Post by eight on Aug 2, 2017 10:38:29 GMT -5
Suddenly and unexpectedly, we have lost our sweet Hachiko, the cleverest, silliest, and gentlest dog in the world. She was our best friend, our therapist, our fellow athlete, and our pride and joy. Right until her last hours, strangers were falling in love with her, and we were gushing to each other about yet another amazing thing she had just done.
Hachiko was at the vet for a routine teeth cleaning yesterday, and right after waking up and lifting her head to look around, Hachi lay back down and never opened her eyes again. They tried CPR, to no avail. The doctor guessed that it was a stroke, and although they did all the tests beforehand and although she had the procedure two years ago at the same place, I guess there's always a risk, even for such a young and healthy dog.
My only regret is that food was one of the great joys of her life, and she was not allowed to eat after midnight before the appointment. She hinted gently in the morning that she was waiting for breakfast, but cheerfully climbed into the car and never complained during the 90-minute trip. It hurts me deeply that she was hungry at the end.
I drove her back to Ottawa from Ogdensburg, bawling the entire way, and she slept peacefully last night in her home of 4 years, where she belonged. Knowing that she'd do anything for food, I put out a dish of kibble and some treats, praying that it would be enough to bring her back to us.
It still doesn't seem real. During our overnight vigil, we watched videos of Hachiko doing silly things, and I keep catching myself not believing that she's gone. I glance at the clock and try to remember when her last bathroom break was. Oh, it's almost noon, so this bathroom break and romp around the yard will end with a cookie.
We're glad to have done our best to spoil her silly this entire time, including on her 7th birthday just last week, and grateful that she was somehow never spoiled.
Much appreciation for the greyt people at GRA who rescued her and allowed us to have this beautiful time with her. We worked our hardest to give her the best possible life.
That hot day at GRA, we chose each other at first sight, and we loved her more every single day. Especially her ridiculous and adorable ears.
We miss her so very very much.
From Hachiko's proud parents, Face and Kanako
July 23 2010 - August 1 2017
Hachiko was at the vet for a routine teeth cleaning yesterday, and right after waking up and lifting her head to look around, Hachi lay back down and never opened her eyes again. They tried CPR, to no avail. The doctor guessed that it was a stroke, and although they did all the tests beforehand and although she had the procedure two years ago at the same place, I guess there's always a risk, even for such a young and healthy dog.
My only regret is that food was one of the great joys of her life, and she was not allowed to eat after midnight before the appointment. She hinted gently in the morning that she was waiting for breakfast, but cheerfully climbed into the car and never complained during the 90-minute trip. It hurts me deeply that she was hungry at the end.
I drove her back to Ottawa from Ogdensburg, bawling the entire way, and she slept peacefully last night in her home of 4 years, where she belonged. Knowing that she'd do anything for food, I put out a dish of kibble and some treats, praying that it would be enough to bring her back to us.
It still doesn't seem real. During our overnight vigil, we watched videos of Hachiko doing silly things, and I keep catching myself not believing that she's gone. I glance at the clock and try to remember when her last bathroom break was. Oh, it's almost noon, so this bathroom break and romp around the yard will end with a cookie.
We're glad to have done our best to spoil her silly this entire time, including on her 7th birthday just last week, and grateful that she was somehow never spoiled.
Much appreciation for the greyt people at GRA who rescued her and allowed us to have this beautiful time with her. We worked our hardest to give her the best possible life.
That hot day at GRA, we chose each other at first sight, and we loved her more every single day. Especially her ridiculous and adorable ears.
We miss her so very very much.
From Hachiko's proud parents, Face and Kanako
July 23 2010 - August 1 2017