Guest sheila Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 (edited) When I adopted Kiowa I was told that his former adoptive home was abusive. That he had been kept chained up under a porch where he had been attacked by other dogs. They said when they got him he was skinny and dirty and looked like someone had beat him with a cat-o-nine tails or something. Nonetheless he was a very sweet natured dog. Friendly and affectionate and sometimes playful but just the same there seemed to be a sadness about him. He would wake from sleep screaming often. When I took him for walks he just sort of plodded with his tail tucked and his head hung low. One night after I had him for about 9 mo I had a very terrifying experience. The evening had been normal, Kiowa had had a long walk, had eaten his dinner and had tossed a stuffy around for a bit. I was in another room when I heard him yelp. When I checked on him he seemed fine, I couldn't find anything wrong, but about 20 min later he started pacing and panting and shaking. I called the vet who told me K probably had gas and to give him an antacid. I went to the store to buy some and when I came back K was laying on the floor and wouldn't get up, wouldn't even move. I called the vet back and insisted he needed to be seen NOW. The vet was in the city about 35 miles away but said he would return to his clinic as soon as he could. Now keep in mind K weighed over 80lb and I only weigh about 100 myself. I couldn't pick him up so I pulled my car around to the front porch and drug K by his legs and pulled him into the car. When I arrived at the clinic we had to wait about another 20 min for the vet to arrive. By the time the vet got there K had stopped breathing. He was alive but couldn't breathe. The vet tried injections of benedryl and epinephrine but they had no effect. Kiowa started to thrash in my arms at that point because he was suffocating. The poor guy even bit me during his panic and I didn't even notice until one of the staff noticed the blood pouring out of my hand later. The vet grabbed a scalpel and performed a tracheotomy and put a tube into K's neck and blew into it. K was then able to breath on his own a minute or so later. During his time on the table we discovered a bruised and bloody mark on his inner thigh which lead us to suspect some kind of bite, most likely from a spider. K spent the night at the vet and came home the next day. The vet warned me that since he had been deprived of oxygen he may have brain damage and may have lost any/all training he had. Told me he might not even be housebroken anymore, or remember me. That wasn't the case thankfully. The next few weeks were hard on K. He was lethargic and seemed more hung down and brung down than ever. He wouldn't even go on walks at all, out for a pee break and he would want to go right back in the house. Until one amazing moment that I will never forget. I still choke up when I remember that moment. I had him out for his leashed pee break and he was plodding along when he suddenly stopped, lifted his head up and looked over his shoulder at me for a long moment like he was studying me. He sniffed the air and then looked back at me again and then........he jumped straight up into the air and then started bucking like a rodeo bronc. Spinning in circles and kicking up his heels. I was freaking out! When he was done his tail was wagging, his head was up and his ears were perked and he wanted to go for a walk. He even walked differently now. He kept his head and tail high and his ears perked. Best of all the 'plod' was gone and ever since then Kiowa walks with a prance to his step and joy in his eyes. I told the vet I think he may have fixed him too good! LOL Seems the vet was 1/2 right. Kiowa did forget some things. He forgot to be sad. When he slept and dreamt he no longer woke up screaming, rather his tail would wag and he would sort of chuff and huff. Kiowa is well into his 13th yr now and he's slowing down. He isn't running laps but does a leisurely lope around the yard. He takes the steps at a slower more methodical pace and is no longer able to jump up on my bed or into the truck without help. He now requires a 2 AM potty break and wears a diaper if I am gone for more than 4 hours but I don't mind. He still has joy in his eyes and a wag in his tail. ~ Run free my sweet happy boy. My naps on the couch will never be the same without you on the other end kicking the crap outta me while you dreamed happy dreams. Edited June 17, 2008 by sheila Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ohiogreymom Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Sheila, I am so sorry! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyGreys Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Sheila, I am so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackandgrey Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 I'm so sorry Sheila. He was such a good boy. I'm glad he had you. Quote Susan, Jessie and Jordy NORTHERN SKY GREYHOUND ADOPTION ASSOCIATION Jack, in my heart forever March 1999-Nov 21, 2008 My Dancing Queen Jilly with me always and forever Aug 12, 2003-Oct 15, 2010 Joshy I will love you always Aug 1, 2004-Feb 22,2013 Jonah my sweetheart May 2000 - Jan 2015 " You will never need to be alone again. I promise this. As your dog, I will sing this promise to you, and whisper it to you at night, every night, with my breath." Stanley Coren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welovecharlie Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 I am so sorry for your loss, run free sweet boy. :f_white :f_white Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brindlebaby Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 I'm so sorry for the loss of your precious boy. Thank you for putting his amazing story here for us to read. Watch over your mom sweet Kiowa until you meet again. Quote Kim, (Herman), Pixie (NK Mary Ann), Kitten, Sammie, Darcy and Scout Callie (Callie Walker), Ava (Lass Dance), July, Peanut, Kodi, Bailey, Kony, PJ, Scampie, Carlo & Casey waiting for us at the bridge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maximum Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 I am so glad you and Kiowa shared such happy years together. And I'm sorry he has had to go... :grouphug Quote My boys, together again... A hui hou kakou, my loves Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Sheila, I am so sorry Quote Xavi the galgo and Peter the cat. Missing Iker the galgo ?