Farewell – Kuma’s Last Adventure

This is a difficult blog to write, and it will be my last. On Wednesday night, June 19, something happened. I wasn’t able to sleep, and I just panted and paced. Timing couldn’t have been worse as Mom and Dad were heading out in the morning to celebrate their 26^th wedding anniversary in Durango, Colorado. In years past, I would have joined them, but my travel days ended. I couldn’t see or hear, and I was losing mobility with each passing day. Then this happened.

I did my very best to conceal how bad I felt. My eyes were twitching, and the world was spinning. I hoped this would pass. Mom put up barriers throughout the bottom floor so I wouldn’t get lost, and carpet runners lined the house so I would have traction. Maureen from Paws on Pet Sitting would come three times a day, and our neighbor, Dee, would check on me several times in between to ensure I didn’t splat.

Mom and Dad were apprehensive to leave, but they reluctantly decided to go. Not an hour later, and I collapsed. What appeared to be a Vestibular event was far worse. I had a stroke. My brain was betraying me, and my body wasn’t responding. I couldn’t walk, and Dee found me. I am sorry she had to see me this way, but I’m glad she was with me. Her and Mowgli comforted me while I waited for Mom and Dad to return.

They immediately turned around and headed home. Thankfully, the hotel in Durango extended mercy and did not charge them a cancellation fee. Mom scheduled an appointment for me at the vet, but I knew the news would not be good. This was my end, but it would hit my parents hard.

Dad had to unload the packed car so I could fit and off to Daisy Mountain Veterinary in Anthem we went. Dr. Jillison confirmed what I already knew. She gave me an IV of fluids and electrolytes because I was dehydrated. I couldn’t eat or drink, and I had been panting for a very long time.

Mom and Dad took me home for one last night. I was ready to go, but I was glad to see my brother, Mowgli, one last time. Mom made one of my favorites: spaghetti and meat. I struggled to eat, but it tasted so very good.

I’ve spent nine years in this home, but my world had been getting smaller. I was sleeping more, and getting outside in time was a challenge. Dad often had to carry me upstairs, and Mom cleaned up my messes. This was not how I wanted to live, and the stroke brought it all to an end.

Dad set up a blow-up mattress by my bed, and he stayed by my side until early morning when Mom relieved him. How does a dog let their humans know it is okay to let them go? They got on their phones in the morning and looked back at all the adventures we had together. I have sat on 14,000 foot peaks in the Rocky Mountains, backpacked into the wilderness, and hiked all over Colorado, Utah, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. I have gone boating and swam in bayous with alligators! I’ve traveled all over the Southwest for well over 250,000 miles. I helped Mom train for her marathon, running 300+ miles together.

I have sat on the rim of the Grand Canyon, camped by beautiful mountain lakes, and snow showed in Shiba-deep snow. I’ve met people from all around the globe, and I have lived an extraordinary life.  As they saw my happy face in all these amazing places, they had their answer.

I’m an adventure dog, and my journey on earth was coming to an end. This is how it needed to be. I said goodbye to Mowgli and asked him to look after Mom and Dad for me. They would need his cuteness and sweet spirit more than ever. Dad carried me into his truck, and we headed to my favorite park: Anthem Veterans Memorial Park.

I knew it as soon as he took me out. I got so excited, I peed on me and Daddy. I couldn’t help it. I could smell the grass. Oh, the lovely, wet, cool grass. We found a spot under my favorite tree, and I laid in its shade taking it all in. I was unable to walk to sniff bushes and trees, so God brought a breeze that carried with it all sorts of scents. Thank you for that!

The breeze carried with it more than the smells of the park; it brought with it so many wonderful memories I’ve had with my family. They have loved me, cared for me, and given me an incredible life full of adventures. If you have followed me, you’ve read my many stories.  From the mild to the wild, they wove together to make one outstanding life.

I was born in Colorado, exploring the area for four years. I moved to Texas for three years, and then became a desert dog here in Arizona for nine years. I lost my brother, Edmond, a couple of years ago, and welcomed Mowgli into the family. I’ve greeted all sorts of guests and friends, and I treasure it all.

I nibbled at some cheese, and when Mom tried to give me some ice cream, I could barely lick it. That’s when they knew I was barely holding on. What dog turns down ice cream? Back to see Dr. Jillison. She was gracious and kind. Mom and Dad were a wreck, but I was at peace. I couldn’t have asked for a better family, and not many dogs have done the things I’ve experienced.

Mom and Dad hugged and kissed me. I couldn’t hear their words, but I felt their hearts. They loved me; I was their best boy for almost 16 years. Through all sorts of life events, we faced them together. This was one journey I had to do alone, but I knew Edmond would be across the Rainbow Bridge to meet me. As I slipped away, I heard the awwoofs of many Shiba Inu dogs who have gone before me. Wow, this is going to be great! I will be young again, able to run and jump. No more arthritis pain or weak hips. With my tail curled up tight once again, I embarked on my next and last adventure.

To all my fans and friends, thank you for being a part of my life. In particular, I appreciate all the great care Maureen Miller has given me and my brothers through the years. Dee McBride loved me like her own, and many guests came to stay with us, but Joel Stombres was my dear buddy. I’ve hiked with Mom’s Forever Fit class and enjoyed Christmas parties with them. I have too many friends to name them all, but I’m glad our paths crossed!

My Mom and Dad are hurting, and I can’t fix it this time. Please send them good thoughts as they learn to live without me. The house will be quiet and very different. The great memories we made together will also make them sad…for a time.

This is Kuma the Dog signing off for the last time.

My mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith, is kind enough to help me share my Great Adventures, big and small. My mom is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, executive recruiter, business consultant, coach, fitness expert, and author of nine published books. More importantly, she’s the best doggy mom ever!

Enjoy my blog at https://www.lorrainebosse-smith.com/category/kuma/kumas-great-adventures/

and be sure to follow me on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Kumathedog/ and Instagram: kumaitothedog

Get outside! You never know what you’ll discover, and our paths just might cross. Happy tails!