Kyky in the Sky

This is a post I wished I wouldn't have to write for some time to come...

When you have furry companions you know that they will most likely leave the physical realm before you do. This is a reality that I'd become acutely aware of last spring when Puss wasn't feeling well. Kylo turning 13 this past November was another reminder that his days were numbered. Yet he was so young and vibrant for his age (thanks to a high raw diet) that we secretly hoped he'd be with us for a few more years.

It all happened so very fast... After noticing acute symptoms of what turned out to be an hereditary congenital heart disease over the weekend, our dear furry friend Kylo (aka Kyky) passed on his definitive journey at about 2 pm on Monday. How I wished that I could have returned in time for a final goodbye, but alas it was not in the cards. Thanks to the magic of technology I was however able to hang out with him shortly before he went via skype.

Born in Victoria, British Columbia on 11/11/98 as the eleventh and last of the litter, he came to Don through his daughter Amber in September '99 and the two of them quickly became inseparable friends. I was blessed to join them a few months later in the summer of 2000.

Kylo was an impeccable fellow warrior with a true and noble heart, and it was our great honor to have his always faithful companionship these many years together. His body's final resting place is in the Slocan Valley, BC, on the Benailse land he knew and loved so well, near his lifetime furry sweetheart, Angel, who also passed on only a very short while ago. We feel it was no coincidence that Kyky moved on as a result of a 'broken heart' as he happened to visit the retreat center just after Angie's passing, and he clearly looked for her immediately after we arrived.

We have received many comforting emails in light of his departure. Thank you all, dear friends, for you support in these challenging times. I'd like to share the following with you as Veronique's words so eloquently capture the way we feel about Kylo:

I believe he had one of the best lives a dog could have, that is to be around his tribe for most of his days, and to roam as he pleased. May we remember his life as the holographic model to manifest a dog's best life: I hold the vision of infinite happiness, fulfillment and freedom for all dogs everywhere.

May your hearts heal from the loss of his physical, warm, handsome body presence and rejoice in the joy of being part of his non physical family forever.

A little photo tribute to remember him by...

During two of thousands of daily walkies on Paradise Road near the Benailse retreat center with his best friend Donnie and darling Angel.

Unfortunately, Angie always looks like a black blur on photos but we did manage to snap a clear shot here.

He was such a wonderful traveler; always so eager to come with and seamlessly adapting to his ever changing environment since we became nomads in the summer of 2009.

He never failed to draw attention with his striking looks and regal demeanor. We stopped counting how many times people asked whether he had some wolf in him. We knew that he was part German Shepard and Husky, but yes, we strongly suspect that there was wolf mixed somewhere in there too. Certainly he had that wonderful wild freedom loving nature.

He got to enjoy walks in some of the most stunning places in North America.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

  

Ellwood Beach, Santa Barbara, California

Kelowna, BC

 Eagle Mountain, Utah

Sedona, Arizona

Grand Canyon, Arizona

I thought I'd leave you on this cute note. Just after Kylo's passing I stumbled upon a message in my inbox that a friend had sent me over the Holidays. Don and I would sometime talk about his good karma. In fact we had nicknamed him 'King Kylo' for the royal treatment that he received - us being his loyal and devoted subjects, of course! ;-) - so this brought a smile to our faces.

An ah-ah moment about the family dog...

It's just dawned on me!!

My dog sleeps about 20 hours a day.

He has his food prepared for him. He can eat whenever he wants.

His meals are provided at no cost to him.

He visits the Doctor once a year for his check up and again during the year if any medical needs arise.

For this he pays nothing and nothing is required of him.

He lives in a nice neighborhood in a house that is much larger than he needs, but he is not required to do any upkeep.

If he makes a mess, someone else cleans it up.

He has his choice of luxurious places to sleep.

He receives these accommodations absolutely free.

He is living like a King and has absolutely no expenses whatsoever.

All of his costs are picked up by others who go out and earn a living every day.

I was just thinking about all this and suddenly it hit me like a brick ........

I think my dog is a Member of Parliament!

Dearest Kylo Wolfie, you were such an integral part of our fammunity. You will be sorely missed by Don, Puss and myself, and we are sure all those who knew your spirit join us in wishing you well on your new adventures.