-Feb.9/19, Treasure (USS Treasure) April 12/01-May 6/13, Phoenix (Hallo Top Son) Dec.14/99-June 4/11 and Loca (Reko Swahili) Oct.9/95 - June 1/09, Allen the boss cat, died late November, 2021, age 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest gr84me Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Sheila, I'm so sorry. Kiowa ran the good race and he won. You'll see him again some day. I know your heart hurts; I'm asking for peace and comfort to be sent your way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JedsMom Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 I'm sorry for your loss. Quote Daisy & Eli, the crazy hounds, and Bella & Zoe, the curly kitties,and Jed (10.30.98 - 11.28.08) & Ripple (3.25.99 - 8.20.09) together again at the bridgewith Cleo-Kitty (10.8.1988 - 7.26.2007) always in my heart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FrostyBottoms Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Sheila, that was an amazing story, thanks for sharing it...I'm glad that Kiowa forgot all of the bad things that happened to him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tamborine Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 I'm so sorry for your loss... Quote Maryann, Bama (TW Beltram), Stephanie (Tom's Stepinhi) & Henderson the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest K9_Lady Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 I'm so sorry.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tammystroops Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 So sorry for your loss. run free sweet pup! run free Quote In loving Memory of: Chip, Wendell, Tessa, Moose, Moody, Noble Storm, Thunder, Gracie, Duke Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest trevdog Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 I'm so sorry for the loss of your special boy....thank you for sharing his story with us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VinnieAndRexsMom Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Sheila, I am sorry for your loss. I like to think of all our old boys just hangin' out together waiting for us. What a grand time we'll all have when we are all together again. I will always remember sweet Kiowa and that he was teamed with you. You are no nonsense, but that boy knew you loved him deeply. Quote Tonya, mom to May, and my angels Vinnie, Rex, Red, Chase, and Jake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill419 Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Quote PRINCESS ANGELS: SUSIE (BANDIT SUE) 3/26/1991-5/13/2006, TIPPER (MPS KRISTINA) 7/23/1999-2/4/2008, LADYBUG (BB'S LADYBUG) 5/19/2005-7/9/2008, HAPPY 12/2000-10/9/2013, RICHY (DON L RICHY RICH) 11/5/2002-5/17/2015, DARREN 9/24/2005-3/2/2017, TUCKER (AWESOME ABILITY) 12/29/2004-12/4/2017, BUG (BB'S DANCING BUG) 5/19/2005-11/17/2018, Dee (KIOWA DIANDRA) 10/9/2007-6/20/2022, Buddy (PJ PLUTARCH) 11/21/2013-9/8/2023) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest WarmheartedPups Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Sheila, I am so very very sorry. Kiowa is one special Angel....and Otis is there to greet him...they will be best buds....my thoughts are with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4greyhounds Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 I am so Sorry. Run Free Kiowa Quote Darlene Mom to: Aladdin, Sophie ,Pongo, Jasmine, Relic Forever in our Hearts Champ at the Rainbow Bridge. Let a greyhound race into your heart Adopt Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions INC. Naples/ Fort Myers Chapter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 I'm so very sorry. What a heartwarming story of his recovery. Godspeed Kiowa. Quote Standard Poodle Daisy (12/13) Missing Cora (RL Nevada 5/99-10/09), Piper (Cee Bar Easy 2/99-1/10), Tally (Thunder La La 9/99-3/10), Edie (Daring Reva 9/99-10/12), Dixie (Kiowa Secret Sue 11/01-1/13), Jessie (P's Real Time 11/98-3/13), token boy Graham (Zydeco Dancer 9/00-5/13), Cal (Back Already 12/99-11/13), Betsy (Back Kick Beth 11/98-12/13), Standard Poodles Minnie (1/99-1/14) + Perry (9/98-2/14), Annie (Do Marcia 9/03-10/14), Pink (Miss Pinky Baker 1/02-6/15), Poppy (Cmon Err Not 8/05-1/16), Kat (Jax Candy 5/05-5/17), Ivy (Jax Isis 10/07-7/21), Hildy (Braska Hildy 7/10-12/22), Opal (Jax Opal 7/08-4/23). Toodles (BL Toodles 7/09-4/24) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DeweytheGreyt Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Sheila I am so sorry for your loss. Godspeed sweet fella. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StridersSis Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Im sorry Sheila My thoughts are with you.... Quote Kim, mom to Reno (Slatex Reno), sister to Daffy (Bally's Flack), Ashley and Sue (racing names unknown), and Bridge kids Strider (7/28/94-4/16/05), RW's Dallas (12/17/98- 06/26/2010), Odd Taylor (aka Lizzie), JC's Curfew (4/6/2005- 4/22/2010), Winnie(Pooh Bear)my heart dog, and Rocky the beagle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest suzq Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 I'm so sorry for your loss Sheila! Thank you for loving your boy so much and giving him such a great home. Thanks for sharing your wonderful story with us. Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest how888 Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 Sheila, I am so very sorry. No words can express how I feel for you. Godspeed Kiowa........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cully Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 Run free sweet baby. Quote waiting at the bridge Connie Van Teddy & Jojo, Cobra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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