A Memorial to My Beloved Koshimi

Today is a sad day for us. Our beloved Koshimi has passed away this morning. About two years ago, I thought we were going to lose Shimi when he had some serious back and hip problems. He was given a major dose of meds to help him, but there were no guarantees on how long he would live. I cherished every day of the past 24 months, knowing that each additional day was a gift from God. Along the way we helped Shimi adjust to the aging process. Extra vitamins, glucosamine and chondroitin supplements too. He had good days and bad days. Some mornings he would wake up feeling stiff with creaky joints, so we would give him a baby aspirin. Other days he was raring to go and would happily walk and run along for exercise. He compensated for his bad hips and back legs by building strong muscles in his front legs, pulling himself along wherever he wanted to go. This dog was resilient and never gave up. He was the perfect family dog: loyal, loving and always happy. He lived a long, happy, healthy life. We always fed Shimi the highest quality natural/organic food and treats, which I believed helped him live as long as he did. When I returned home from work Thursday night I knew something wasn't quite right with Shimi. His head was crooked, his eyes darted back and forth and he had difficulty moving. For the past two nights I slept on the floor next to him, keeping him company. This morning when we awakened, Shimi's condition had not improved, yet his mood and spirits were bright and cheery. He smiled as he enjoyed a hearty breakfast, licking his lips after he finished eating. But we knew. When he was able to stand, he was wobbly, and would just walk in circles. I suspected he had suffered a little stroke, causing some neurological damage. He wanted to keep going, but his poor little body was just worn out. I loved Koshimi so much, but I would never let him suffer. Fortunately he was never in any pain. This morning we went to the vet's office, where he was thoroughly examined. The doctor concurred with our assessment, Shimi's body was worn out. The dreaded time had come. The vet staff were gentle, kind and so considerate- we had plenty of time to say goodbye. Even though I had spent the past two nights crying for my "son" I still wasn't ready. We were with him as he breathed his last breaths. We were the last things he saw, as he gently put his head down to sleep. It was a deeply moving moment that I will never forget. I just wrote this little Ode to Koshimi in his memory:

You made me smile everyday

You kept me going on my way

A welcome smile and wag of the tail

Greeting me home when I went for the mail.

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With the toss of a ball, a rope or teddy

You loved to fetch, always at the ready

Your later years you settled in

With a watchful eye and a happy grin.

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You had your routines, each day and night

And reminded me of them with all your might

We were best buds- through and through

Everyday that passes I will think of you.

Farewell dear Koshimi, I miss you so much already.

above: Early this morning, I put Shimi in this chair with his brother Owen so they could spend some time together.

above: Just a few minutes before we left for the vet's office. You can see how Shimi's head was crooked and one eye slightly closed.

above: I wanted these photos more for my own memories, but somehow sharing them is a coping mechanism for me.

above: Happier days: last year Koshimi and Owen together, best buds.

above: just a few months ago: the three amigos. Koshimi, Owen and Sheldon

above: This morning, my little Koshimi in the library- how I loved that face. Thank for you stopping by today. I have some business travel starting tomorrow, so there we be no Sunday Art Review this week. Hopefully my business trip will take my mind off things for a while. See you Monday.

-Rick Rockhill