Rest in Peace, Dear Kira!

It is with great sadness that I share the news that my 14 year old  Shar-Pei/Greyhound mix friend, Kira, passed away in early August due to complications from old age. I found this out when I bumped into her owner while I was walking a dog in town and although I knew Kira's quality of life was declining I was still shocked to get this news. Kira's mom told me that Kira had a seizure during a severe thunderstorm and soon after that she had a hard time staying steady on her feet and it was then when her family knew it was time to take her to the vet to put her to rest.

My first set of visits with her were in February 2013 while her family was on vacation and every morning, afternoon, and evening visit with her was pure joy. She was a bit shy at first but she quickly warmed up to me and the routine.

Because she had stiff joints due to age I was told that she liked to go on short, slow walks but she surprised me many times by wanting to do the opposite! 

As with all of the dogs I  visit, Kira quickly grew fond of me and loved to watch me from the window when I arrived and this picture was one of the funniest and cutest I have of her. 

At the end of the last visit in April 2015 my gut feeling was that I wouldn't be seeing her again due to her health so I gave her a long, gentle pet on the head and told her I loved her and that her family would be home that night. I'm so glad I cherish every memory with my friends because I never know which visit will be my last.