Thanks for your support

kitadog · Post by **kitadog** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 1:45 pm

I want to sincerely thank everyone who replied to my post "Losing a Friend." You really made me feel a lot better during this difficult time.

Yesterday Kita passed on. He died peacefully and with us by his side. He had a big heart and was a wonderful friend. We will miss him but I feel he is at peace now that he his no longer here suffering.

Having a pet is a wonderful thing and all the difficult times never outweigh the joy they bring into our lives.

Thanks again and hug your Chow for me.

Bryan

fillyok · Post by **fillyok** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 2:53 pm

I'm sitting here with tears streaming, it's times like this that words are hard to find...I'm so sorry for your loss - that's from my heart. Rest in peace Kita - you were loved.

chowfrnd88 · Post by **chowfrnd88** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 3:17 pm

I am so sorry for your loss. Always remember that the love you had for him made such a huge impact on his life. He'll be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge. Run free Kita.

Yvonne · Post by **Yvonne** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 5:18 pm

Sorry for your loss.

Feel free to post as much as you want to talk about Kita.

We share everything here, both the joy and the sorrow.

Post by **kingalls** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 6:07 pm

Bryan,
Kita is running free, healthy and will wait for you over Rainbow Bridge! He's so happy you were there to help him.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

kitadog · Post by **kitadog** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 9:46 pm

I never thought I'd find so many great people on a forum like this. Thanks again from my wife and I both.

And here's a picture of Kita with my wife at the beach. I told you he adored her!

Post by **Auddymay** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 11:26 pm

I'm sorry for your loss. Kita was beautiful, and you should be proud of all he became because of the kindness you showed, and of course, your wonderful wife. It was no wonder he loved her so, Kita recognized her kindred spirit and responded in kind. Again, I'm sorry he could not stay here with you longer.

Judy Fox · Post by **Judy Fox** » Fri Sep 22, 2006 12:38 am

So sorry - Run free little Kita - the Happy Hunting Ground is a lovely place.

Roxana · Post by **Roxana** » Fri Sep 22, 2006 6:01 am

Bryan,

So sorry to hear about Kita. At least you can take solace in the fact that he went peacefully and at home with the people who loved him.

Best wishes to you & your wife.
Roxana

kiwani · Post by **kiwani** » Fri Sep 22, 2006 6:12 am

Farewell, Kita. Run free with joy!

Chowsrule · Post by **Chowsrule** » Sat Sep 23, 2006 9:28 pm

I'm so very sorry for your loss! I went through the same thing in May, 2005 when I had to say goodbye to my baby, Tia. She had stomach cancer also. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Know that Kita now has no pain and is running free and happy with all those that have gone before him. I know my Tia will be waiting for me as your Kita will be waiting for you some day and we'll greet each other with the same love & joy we had here.

LEO's mum · Post by **LEO's mum** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 1:26 pm

Brian, Kita was beautiful. I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you so much to giving him the love he so needed and deserved.
Warmest Hugs, LEO(Leonora) & mum

chowlover · Post by **chowlover** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 3:34 pm

I am so sorry for your loss. I know the pain myself as we lost our Sugar 3 yrs ago after 14 yrs with her. I am thankful you have pictures, and oh the memories! They will make you smile. I just got another chow 3 weeks ago and thought I would never get another but one day you will see "the ONE" and will do whatever you have to do to get him/her. To this day, I still think of Sugar many times a day, but ESPECIALLY when I make gravy. She loved my gravy and would somehow just know I was making it and she would dance and smile while I was cooking it, just knowing I would give her a lick of it. I'm rambling now but I wanted to express my sympathy and also to let you know that your wonderful dog is not thru giving you happiness yet. You will never forget and the memories will make you smile - that you loved and were loved by your special dog.

kitadog · Post by **kitadog** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 1:37 am

Gravy! It's funny what dogs taking a liking to isn't it. Kita loved Arby's roast beef. He'd eat any roast beef but for whatever reason he LOVED Arby's and would do his little happy dance for it.

It's gotten a lot easier to deal with his loss even though it hasn't been long. We're starting the search now for a another Chow now so you know what that means, it won't be long! We're also sticking to our plan on getting a rescued dog. I found this girl while looking today (http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/dis ... id=6866348) and my wife is contacting the people so we can meet her. Who knows, maybe she'll pick us!

Thanks again for being such a nice bunch of folks. My wife Elizabeth has been reading your responses too and I know it has also made her feel better!

Bryan

Post by **Auddymay** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 2:08 am

She is beautiful. And she sounds like a good fit for you and your wife. I hope you are able to get her.

enchantedonyx · Post by **enchantedonyx** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 4:16 am

I'm sorry that you lost your friend. He was beautiful and no matter what other dogs come into your life, I'm sure he will always hold a place a in your heart.

