I cried the whole time I was putting this together for geg6. ~ WaterGirl
RIP Koda, the Balloon Juice Pup
by geg6
Here we go, hopefully not through my tears.
Last night, my John, Lovey and I said goodbye to our Koda for the last time. I decided to let everyone at Balloon Juice know because our Koda is also Balloon Juice’s Koda because we would not have had that wonderful dog if not for Balloon Juice.
That picture on a rescue bleg here on Balloon Juice is what started it all. Look at her! Adorable! I had to have her! BUT…she was in Santa Monica, CA and I am in Pittsburgh, PA. It would be impossible. Except this happened on Balloon Juice, where rescue miracles happen. Turns out that just commenting that I would love to adopt her set the wheels in motion. And before we knew it, funds had been raised, plane ticket had been purchased and Koda was winging her way to us. And John and I knew that Koda would always be partially owned by jackals.
From the moment they wheeled her out to us at the airport, we knew she was a special dog. And in all of these years, she has proven that over and over again. She came into our house and instantly made friends with our old golden, Otis.
When Otis left us, she was lonely and another pup was up for adoption on Balloon Juice a year later. Lovey came to us and Koda was like the big sister with an annoying little sister. Patient and sweet and always tolerant of Lovey, even when Lovey didn’t deserve it.
One of Lovey’s favorite things to show affection to Koda was to lick her ears and Koda always loved that. But Lovey has a bit of an attitude and, believe it or not, she would try to bully Koda. Koda always took that with grace and, if Lovey finally went too far, Koda would put a big paw on her and hold her down until she calmed down.
She had the best personality, always happy, never grumbling, eating everything she could get, thrilled to ride in the car. She loved to have her ears scratched and to rub her head in my lap. She slept with us in bed until she got too old to jump up. We got stairs for her but she never liked stairs and was just as happy to lay next to the bed where one of us could reach down and pet her. She loved to travel, going to Florida with us and even driving down to West Virginia to visit our blogfather.
Over the last year or so, her hips started to really cause her problems, as is pretty typical of older larger dogs like Labs. The vet told us to give her Cosequin and dog aspirins and that all worked for a while. But about a month ago, she started not being able to get up by herself and that got progressively worse until the last week or so when she seriously injured her foot trying to get up by herself.
We called the vet and had a visit, which was exhausting for us all. Koda, because of the pain, and for us, because she weighted 86 pounds and that’s a lot for two geezers like us to lift into and out of the car and house. Basically, it’s as I expected. She was an old, big dog who was basically healthy (no cancer or heart issues) but who was at the end of her life.
The vet told us to take her home, make her comfortable and that she would let us know when it was time. And that time came over this past weekend. You could see the pain in her eyes and she wasn’t even enthusiastic about her food or treats (though she always ate them!). We called and made an appointment with the traveling vet and she came last night.
I held Koda’s head in my lap and one paw in my hand and John held her other paw. Lovey would not stay away quietly, so we let her in and she came over and started licking Koda’s ears as the vet gave the anesthesia and put in the IV. She went to sleep surrounded by all who loved her most.
I cannot express how grateful I am to all the jackals who allowed her to come to us. I wish you all could have known her. You would have loved her as much as we did. Goodbye sweet Koda, my heart dog and the Balloon Juice. Pup.
J. Arthur Crank
That was a lovely tribute. I don’t have anything to say that can ease the pain, other than that it is always hard to say goodbye to friends.
Tom Levenson
I’m so sorry.
SpaceUnit
So sorry for your loss. That was a great tribute. RIP Koda.
Suzanne
Ohhhh no, I’m so sorry.
Koda was a beauty.
Virginia
I am so sorry for your loss. Our 17 yo JRT passed last week. It’s brutal. I grieve with you.
MomSense
Oh no! Geg and John I am so sorry. I remember that rescue bleg. I fell in love with Koda and was so happy that she would be loved. You gave her such a happy life. Sending hugs to you and John.
CaseyL
My gosh, what a wonderful tribute. Koda was a darling. I’m so glad you adopted her, and am so very sorry for your loss.
Ann Marie
I’m so sorry. What a sweet dog! It’s so hard to say goodbye, even when you know it is the right thing to do.
storm777
I am so sorry. I know how it feels.
MomSense
@Virginia:
I’m so sorry. Condolences to you.
Rob
I was tearing up reading this. RIP Koda.
The Thin Black Duke
Damn. Too many goodbyes. I’m sorry.
HumboldtBlue
Christ, this week has not been good for my mental health and it’s not getting any better.
Bye, Koda.
comrade scotts agenda of rage
As fellow animal nuts, we like to share in the joy as well as the sorrow of having these creatures in our lives for ever so brief a period. Losing them is never easy and it never gets easier.
I know as humans we’re wired somehow to believe in an afterlife so I always imagine our pets are out there somewhere, either waiting for us or floating along supported by the love we gave them during their lifetime. And the loving memories we carry with us until we’re gone.
pat
I teared up .. again… at a BJ post.
