Kola Is Gone…
I’m deeply saddened to share that my husky, Kola, had to be put down last night due to an aggressive form of cancer. What made this extremely hard was that my girls and I hadn’t seen him in a week because my ex-wife had taken him to live with her at her new house 4 hours away…so we weren’t able to say goodbye. My ex-wife and her boyfriend were with him when he was put to sleep. After he was gone, they smudged his body with sage and tobacco as an honor to him and wrapped him in a blanket. I’m glad they were able to do that in my absence.
Kola came to be pretty well known, at least with my subscribers, through my Yard Sale site at http://www.tonysyardsale.com. Of course, he will continue to be a part of that site as a memorial to him. We had some great times together…I always joked that he was the son I never had. Kola was actually a wolf/husky hybrid, something many people didn’t know…and as such, was incredibly intelligent, and big (95lbs.). So today, I honor my friend…to say thank you and goodbye! You will be deeply missed!
If you would like to see more pictures of my amazing dog, you can do so here: http://tinyurl.com/ninjadog
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Tony,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your precious Kola. Pets create such an enormous space in our lives. When they leave us, those spaces seem a void.
Thank you for sharing Kola with us.
Hugs,
Lynette
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I can not even imagine what it must be like to lose your best friend so soon after parting with your spouse. My heart and love goes out to you, Tony. May your future be as bright as your present is dark.
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So sorry for your loss Tony. I know (only too well) how much of a family member these beautiful & faithful animals become.
I just reviewed your photo gallery of him – You have some wonderful pictures there.
All the best
Kevin
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Tony, no matter how long they’re with you, it’s never long enough. I’m so sorry you lost Kola. I’m sure he was a wonderful dog, and he’ll be missed.
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Tony,
I offer my sympathies for your loss. It is never easy to lose a beloved pet. They become such a part of the family and our everyday lives.
Cherish the good memories and he will remain alive in your heart.
Sincerely,
Greg J. Savant
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Hello Tony,
I am so sorry about Kola. It’s so hard because they become such a big part of you. I have my two adorable golden retriever “boys” and I also dread the inevitable day. Even though you were not there at the end, the main thing is that he had a wonderful life, he was well taken care of and was obviously very much loved. I am sure he went away a happy dog.
Courage Tony, he may have gone, but at least you can celebrate the fact that he spent his life with you.
All the best,
Michele
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Tony, dude, I hear you. I’ve always had a pet and they’ve always been “my kids”…I know how it feels.
Best to you as you find Kola in his new form…
here’s a little something I found about Wolf mojo for you…
Wolf is the pathfinder, the forerunner of new ideas who returns to the clan to teach and share medicine. Wolf takes one mate for life and is loyal like Dog. If you were to keep company with Wolves, you would find an enormous sense of family within the pack, as well as a strong individualistic urge, and they live by carefully defined rules and rituals. They are friendly, social, and highly intelligent.
Wolves are the epitome of the wild spirit. Their positive characteristics are numerous. Many believe that the true test of America’s sincerity about protecting the environment will revolve around whether or not the wolf remains protected and is allowed to be reintroduced into areas of the country where it has heretofore been eliminated. The wolf is the true spirit of the free and unspoiled wilderness.
The senses of Wolf are very keen, and the moon is its power ally. The moon is the symbol for psychic energy, or the unconscious that holds the secrets of knowledge and wisdom. Baying at the moon may be an indication of Wolf’s desire to connect with new ideas which are just below the surface of consciousness.
Wolf would not come to you unless you requested the appearance of the tribe’s greatest teacher. The wolf teaches you to know who you are and to develop strength, confidence and surety in that so that you do not have to demonstrate and prove yourself at all.
Wolves have a complex communication system – using body language. Usually those with wolf totems are very expressive with hands, posture, face or in some other manner. If you have difficulty conveying your moods and ideas to others, meditate and study the wolf. It will teach you how to empower your verbal communications with appropriate body language.
wolf has a capacity for making quick and firm emotional attachments. Learning to trust your own insights and to secure your attachments accordingly is part of what wolf medicine teaches. The wolf can help you to hear the inner and guard you from inappropriate actions. It will guard you as it teaches you – sometimes strongly, sometimes gently – but always with love. When wolf shows up, it is time to breathe new life into your life and rituals. Find a new path, take a new journey, take control of your life. You are the governor of your life. You create it and direct it. Do so with harmony and discipline, and then you will know the true spirit of freedom.
Wolf medicine empowers the teacher within us all to come forth and aid the children of Earth in understanding the Great Mystery and life. As you feel Wolf coming alive within you, you may wish to share your knowledge by writing or lecturing on information that will help others better understand their uniqueness or path in life. It is in the sharing of great truths that the consciousness of humanity will attain new heights.
