Thank you, Dog.
This morning we called the vet to see how our pup was doing. The blood tests showed no change in his creatinine (still 7) and overnight, he did not pee.
We went to see him around 9:30 and found him not as bright as yesterday, with labored breathing, and this look of defeat in his eyes. After a thorough review of all his tests with the vet, we decided that the best thing for him was to let him go peacefully.
He still had the catheter in so we asked for that to be removed and I took him for a short walk outside for old times’ sake. He tried to put a little hop in his step but he was obviously struggling. He sniffed around but he didn’t try to pee. When we got across the street, he pooped himself and seemed quite surprised by it. When I took him toward the entrance to the hospital, he pulled back a little but once he got inside, he picked up the pace. 
We laid him down on a towel in the exam room and after one last goodbye, the vet came in with two syringes. One put him to a deep sleep and the other one stopped his breathing. It was quick, painless, and I could hardly tell that anything had happened until Jes said that he was dead. He looked so peaceful when we left him. I think this was the right decision but it still makes us sad.
He lived a full life of 9 1/2 years and it makes us feel little better knowing that. He was born on a ranch in Arroyo Grande in the company of his dad, mom, aunts, brothers, and sisters. He grew up in Irvine and then moved to San Francisco. He was such a good dog: gentle, independent, quiet, clean, and most of all very loyal. He comforted me and kept me company when Jes was commuting to North Carolina every week and greeted us at the door with such excitement every time we’d come home.
He quickly adjusted to city life and loved going to Fort Funston, Chrissy Field, and Tahoe.
He knew a few tricks including the standard sit, shake, and lie down and even today when I told him to “go neh-neh”, he went over to the towel to lie down.
If someone new came over to our house (even if it was just once), he’d remember that person for life and greet you out in the street. Otherwise, he would look away and pay no attention to any stranger passing by.
He loved babies and when Kumquat came home from the hospital, he was so curious and so protective of anyone holding her. Whenever she would make a sound, he’d run over to the crib to check on her.
He played on the floor with her when she was little and he tolerated all her crying and complaining.
They were instant buddies and Kumquat adored him. I think it was mutual.
He allowed her to pull his tail, pat him roughly on the head, poke him in the eye, and play with his kibble without a single sign of aggression.
When he was younger, he would run up to 5 miles with me, play fetch with his tennis ball, and play tug of war with anything. On the first day we brought him home, he pooped himself when he heard a car zooming nearby. Funny that that was what he did on his last day of life too.
He housetrained himself and the only time he had an accident in the house was when he was really sick and no one was home to take him out to poop. If we were home, he’d sit by the door and make a quiet whimper or he’d wake me up at 3 am with the same quiet whimper to make sure that Jes (aka Bossman) wouldn’t wake up.
He wasn’t much of a lap dog but he appreciated a good head, back, or belly scratch. His favorite spot was on his back just in front of his tail. It would make his squirm and rub himself up against your leg for more.
He loved baby carrots, pizza, and Indian food. Whenever he’d hear an egg crack in the kitchen, he’d come running even if he was sound asleep in the other room. I can still hear the belch that he would make after a long drink of water. I still wait for the clicking sound of his nails on the floor when we sit down to eat at the table. If you gave him a treat, he would gently take it from your fingers. He especially enjoyed getting baby carrots from Jack or Kumquat.
He hated water – especially baths. He had the most distinct “cry” when he’d get a bath. The rain bothered him but he tolerated it. He also hated being tied up outside of Safeway and Starbucks but he was always a good boy out there. Yes, he chewed up some of our things, scratched up the bottom of our sofa, shed twice a year, was a little stubborn, super cat-like, and was a little barky at some of the neighborhood dogs but all in all he was still the best dog we could have asked for. I’m sure we’ll find his hair everywhere in the house for many months and maybe years to come but I’m ok with that.
Here’s a video of how playful he was. He cracks me up sometimes.
His best friend was Fabian Fox and had a whole posse of stuffed buddies that he’s left behind.
Here’s a video of him with one of his first toys. What a cute little puppy he was!!!
If you’ve ever watched him for us, you’d know the drill about him and public places. The usual script would be: “Yes, he’s full grown.” “No he’s not a fox.” “He’s a shiba inu.” “You can try to pet him but he won’t let you.”
He loved to nap all day and preferred the couch when no one is home. He also enjoyed sitting by the window to watch the trees sway in the wind. When his water bowl was empty, he’d let you know by sitting right in front of you and staring or going over to the bowl and digging inside to make a noise. One time, he told me he needed water by looking at me, then his bowl, then the fridge, and then back at the bowl. Genius.
I could go on and on about him and I’m so thankful for having this blog for him. Maka Koa will always be a huge part of me and this family.
I’m so thankful that Kumquat was able to know him as GoGo. This afternoon, she saw his leash on the floor and went looking for him. It made me sad but also thankful that he had such an impact on her early childhood.
Dear Koa Bear,
Thank you for being the best dog ever. We love you and will never forget you. I hope that you are at peace now and have plenty of grass to sniff and oodles of things to pee on.
Say hello to Genie, Cookie, Pepsi, Doogie, Franny, Zooey, and Smush for us, k? They’ll show you around.
Love, The Girl, Bossman, and Kumquat
Michelle
Sunday, October 20, 2013I heard the news from Ryan and just read the posts. Now I’m totally bawling.
Koa is the only dog I really got to know, and the only one I ever really liked. I’ll miss him, especially his nervous/excited reaction whenever Jack went over. If I could just know what he was thinking when the kid was around 🙂
JTL
Sunday, October 20, 2013Bah, I read your blog at work, and I’m tearing up. Guy I’m working with is wondering what the hell is wrong with me.
Ja
Sunday, October 20, 2013Rest in peace Koa TvT
Joy
Sunday, October 20, 2013I was bawling all day but this one topped it for me. Koa is enjoying doggie heaven now.
marie
Sunday, October 20, 2013Awww… This is so sad. We all will miss him! He was such a good dog, such a loyal friend. He’s in heaven now. Hope you feel better knowing he can rest w/o pain or suffering any longer. Sending lots of hugs to you and your family!
Heather
Sunday, October 20, 2013What a beautifully written tribute to Koa! Got the tears flowing here. He was a lucky dog to have had you as his family!
TDawg
Monday, October 21, 2013Such a loving, loyal, protective dog. My favorite was when he let me hold baby Janie in peace, that’s when I knew I was in… No he’s not a fox, careful, he pees on any vertical surface. xoxo
Kel
Monday, October 21, 2013This post made me smile and cry simultaneously. It’s such a beautiful tribute to a great friend. I’m glad I had the chance to meet Koa. I’ll always remember when we came over for Thanksgiving one year and he shared his baby carrots with Diesel. *sniff*