Rest in love and peace my best friend
I had 15 wonderful years with my service dog by my side. We went everywhere together.
We went on the bus, some of her favorite places were Costco, Panda Express, and Micky D’s. I think maybe because she learned that from me.
I am blessed to have had such a loyal and loving friend. I still go on our daily walks without her just to keep a routine.
It feels naked on my walks without the lease dangling off my left wrist and bending to pick up her business in the special designer plastic bags.
I miss sharing meals with her, I miss her checking on me when I take too long in the restroom. I miss her riding in the basket on my bike and co-piloting.
I bought a roasted chicken the other night for $5 Fridays at Safeway, one of her favorites and it just didn’t taste so great without her.
When we first encountered each other at the Kaua‘i Humane Society 15 years ago, I took the basket off my bike and brought it into the different puppy cages to see if any dog would walk into the basket and stay. She was the only one that climbed into the basket and stayed, and as often happens this puppy adopted me.
I had her to many veterinarians the last month hoping for a different diagnosis, however, her kidneys and liver had both failed and with many tumors and a chronic disease — it was time.
The hardest thing I ever did. I needed to go to the Humane Society even though I was working with three other caring vets, only because the Humane Society was where she adopted me and I rescued her.
They call it the Humane Society for a reason they really treated us special, very humanely. Plus it was full circle.
It was the vet’s last day, she invited us to a private appointment, consoled me as a psychiatrist would, and reassured me I was doing the right thing.
Just seconds before my sweet dog was euthanized, I gave her chocolate-covered Kirkland almonds. Dogs love chocolate, but it can be deadly.
And then the stress and pain disappeared from her face, she looked at peace.
Always in my heart. I miss her so. I love you Ivanka. “Boms” Obama
Rest in love and peace.
James “Kimo” Rosen, Kapa‘a