Traditionally, someone with Wolf Medicine has a strong sense of self, and communicates well through subtle changes in voice inflection and body movements. They often find new solutions to problems while providing stability and support that one normally associates with a family structure.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
May his spirit run free in the biggest, most beautiful valley in the sky.
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Hi Tony,
So sorry to hear about Kola. I know from the months I have been following you online that you were very close and fond of her and I am sure that he will be a sad loss.
A reminder that we need to make every minute of our life count as we really never know how long it will be.
It’s never nice to lose a great friend.
Tim
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It saddens me when losses like this occur but what better memorial to him than on one of your websites. He will never be forgotten and you will always have constant reminders.
I wish you well
Bev
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Hi Tony,
I’m sorry for your lost. A dog is always such a friend!
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Tony,
Indeed a sad report. If only we could learn to give back to our dog friends the love they so freely give to us. I know you will miss him.
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Tony…As an avid follower of your work and your Yard Sales and the owner of two mad Collie bitches myself you have my deepest sympathy for the loss of Kola who has been your trusted companion for so long!
It’s very, very hard to come to terms with the loss of ‘Man’s Best Friend’ especially since they never do you any harm and give plenty of love for what is so little in return.
Kola may be gone but his memories will be forever with you and I’m sure they will bring a smile to your face whenever you think about him.
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I’m so sorry to hear of Kola’s death. He was obviously a very special dog.
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Tony,
I’m so sorry about Kola. I know what it is like to lose a beloved pet/friend. But even though you will all miss him tremendously I’m sure he is still with you in spirit.
You will be in my thoughts. God Bless
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Kola’s album is beautiful – I can feel the love you shared
Sending you love, hugs & bellyscratchies
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My thoughts are with you following your loss of what was clearly a great companion.
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Tony,
My heart goes out to you. I know the deep pain that the loss of one of our canine family can cause. I am so sorry
Ruth,
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May the memories of Kola bring a smile to your face and warmth of gratitude in your heart for the true blessing of having had him in your life.
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Hi Tony as a pet owner and lover i know how it feels to loose a friend like Kola.My wife and i rescue dogs sometime and no matter how long they are with you it hurts when they have to go,in your case with your friend with you as long as he was it is worse.
But he will be looking down on you you can be sure.
Dave
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I am sorry for you, Tony. I know how it feels if one has to do this, but it probably is the best thing to do for your dog at such a moment.
Marijke
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I’m so sorry for your loss, Tony. I was holding my dog when the vet euthanized him by injection. It was very, very hard, but I feel like some good came from it. I am able to let other pet owners know, from my own first hand experience, that having an animal euthanized in this way is very, very quick and painless for the pet.
A difficult topic to talk about, but I hope it brings some comfort.
God bless you
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Tony – I’m so sorry to hear about your beloved dog Kola. I understand the pain of losing a pet. Our kitty was 19 years old when she passed… it was a difficult time for the whole family. My thoughts are with you.
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Tony, I feel your lost. I had to put my dog down in October for the same reason. There’s a feeling of emptiness when I come home, and Avery is not there to greet me. My thoughts of love for your lost I’m sending to you and your family.
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I am so very sorry, Tony. May you take comfort in your memories of Kola and celebrate the wonderful life he shared with you. He lives on in your heart.
Blessings.
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As soon as I saw your ezine subject line of “Sad News. . . ” I knew in the pit of my stomach what happened. I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss Tony. They give so much and ask so little in return.
Thinking of you,
Stephanie
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Tony,
I am so deeply sorry that Kola had to be put down. I know it wasn’t easy not being there with him at the time.
I know you know in your heart he is always with you and his spirit will romp freely with you and girls.
Sending you a big hug to comfort you.
With Love,
Amy
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K-knowing and understanding the human heart.
O-opportunity to share this thing called life.
L-love and devotion only a dog can give.
A-all the wonderful memories you have of-
KOLA.
Listen to the wind and look at the Moon.
Joanne
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A friend sent me this poem to me after I lost my “Pooh”. Putting him to sleep was one of the hardest things I’d ever done. I still miss him every day. But I know he is no longer suffering and I have wonderful memories of my 10 years with him.
I’m sorry for your loss and hope this poem lifts your spirits a little as it did mine.
Debra
The Rainbow Bridge
Inspired by a Norse Legend
By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,
Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
When their time on earth is over and done.
For here, between this world and the next,
Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.
No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health re-newed,
Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.
They romp through the grass, without even a care,
Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,
Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.
For just at that instant, their eyes have met;
Together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past,
The time of their parting is over at last.
The sadness they felt while they were apart,
Has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever,
And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.
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I am so very sorry. I remember beautiful Kola’s picture well, it was one of the reasons I decided to trust you! God bless you and your girls, and your ex as well who I’m sure loved him too.
