to another, thank you for your kind words. I’ve learned that owning and raising our pets, (dogs in particular!) grants us a privilege of what being loved unconditionally is all about.

I am so happy to have met Aspen, the new addition to your family. I know he will bring you and Kent much joy as your dear Sunrise did.
Love & friendship,
Carol

1/22 Kary Cochrane
Carol,
I’m sorry to hear the news of Kona’s passing. No wonder I saw you walking only one dog. Kona was a lucky dog to be a part of your family! I think he learned a lot from you as well. Wouldn’t it be great if all creatures including man were able to sail away to heaven as Kona did?
Love, Kary

2/28/07 – Dana Kawaguchi
Dear Carol,Chris,Allison & Ryan,
I am sad to hear about Kona. I am so sorry for your loss. She was pretty special and loved by you all. I know the memories of Kona will always be in your hearts.
Love,
Dana