What are the chances that the next morning video I did, would include yet ANOTHER tragic loss?
This one so unexpected. We went to the @rockymountainkoiclub3793 Show this past weekend, with plans for bringing the dogs with us like we did last year. Strangely, just as we dropped off all the little pets & got ready to load the dogs, Wasabi refused to get in the truck. Now this is extremely strange as she always wants to go everywhere. But, I try to listen to what she communicates, so luckily we were able to rearrange our plans last minute and she got to stay. She seemed 100% fine, ate well, happy, tail wagging, so I was not terribly concerned.

We went to the Koi Show and all seemed well, until the third morning when we got the call she was not doing well. We packed up early (so sorry to all the people I didn't get to interview or say goodbye to) and zoomed back.

She was struggling to breathe, and x-rays showed a hugely distended heart. We told her how very much we loved her, how I was going to make sure nothing hurt, that I was there for her, and she looked truly happy despite the oxygen mask over her nose. I sedated her, and then removed over 100 ml's of fluid from her heart sac. But she died anyway.

All I can say, is that she gave SO MUCH love, that her heart gave out early. What a magnificent dog and such a wonderful, kind, loving animal, who was beloved by all who met her kind face. I was lucky to have her. Thanks Diane for encouraging me to get her as a 7 week old puppy even though we were still technically homeless at the time and I struggled with what a stupid idea it was to get a puppy and put it into our situation. But she knew how much that dog would do for me to help me get through it. And she was right. Even though she did as a puppy break a toilet, and chew the airbag harness out of my truck!

The kids would often get really frustrated with her, because she would really only listen to me. If the kids would ask her to do something, she would often gently refuse, wagging her tail, and stare lovingly into my eyes, asking me instead if she should really do that thing. And if I said yes, she would instantly get up and do it. Every time.

An animal like that I know, is going straight to heaven and has become the most glorious angel who deserves nothing less that sheer happiness and freedom from any knee pain, stiff joints, getting her teeth brushed or nails trimmed (ha!), or being limited from eating all the cheese pizza and fresh made bread rolls the world has to offer.

Today I am grateful for the extra beautiful sunrise, a tribute to Wasabi, my angel baby.

​I am grateful for all the love, joy, happiness, smiles, and incredible cuddles we got with her over the past 10 years. There will never be another to match her. Rest in peace my beautiful baby girl, no one deserves it more than you.

Check out my YouTube channel for more from the rescues and lots of free tips and training resources. https://www.youtube.com/@the1drq​
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