Blessings,
Chris
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My heart goes out to you… our pets become so much of our lives and bless us with their unconditional love… losing a fuzzy family member can be devastating… my thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Sad to hear that….I emailed him in the past and he helped me to get some action out you when you neglected me…
A blessing now in that he can help others in the next world.
Peter
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I am so sorry for your loss
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So sorry about the loss of your beloved Kola! He’ll always be in your heart and memories and a source of comfort and joy! Thinking of you….
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Hi Tony,
I’m sorry for your loss, and happy that you have been blessed with the love you shared. May the peace of the Lord be with you at this time.
Take care, Richard Hickey
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I am so sorry for your loss. We had to put our beloved 13-year-old dog to sleep last May, and even though we have rescued another dog in the intervening time, there is still a roving, dog-shaped hole in the house. We have learned to live with it, though we still tear up (OK, sob) from time to time.
I’m glad you were able to spend so much time with such a special dog.
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My heart goes out to you, Tony.
Kola reminds me of some canine friends I’ve been blessed with in my 87 years. Peace to you.
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So sorry for your loss Tony, have been following him ( and you ) for a long time.
Have enjoyed all the pictures of him.
Peace,
Peter Steffensen
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Tony –
My heart is with you. We lost our Rambo to an aggressive cancer right before Christmas. The last weeks of the year were lass than joyful. My boys are my kids not having any of the two-legged variety. The loss is heartbreaking. My love, thoughts, and prayers to you and your family. May the memories you cherish ease your grieving.
Laura
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Tony,
My heart goes out to you for your loss at this time. *hugs* Thanks for sharing him with us as you did. Kola became a virtual part of my family as well.
He will be missed.
Janine
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Hi Tony, Kola was a beautiful dog. His Spirit goes on. He was one of the happy dogs that find the person they want to share their moments on earth with.
For anyone who might be interested, there is a place “cancer_info.com” that explains about different cancer treatments. The point is that there is a tea (Essiac Tea) that might be convenient to consider. If the cancer is very developed, the person might have to take the tea for life. Good for dogs, not for cats. Good for people too. Anyone interested may try EFT too.
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Personal loss is never easy. My sympathies go out to you.
Bob
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Dear Tony,
I’m saddened by the loss of your beloved friend and companion. Know that he loves you and will be waiting for you on the other side.
I love you
I’m sorry
Please forgive me
Thank you
Blessings,
Norah
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Hi Tony,
I’m sad to hear your news. Our dogs are part of the family, just as Kola was with you. One of our boys was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago. Our vet couldn’t determine how fast it was spreading and that he could be with us for another couple of years.
The day before Christmas, Rambo was active as ever and ate normally. At dinner, he didn’t want to eat. An hour later he started having breathing trouble, and was gone shortly thereafter. It was so sudden and unexpected. The only good news was that he didn’t seem to be in pain and he was able to die in our arms.
We have wonderful memories of him. I hope your memories of Kola will be equally comforting.
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Dear Tony,
I truly emphathize with you I lost the love of my life, my little dachhound 4 years ago and still miss her terribly. My heart is with you.
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Hi Tony,
So sorry for your lost, I know the pain your are going through as I have been there also. Everyday the pain will get better. Your memories will help you through this very said time.
I wish you and your girls the best.
Alice
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My sincere condolences on the loss of your friend and companion, Tony.
Though you’re grieving at this moment, I know you can feel his spirit still with you… and I promise that with time your sadness will pass, but you’ll retain the comfort and joy of knowing that he remains with you still.
Steve
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I know what it’s like to lose a four-legged best friend, so I understand what you are feeling, Tony. May Kola rest in peace. Peace to you as well, my friend (yes, I consider you my friend). ~Annie
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Oh Tony, my heart goes out for you. So quickly it happened! Forgive me for saying so, but I have a dog myself, a dog who is my best friend, so I understand you pain. I think you might feel most bad about not being at his side when he took his last breath. But remember how much fun you had together. He had a happy dog life and you did your best to make his life a good life ( as he I am sure, did with you, as well). You couldn’t have done more. Thanks for sharing.
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Tony,
I am so, so very sorry for the loss of Kola. If you are like me and many others our pets ARE our children. Many people don’t understand that but I do. I have a Red Bone Hound, her name is Reba MacIntire, that is a diabetic. I have to give her 2 shots every day. We almost lost her, she spent 6 days in the hospital and cost us $1200 and many more expenses since then but she is doing okay but she is blind now. She’s still our outside watchdog. On another note I have an inside watch dog, Casper, he’s a Westie and is 13 years old. He is healthy, for now, and I cherish each day that they both have left.
I can remember losing my schneuzer, he was 9 years old and died from congestive heart failure. He had many heart attacks before he died. I thought I would die too. It takes a long time for the grief to subside. My heart and prayers go out to you. May God Bless and I know we will meet our beloved “children” again someday.
Sandra Price
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