Ruff Ruff! My name is Koli

Please accept this (mostly) copy and pasted recounting.

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----

It is with a heavy heart that I (Foster Lady) I inform you that Koli now runs the Frozen Tundra of the Great Beyond.

In June she went into renal (kidney) failure. We did what we could to save her; but by the time we knew, it was too late. July 20th we said goodbye.

I'll be keeping this account active as a memorial in her memory. She was loved by many and it has been heart-wrenching witnessing so many broken hearts.

On a fortune cookie the day after I asked for people to send her warm loving energy: "Love is a warm fire to keep the soul warm."

It's not the best song I thought of, or the first; but it is the only one that has stuck in my head/remember thinking of. The week after she went, I played "Leave Out All the Rest" by Linkin Park

Thank you everyone for your support over the years,
"F.L." a.k.a T.A.K.

------------ ---

There were many things that could have lead to her going into renal failure; however the most likely culprit is the Proin we had her on. For the past few years she took it willingly, then in her last three months she had started to refuse it. I found several veterinary (and medical) articles from back around 1982 where studies were done when people and pets were turning up with renal failure. It was pulled off the market back then for use in humans.

I had a gut feeling something was wrong and should have pressed to get bloodwork done sooner. I waited too long after the vet said she seemed fine. This is the second time that I used my head instead of my intuition. It's a hard lesson to face, but one that hopefully sank in this time. Listen to gut, advocate *fiercely* for the animal, and if need be get a second opinion (though in this case the later didn't apply.)
[Back in June I got a nasty surprise that I'd be needing surgery. I was going to put off the bloodwork until July when I got my next paycheck, since the vet said she seemed fine. (In their defense though they had encouraged me to get the Heartworm-mini panel done.) The guilt will forever be in my heart that had I got the bloodwork done a month sooner, she might have been able to be saved. Thus even though I didn't think we had the money that month, had I listed to my intution and advocated harder for her... . Hindsight is a painful yoke; but one I'll willingly wear if the lessons of the past, help me in the future.]

---

I'm still amazed and in awe at how many people showed up to say goodbye to her. How many people said prayers for her, how many people were constantly asking for updates. The tears shed, the hugs needed. Men, grown men showing up to see her were in tears unabashedly. She was loved and cherished by so many. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you that cared about her.

I wish all foster dogs could receive the support that Koli received. My last wish if you never glance upon her page[s] again, is that you keep her in your memory and give other animals and children needing homes as much love and support.

Koli is a young adult girl who weighs around 50 pounds. We think that she is around 8 years old.
She is an appreciative girl. This kid rewards being included in the family with a desire to keep people happy with her. She is a smart girl with a good head.

She thrills at going places in the car. She rides very calmly, enjoying the scenery. While walking she likes to investigate things. Yet, if someone wants a running partner Koli will quickly get the idea that she must ignore all those interesting things till after her person is done running.

Koli plays gently. She really doesn't want to hurt people or children, play is to be fun. With dogs, she can come on a bit strong. She is just very eager to get to know them and have the fun begin. She can seem feisty but she truly doesn't want trouble, only fun.

Walking her on a 20 foot lead gives her lots of fun. She thrills at sniffing where all of the area's animals have been. Koli fancies herself a skilled hunter. She does have a very fast, and accurate mouth. And there is nothing wrong with her legs. She will go over any terrain her person leads her through. Of course, she really likes walking in rough terrain were there are lots of things to investigate. Ah, the stuff of active dreams!

She has real enthusiasm for belly rubs and back scratches. She is learning to do the hug thing but that is very slow. If one tries pulling her in for a hug, she will resist. She may come asking for a hug though.

She likes having her person lay on the floor. She will walk up and begin her nosing. If one doesn't reach to her for petting, Koli may well take her nose and nudge till she gets the attention she wants.

Koli is a sweet little girl who really needs to find a family of her own.

Koli had a smaller dog come over today. We thought it would be fun for them to play. The smaller dog wanted nothing to do with her. When she tried to introduce herself he gave her bared teeth and snapping. Koli understood well that she must let him have his space. Maybe someday he will relax and play with her.