So glad that you and Koda had so many good years together, and you were able to help her over the rainbow bridge.
trollhattan
My heartstrings are tugged to the breaking point. I’m so sorry you have lost your lovely pup.
She is a Good Girl. Peace.
SiubhanDuinne
What a beautiful tribute, geg6. Koda was lovely, and yes indeed, many of us jackals know that we, too, have lost a beloved member of this astonishing community. I’m glad she left behind so many good memories for you, John, and Lovey.
Baud
Sweet girl. My condolences.
SiubhanDuinne
@Virginia:
It’s so hard. And so necessary. I am sorry.
geg6
@Virginia:
And I grieve with you. They are great gifts to us and it is a hard thing to lose them.
Another Scott
Thank you geg6, that is a wonderful tribute. It’s hard to say goodbye.
Condolences and comfort to you and John and Lovey.
Best wishes,
Scott.
Drunkenhausfrau
So very sorry. It’s awful to lose them.
EarthWindFire
Sweet baby girl. I’m so sorry.
Kristine
Adding my tears to everyone else’s. It’s the worst best decision we pet folk have to make.
Adam L Silverman
May Koda’s memory be a blessing for you, John, and Lovey! Keeping good thoughts for you all.
geg6
Thanks for posting this, WG. Writing it was comforting. She was a dog worthy of a tribute.
Brachiator
Very sorry for your loss.
Take care.
TinRoofRusted
What a beautiful tribute. We lost Stax in 2022 in the same way. 90 lb 14 year old Shepard mix with bad hips. I know we did the right thing but it still hurt(s). You gave him a wonderful life and he will always be with you. Hugs to you and John and Lovey.
Soprano2
I’m so sorry for your loss, Koda sounds like a wonderful dog. That’s the same thing that happened to our dog Nitro except he had other health problems too. That dog took more medicine than I do!
Jackie
What a beautiful tribute to Koda. She was blessed to have found you, and you, in turn, were blessed by her years of love and devotion.
RIP Koda 🐾🌈
db11
So sorry for your loss. Such a touching story.
anitamargarita
💔
Joy in FL
This is a beautiful tribute for a wonderful, beautiful, beloved dog. I remember when we raised the funds to transport her, and I like knowing I helped (even if it was only a few dollars) to get her to the most perfect, loving home she could have.
Thank you, geg6, for sharing the photos and the words with us.
Sister Golden Bear
I’m so sorry. My condolences.
Heidi Mom
I’m so sorry for your loss of this good dog.
Odie Hugh Manatee
What a beautiful tribute to Koda. She sounds like she was a very good doggie! Rest in peace, Koda. My condolences to you and John and may your memories ease the pain of loss. You folks gave her love and a good life and she gave you her heart.
That pic of her sitting upright on the couch is cute as heck!
brantl
So sorry for your loss. Keep her in your heart, always, as she did all of you.
A woman from anywhere (formerly Mohagan)
So sorry for your loss, and deepest condolences. Koda was a lovely dog, and you wrote a beautiful tribute.
LAO
I’m so sorry for your loss.
twbrandt
I’m so sorry. Even when it’s time, it’s so hard.
Old School
My sympathies.
Here is the adoption post you were looking for last night.
Manyakitty
We should all be so lucky as to say goodbye like Koda did, surrounded by love and comfort. Peace and love to you all 💓
Dan B
Koda seems like a dog whose life was a cycle of love and gentleness. You picked up on that love and gentleness which is a reflection on yourselves. Thank you for sharing her radiance, and yours.
Nix Besser (fmr. steppy)
Thanks for the beautiful tribute, geg6. It’s been almost 2 years since we made the decision to help our Archie over the Rainbow Bridge for the same reason. He just couldn’t get around anymore. I still tear up sometimes.
Our puppies (once a puppy, always a puppy) have such a grip on our hearts. It’s a great gift.
Quiltingfool
Oh, I’m so sorry. You gave Koda a good life, and she filled your life with love.
We just don’t get enough time with our furbabies, do we?
TEL
That was a lovely tribute to Kona. I’m so sorry for your loss.
RaflW
Oh, those two photos of Koda with Lovey! I’m weepy and sorry, but it’s also so great that you all got to spend many good years together. My deep condolences.
Westyny
What great pics. Clearly, Koda got her best life.❤️🩹
kindness
Awwww. Such joy and such sadness.
WaterGirl
@geg6: I have found that writing and going through photos can be comforting, too.
cain
Fuck.. I couldn’t hold back the tears at the end. :( 💔💔💔
Miki
What a heart breakingly-beautiful tribute your lovely Koda.
Hugs to you and all who loved her so well.
#doggosprovethere’s alwayssomethingperfect outtherefershureamen
MazeDancer
What a gorgeous tribute to a gorgeous pup. Thank you for letting us share Koda one last time.
