On Monday, June 18th, bring your dog for a day of daycare, and get $10.00 off a doggie shampoo. (Shampoo given the same day.)

 

There are no cute sayings, no picturesque words, or grandiose statements we can make to ease the pain of someone who has just lost their beloved dog.  Shared grief is often in silence; empathy imparted in stories of sweet memories, and sympathy given in a thoughtful card, picture, or gift.  We experienced this when our Kokeano succumbed to cancer this past January.  The outpouring of love from others was a type of comfort in and of itself.   

Shortly after Kokeano’s death we learned of Jake and Charlie’s passing.  Jake was signed up for daycare even before we opened!  He, like Kokeano, died of cancer; he was far too young when he died.  Jake defined the faithful dog; always happy, playful, and loving.  We loved him dearly. Charlie was known to many of you whom he greeted when you came in.   The elderly beagle had the run of the place, as well as our hearts.  Old age finally claimed him.

Roxanne defied old age.  She was living her second dog life – living nearly twice as long as the average bulldog.  She, like Charlie, was also there to greet many of you.  Roxanne was not just a member of the Fetch ‘n Fun family, she was a member of the Joakim family as well.  Her owner, Andy, is John’s brother.  On Monday, Roxanne was having an average day at Fetch ‘n Fun when she suddenly took ill.  Andy came and rushed her to the vet.  Shortly afterwards we received the shocking news that she was gone.  The loss feels…..raw.

These are but a few of the dogs we have loved and lost and this is perhaps the hardest part of our profession.  We take each dog into the Fetch ‘n Fun family, and love them deeply….losing them is felt deeply as well.  Deep breath…..I must remind myself of all the love and goodness these dogs have brought into our lives, each moment, every slobbery kiss; a gift.

When Kokeano passed, we received so many wonderful cards, calls, hugs, and gifts.  Two types of gifts stand out to us.  A number of people donated money to non-profit dog related services in Kokeano’s name.  This was such an incredible honor and so meaningful to us that it is something we now do for others.  The second gift was a hand drawn picture of Kokeano by Tucker’s mom, Christine.  The picture captured Kokeano’s presence, and means so much to us.  I had it framed at our local, trusty framer, Claude, at The Framer’s Workshop.  The picture hangs right near my desk, bringing many sweet memories to mind.

“But some animals, like some men, leave a trail of glory behind them.  They give their spirit to the place where they have lived, and remain forever a part of the rocks and streams and the wind and sky.” -Marguerite Henry

Jake, Charlie, Roxanne, Kokeano, as well as Archie, Sadie, Shredder, Molly, and many more; you will remain forever a part of our lives!

I smell eggs!

New photos to the left.

Kaiser (above)is happy to see so much sunshine, and Bruno (below) is sunbathing! 

More pictures to the left!

Here we are celebrating Ruby's sixth birthday - that's her sticking her tongue out at the camera - sorry Ruby I guess I shouldn't have said how old you are. Ruby brought special birthday treats for everyone!  Many more pictures to the left.

Buster whispers, "Hey Hunter, did you hear that the ground hog saw his shadow yesterday - we might finally get some great snow!"

Hunter replies, "Yeah, I can't wait, but keep it quiet, I don't think everyone is so happy about it."

 

Louis says, "Shadow, what shadow?" 

 

He looks around, "No shadows here."

Tyson agree with Louis, "Yep, no shadows here."

Check out the new photos on the left.

We all grieve in our own way, but the passing of Kokeano has taught me that we ALL grieve, dogs included. Kokeano left us on Wednesday; he was 10 years old this month. When he was diagnosed with cancer this summer we were told he had six months, I mentally braced myself that come Christmas we may be saying goodbye to him. In November he spiked a fever and a blood test confirmed that the cancer was systemic. Since our business is in our home, there is always someone nearby for our dogs, but I felt an unexplainable need for someone to be with Kokeano at all times. So for the past two months he has never been alone. We all took turns being with him, and our other dogs took their turns comforting him as well. Kokeano is on the lower left with Clementine next to him and Zander behind him.

 

We had two months to love him, and tell him how much he meant to us, to comfort him, to say goodbye…and yet, it still does not feel like it was enough time. Fortunately Sophia and Nicolette were home from college on Christmas break. He slept most of the time, waking only to go to the bathroom. When he stopped eating we bought him all kinds of treats to entice him to eat. He did enjoy those treats! No longer could he get up to greet us at the door, but he still wagged his tail for Nicolette when she came home. They had a special bond, and Kokeano reserved his strength – saving his tail wagging just for her. He lost weight rapidly, going from 65 pounds down to 40 pounds, and in the end he was so weak he could not stand. We are grateful he suffered very little. He looked so small in the end and his eyes looked sad. Just before he died Zander kissed him goodbye. I needed to be near him, so I placed my hand on his head and looked into his eyes. Kokeano gave me a final look; then had the most peaceful expression before his eyes rolled back and he was gone. Kokeano loved being under the blankets with us, so much so that he would wake us up so that we would cover him. Dr. Nolan apologized for the feminine blanket, and I explained that Kokeano LOVED blankets. Dr. Nolan wrapped him up, and John carried Kokeano to the truck. When John came inside he nearly collapsed from grief.

We are all grieving. I did not expect it to be so hard. Even our other dogs are grieving. Today Zander stands in the middle of the living room barking and whining at no one. His best friend is gone. He is grieving. Clementine sat for an hour just looking at the door. She is grieving. Nike is trying to figure out his place now that Kokeano is gone; after all someone has to be top dog, right?

Sorry Nike, but no one will be the alpha dog like Kokeano.

Kokeano…founder of Fetch ‘n Fun. He was the Master Comforter and Protector while John was gone in Iraq. Alpha dog and Professor of Proper Doggie Daycare Etiquette, and most beloved canine….you may be gone, but as long as I live, you will always be the dominate dog in my life and in my heart. Below are pictures of Kokeano helping us to build Fetch ‘n Fun.

Have fun in Heaven Kokeano...see you soon.

John doesn't know yet, but look what will be under our Christmas Tree tomorrow morning.  We've adopted Nike.  Merry Christmas everyone!

Whether I am spending the holidays at home or at the relative's house, the Thanksgiving and Christmas season can be the most wonderful time of the year.  As I prepare for Christmas shopping, I gather coupons, flyers, and e-mails alerting me to special discounts.  Each year I receive dozens of solicitations from various charities to make that last tax deductable gift of the year to their needy cause.  I open the mail to read the statistics on how many people have diabetes or are homeless and in need of shelter and food for Christmas, so could I please donate money.... Or watching TV I see the pictures of starving children all over the world, or puppies that appear to be weeping while mournful music plays in the background and a voice is pleading for a donation.  Suddenly I don't feel like it is a wonderful time of year....

So...I have taken to reminding myself that I cherish this time of year because of the wonderful family I share it with, and the spirit of giving that I love.  I have taken charge of my giving....and try to make wise decisions when it comes to charitable donations.   This year I have decided to shop directly from charitable organizations when I can.  Not only have I found some terrific gifts, but in purchasing these gifts I have donated money, food, and books to the needy.  It feels great. 

I would encourage you to do the same.  Check out Lucky Pup rescue's shop site at:  http://www.luckypuprescue.org/store.html

If you know of any charities that are having sales for Christmas, please share their information in a reply to this post.  We can make it a wonderful time of year for many.

Susan

Check out the new photo album to the left.  Below is John with Roxanne. 

We now have 5 outdoor pens which gives us greater freedom to place dogs according to personality!  You will also see pictures of our new employees, along with our daughter Elisabeth who continues to be a great help to us.  Enjoy your Thanksgiving.