Your new "prospect", though, is gorgeous and from the description, sounds like a delight. I hope things work out and you can be her forever home.

~Renae

Judy Fox · Post by **Judy Fox** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 5:26 am

Oh Bryan, she is sweet I hope you pick each other and she gets a forever home and you and your wife get another chow to love.

Post by **chris** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 6:22 am

Im so very sorry for your loss, and in the same sentance so very happy that you and your wife are looking for another chow to rescue. How excellent and you know in your hearts that Kita would be very proud. Good luck, and we all here would love to have you here as a part of our "chow family of friends".

gerbie · Post by **gerbie** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 7:34 am

Bryan, I am very sorry to hear about Kita but as Chris mentioned, am glad to hear that you are looking for another Chow. Hope you'd be able to get her.

Thanks for sharing Kita's picture - a great looking Chow.

mrtdwt · Post by **mrtdwt** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 8:16 am

Bryan,

I was searching on Petfinder last night, just looking at all the chows available, and I came upon Shadoe. I spent a lot of time on that site looking at her and just hoping and praying that someone would find her soon and take her into a forever home. Imagine my surprise when I was reading your message this morning and lo and behold, there Shadoe is in your post. Wishes can come true! I sure hope she gets to live with you!

I think I'll surf some more tonight and make more wishes. You just never know what can happen!

Michelle

Post by **kingalls** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 8:28 am

I'm sure Kita is smiling down on both of you right now. How wonderful for you to think about providing a forever home to a sister Chow. I hope you do get her - she looks adorable! Sometimes rescues orgs have alot of paperwork & questions but hang in there - the reward will be great!

Boogie and Linda · Post by **Boogie and Linda** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 10:53 am

I am so sorry for your loss. Kita's story was so sad and but he did have a happy ending in that he was loved and died peacefully with his family in a real home.

I am also happy to hear that you are going to rescue a chow and show him or her the same thing. My chow Boogie was a rescue and my family and I have also started fostering rescued Chows with ChowChowRescue.Org in Northern California. I really hope you are able to adopt Shadoe but if you are still looking you may want to try the ChowChowRescue.Org website. A few other good websites for Chows in California are PetHarbor.com and Adopt-a-chow-LA. PetHarbor has only shelter animals and those are usually the most in need but remember too that every Chow adopted from a rescue means that the rescue will have an open spot to get another one out of the shelter. So either way it is a huge help. Good Luck!

kitadog · Post by **kitadog** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 12:15 pm

Thanks for all the positive thoughts, I'm happy to be part of the "family." It is really strange that Michelle was just wishing for a home for Shadoe, I think it is that cute little face that just gets you.

Well, we found out she is still available for adoption and are trying to set up a time to meet her. She is 7 years old which is a bit older than I'd hoped for in a new friend but what the hell, older dogs need a good home too and are probably more appreciative and in need.

As for the other websites, thanks. I was aware of Petharbor and found a lot of prospects but many were in the LA area. My wife and I work opposing schedules (she works "normal" hours and days and I work weekend graveyards as a police officer) and need to find time to go together. The schedule thing can be hard on us but actually makes it great for pets because one of us ends up home most of the time.

So, will I be in for a difficult battle when I adopt an adult Chow? Kita, while new to my home and in need of love, knew me from a puppy.I guess it all depends on the dog right? I'll keep you informed on Shadoe and any others that we come across.

Bryan

enchantedonyx · Post by **enchantedonyx** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 12:18 pm

As smart as Chows are, I have a feeling she will know what a good thing she's getting and respond appropriately (with kisses and cuddles and smiles)

I hope things work out and you get to bring Shadoe home!

Post by **jerryo** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 1:40 pm

Based on my experience with Benny, it is not likely to be a problem. I found him last April on PetFinder. He had been picked up as a stray after being abused before he escaped. He was 38 pounds (now 65) and all the hair had been worn off his neck by a heavy chain. He was so quiet (depressed?) the pound had him listed as a senior dog (he's about 3-4). After a four hour drive home, I brought him in and gave him a rawhide bone. He looked at me, took the bone and dropped it in the middle of my bed. I'm still not sure what that was about, because he wasn't really interested in bones and never got on the furniture again. He is still Chow to the bone. He would rather lay on the hard tile than the carpet. He chooses to sleep in his own room rather than mine. He is so aloof it drives me nuts, but if I'm gone even a few minutes he gives me a greeting like I have been gone a week and I'm the most important thing in his world. After an exhibition of the "happy dance" and some very un-Chowish yelping, he goes back to mostly ignoring me.

Shadoe is a real beauty! I tried to hook her up with a friend in San Jose a couple of weeks ago, but my friend isn't quite ready for a Chow yet.