Spanish Moss
Beautiful. So sorry for your loss.
Citizen Scientist
🥲. Condolences to you all. Koda was a special pup.
Elizabelle
Dear geg, you did right by Koda, from her first day to her last, Chez geg and John. She had a wonderful life with you, and you did her a great kindness in accepting when she was ready to go.
Condolences to you and John and Lovey. Pets never live long enough. 💕💕
stinger
Thank you for the beautifully written tribute. My heart goes out to you.
chrisanthemama
Don’t know why, but this song comes to mind, as your dear Koda pads across the rainbow bridge: Rainbow Connection by Kermit the Frog from The Muppet Movie (youtube.com)
NutmegAgain
What a beautiful dog. My heart goes out to you–it’s such a difficult time. Helping them die peacefully and without pain is the hardest, and kindest thing we do. I’m quite sure you gave her a terrific life. Sending warm thoughts and compassion.
Tinare
So sorry to hear this. She was certainly a beauty and a great life with you.
DK in SD
So sorry for your loss, it sounds like she was indeed a special pup.
Noskilz
Sorry you have lost a dear pet.
DEBG
So very sorry for your loss. You gave Koda the best possible life and let her go gracefully when it was her time.
Kayla Rudbek .
So sorry for your loss.
PJ
Death sucks. I’m so sorry.
rekoob
Condolences and thank you for the lovely tribute. Koda was quite the dog. Glad she was part of your life and, by extension, a part of ours.
Ruckus
Sorry about Koda. It is always difficult to let a dear old friend go.
I’ve had to say goodby on more than one occasion and it is never easy. With dogs or humans.
Tazj
I’m so sorry. What a wonderful dog.Those are the sweetest pictures.
Chat Noir
Another angel goes to the Rainbow Bridge. I’m so sorry for your loss. 😢
rebelsdad (aka texasboyshaun)
This was such a moving tribute. Koda, you touched so many hearts (human and canine!) and you have more than earned your rest.
Jackie
@Ruckus: The 💔 of knowing we’ll outlive our beloved pets again and again. Yet, we need and want their love, loyalty, and companionship – even when knowing we face future heartbreak.
zhena gogolia
Lovely tribute. Thank you for sharing. So sorry about Koda.
CliosFanboy
I am so very sorry. What a lovely pup…..
SFBayAreaGal
I am sorry for the loss of your beloved Koda. My condolences to you and your family.
Zelma
So sorry. What a good life Koda had!
kalakal
What a lovely dog. You gave her your love and she gave you hers. The pain will fade but the love won’t.
My condolences to you all
Fraud Guy
Always the hardest, and most important, part of pet ownership. May your memories outweigh your sorrows.
Elizabelle
Koda was one photogenic dog. As was Walter. Always smile when I think of that sweet and goofy guy.
Mai Naem mobile
I am sorry for your loss. What a sweet dog. I love the first pic. Its like she’s just waiting for you to get done with your picture taking and play with her right now!
Quinerly
Great looking doggie. So very sorry. Hugs.
TEL
@TEL: I meant Koda not Kona, sorry!
Fair Economist
Sorry for your loss, but so happy for all you and Koda have given each other over the years.
Ms. Deranged in AZ
I know how hard it is to let them go. My heart goes out to you.
rikyrah
I remember Koda😢😢😢
You gave Koda a wonderful life full of love and devotion😢😢
Anotherlurker
I am so sorry to hear of Koda’s passing. The relationship between dogs and people can be one of the most beautiful things in the world. Unconditional love is a precious thing and we, as humans and dogs are the lucky ones. You will always keep Koda in your heart. In the words of Dr. Seuss: “Don’t cry because it is over, smile because it happened.”
Ruckus
@Jackie:
Yep.
I’ve had 3 over the decades. And 2 more that belonged to roommates.
It’s been worth it every damn time.
sab
@Jackie: I am glad we outlive our pets. My uncle adopted a puppy at 79, and puppy outlived him by years, and was lost and heartbroken all that after time.
Betty Cracker
Aww, damn. Koda’s sweet face always made her stand out in any photo. RIP, good girl, and condolences to the humans who did right by her.
Seanly
Sorry for your loss. Always too soon and never easy to say good bye.
Miss Bianca
Awww…
I feel like I knew Koda from afar. My condolences. It’s never, never easy to say good-bye, even when we know it’s the right thing to do.
dkinPa
Tears in my eyes. A lovely tribute to a sweet dog. I am so, so sorry for your loss.
Debbie(Aussie)
To Geg, John & Lovey, my deepest sympathies on your loss. May The thought of Koda soon bring a smile to your face before a tear to your eye. Much love, Deb
Sis
I am so sorry. My sympathies to you, John and Lovey.
captain toast
Sorry for your loss.
So hard to say goodbye when they’ll be with you forever.