RedHead Posted May 15, 2015 Share Posted May 15, 2015 (edited) Sigh....I never thought I would be writing this, but here we go. Wanted to keep it short....but that didn't happen as usual (sorry!) Karma was my heart dog, and very special. She was my first "on my own" dog and was really the perfect dog, despite her horrible past. Karma was a rescue from Northern Ontario. She is likely the cross between a sled dog (Alaskan husky) and staffie (according to her DNA test she is husky, staffie, sighthound mix). She had suffered extreme physical abuse as a young dog (still had scars on her face) and was dropped off at the shelter. She was deemed unadoptable because she would cower and shiver in the corner continually and wouldn't approach anyone. My friend's sister who lives up north rescued her and kept her for quite a few years. She named her "Karma" because she thought that maybe her bad past could be changed to positive things in the future. Unfortunately, due to extreme separation anxiety, and because she would constantly run away, she couldn't keep her. She tried a few homes, but they didn't work out either. Despite this, Karma was such a loyal little dog that she would constantly escape and always return to the door of her previous home, even through miles of wilderness. At around this time, I was moving in with a friend and wanted my first dog. My friend said that her sister had a sweet and very loyal and obedient dog who maybe just needed some attention. I wasn't so keen at first, but she sent me this pic (Karma's on the left) and I couldn't resist that sweet, loyal little face. I won't go into detail, but basically Karma was afraid of many things (food, older men, any man with a hat, being left alone, public places etc)...she would shut down going into petstores or the vet office. She would literally collapse and lie down and shiver. If I offered her any food she would also just shut down and shiver, thinking she would get in trouble for eating. I continued to just take her everywhere with me (since she hated to be left alone) and eventually she gradually got over things. For the last 5 years of her life, Karma confidently trotted into stores, the vet office, or any public place. Although she still cowered a bit at sudden movements, she also started approaching people without fear (even old men!!). I took her hiking and jogging every single day and never once did she even think of running away. She could be off leash anywhere and was the most perfect dog you could ever ask for. She was my loyal companion for every single one of my half marathon training runs, and has been on hundreds of hikes with me. She was the type of dog that you could take anywhere and she would behave perfectly, on or off leash. She just wanted to be with me. Karma as a young 5 year old when I got her. We have trekked many, many hundreds of miles together. Even when she didn't want to do something, she obediently obeyed and just looked at me with her pathetic look. Due to her past, Karma always thought she had done something "bad" and often gave the pathetic guilty look for any little thing (lol she buried Teague's bone in the garden here). I had Karma from the age of 5, and she literally showed no signs of aging or illness. She had never been to vet for any health problem, and we always joked that she would be the dog to live to 20. Sadly, about 3 weeks ago, I noticed that Karma would no longer run on walks. She also had a minor on and off again cough, that I at first attributed to a virus. I took her into the vet, got x-rays and was gutted at the news (I won't repeat it all as it is in the health forum). Basically a heart failure diagnosis that turned into a cancer one. She gradually declined over the past two weeks, and after trying everything possible, I came to reality that her time was coming to an end. Despite the fact that she got weak and tired, she still managed to get up and scramble to the door when she heard us getting ready for our daily walk. She would never miss that. One of my last pics of my sweet Karma before having to make the hardest decision I have ever had to do. Ughh...this seemed to come up so suddenly and fast. I am still in shock that my sweet little girl is gone. Every little thing I do around the house reminds me of her. My friend has travelled up north to Karma's original hometown this weekend. She is going to dig up a tiny tree in the woods to bring back here. I am going to plant it at our favourite look-out on our trail. That way I can remember my girl every time I go hiking. I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone show offered support and comfort during this time. We really appreciated it. Rest in Peace my sweet little Karma. I doubt I will ever have such a loyal, polite, and well-behaved friend again. Edited May 16, 2015 by RedHead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macoduck Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 She was meant to be with you. If only it could have been forever. You helped her become a happier, confident dog and a loving companion. Quote Freshy (Droopys Fresh), NoAh the podenco orito, Rita the podenco maneta, Howie the portuguese podengo maneto Angels: Lila, the podenco, Mr X aka Denali, Lulu the podenco andaluz, Hada the podenco maneta, Georgie Girl (UMR Cordella), Charlie the iggy, Mazy (CBR Crazy Girl), Potato, my mystery ibizan girl, Allen (M's Pretty Boy), Percy (Fast But True), Mikey (Doray's Patuti), Pudge le mutt, Tessa the iggy, Possum (Apostle), Gracie (Dusty Lady), Harold (Slatex Harold), "Cousin" Simon our step-iggy, Little Dude the iggy ,Bandit (Bb Blue Jay), Niña the galgo, Wally (Allen Hogg), Thane (Pog Mo Thoine), Oliver (JJ Special Agent), Comet, & Rosie our original mutt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful little girl. Quote Irene Ullmann w/Flying Odin and Mama Mia in Lower Delaware Angels Brandy, John E, American Idol, Paul, Fuzzy and Shine Handcrafted Greyhound and Custom Clocks http://www.houndtime.com Zoom Doggies-Racing Coats for Racing Greyhounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beachbum1 Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 So very sorry for your loss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XTRAWLD Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 Oh I'm so sorry to read this. Karma was so sweet. We were very happy to go hiking with you two. It's not the best photo as she looked away just as I was snapping the pic.... Rest well Karma. Quote Proudly owned by:10 year old "Ryder" CR Redman Gotcha May 201012.5 year old Angel "Kasey" Goodbye Kasey Gotcha July 2005-Aug 1, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 I'm so very sorry. I wish she could have stayed longer. Godspeed Karma. 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...
