Last night, at 10:15 PM, our hearts broke as we had to say goodbye to Kiah. After fourteen years of joy, love, and companionship, she took her final breath, leaving a hole in our hearts that will never quite heal.
Just the day before, Kiah seemed full of life, happy, and content. She was the picture of health, bounding around with the energy that had defined her for so long. But then, we noticed something was off. Her breathing was a little labored, and at first, we thought it was simply because she had gotten too warm during the day. But unfortunately, it turned out to be far more serious than we had anticipated.
The vet confirmed that she was suffering from congestive heart failure, a condition that slowly suffocates the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently, causing fluid buildup in the lungs. The news was devastating, but we were hopeful. We followed the vet’s instructions and gave her the prescribed medication, thinking it would ease her distress.
However, just three hours later, Kiah’s condition worsened. She went into respiratory distress, and we made the gut-wrenching decision to put her to sleep. It was the kindest thing we could do, to release her from the suffering that she no longer had the strength to fight. We held her close in her final moments, surrounded by love.
Who She Was:
Kiah: A cherished companion for fourteen years. She wasn’t just a pet; she was family. Known for her gentle nature, her playful spirit, and her unwavering loyalty, Kiah brought joy to every corner of our lives. Whether it was her wagging tail greeting us after a long day or her quiet presence at our feet during cozy nights in, she was always there, offering unconditional love.
Highlights:
Fourteen years of memories: Fourteen years might seem like a long time, but when you’re lucky enough to have a companion like Kiah, it flies by. From her playful puppy days to her calm, dignified old age, every stage of her life was filled with moments of joy. Whether it was long walks in the park, lazy afternoons on the couch, or simply sharing a quiet moment, she made each day brighter.
Her final day: It’s hard to find the right words to describe how quickly everything changed. The contrast between the happiness of the day before and the heartbreak of the next morning was jarring. But in the midst of the pain, we take comfort knowing we gave her the best possible life, filled with love, care, and attention.
Life is fleeting, and love, even in its purest form, is often fragile.
Losing Kiah has been an incredibly painful experience, but it serves as a powerful reminder of how important it is to cherish every moment with those we love, whether they’re human or animal. Sometimes, we take their presence for granted, thinking there’s always more time ahead. But in reality, time is the one thing we can never control.
Kiah taught us many lessons: patience, loyalty, and the beauty of simply being present. She didn’t need to speak to tell us how much she cared. Her love was in every wag of her tail, every gentle nudge, and every look of pure devotion.
The grief we feel is a testament to the depth of our bond, and though the pain of losing her is raw, we are grateful for every single day we had together. Kiah will always be in our hearts, and she will never truly be gone.
Sleep well, Kiah. You may no longer be by our side, but you will live forever in the memories you created and the love you gave us. We miss you more than words can say.