RedHead Posted May 16, 2015 Author Share Posted May 16, 2015 Aww...thanks for that pic Johanne. Karma enjoyed geocaching with you and Ryder for the first time! Thank you all for your kind words. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracey Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 What a sweet girl. I am so sorry for your loss. Quote ...............Chase (FTH Smooth Talker), Morgan (Cata), Reggie (Gable Caney), Rufus (Reward RJ). Fosters check in, but they don't check out. Forever loved -- Cosmo (System Br Mynoel), March 11, 2002 - October 8, 2009.Miss Cosmo was a lady. And a lady always knows when to leave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BatterseaBrindl Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 So very sorry for the loss of your sweet Karma. Remember all the good times..... Quote Nancy...Mom to Sid (Peteles Tiger), Kibo (112 Carlota Galgos) and Joshi. Missing Casey, Gomer, Mona, Penelope, BillieJean, Bandit, Nixon (Starz Sammie), Ruby (Watch Me Dash) Nigel (Nigel), and especially little Mario, waiting at the Bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 What a beautiful little girl . I'm so sorry she had to leave you. Godspeed, sweetheart. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 What a beautiful little face. I am so sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PiagetsMom Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 Karma was a beautiful girl, and you loved her well. I'm so very sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cully Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 Run free sweet baby. Quote waiting at the bridge Connie Van Teddy & Jojo, Cobra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 I'm so very sorry for your loss. Quote Judy, mom to Darth Vader, Bandita, And Angel Forever in our hearts, DeeYoGee, Dani, Emmy, Andy, Heart, Saint, Valentino, Arrow, Gee, Bebe, Jilly Bean, Bullitt, Pistol, Junior, Sammie, Joey, Gizmo, Do Bee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmontgomery48 Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 What a beautiful girl. You were both lucky to have each other. I'm very sorry for your loss. Quote Nancy~Mom to Wizard July 9, 2006 and Lexie June 25, 2009 Always in my heart, my goofy boy Sarge 8-25-04....5-17-11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spottydog Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 (edited) So sorry for your loss. Brought tears to my eyes. She was a lucky girl to end up with you. Edited May 16, 2015 by spottydog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busderpuddle Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 I am so sorry...........hugs Quote Karen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnneGTS Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 I'm so sorry for your loss Quote Anne, Sasha & Tapas. Spriet (2002-2015), Tibbie (2000-2015) and Gunda (1996-2009) www.sighthoundgoodies.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawthorn Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 So sorry you had to say goodbye to Karma and to you in your grief. Quote When a relationship of love is disrupted, the relationship does not cease. The love continues; therefore, the relationship continues. The work of grief is to reconcile and redeem life to a different love relationship. ~ W Scott Lineberry Always Greyhounds Home Boarding and Greyhounds With Love House Sitting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustSnoozing Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 You gave her a wonderful life. I am so sorry she has gone. Quote Dippy (Dinky Dipstick) and Velvet (Redbrick Velvet). Remembering sweet handsome Rebel (Emporio Rebel). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 I'm so sorry. Karma was one of my favourite dogs here on GT. 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...
Charlies_Dad Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 She was a very special girl. Love her sweet face. I am sorry for your loss. Run free Karma, run free sweetie... Quote Kyle with Stewie ('Super C Ledoux, Super C Sampson x Sing It Blondie) and forever missing my three angels, Jack ('Roy Jack', Greys Flambeau x Miss Cobblepot) and Charlie ('CTR Midas Touch', Leo's Midas x Hallo Argentina) and Shelby ('Shari's Hooty', Flying Viper x Shari Carusi) running free across the bridge. Gus an coinnich sinn a'rithist my boys and little girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiveRoooooers Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 Your tribute is beautiful and paints such a grand life well lived and loved. The photos could even stand alone, they are so wonderful. One of my favorite quotes is that Our lives are often referenced in parts defined by the all-too-short lives of our dogs. What a glorious part you and Karma made. I am so sorry it was her time. Rest well pretty girl. For sure, you will be with your mom when she is hiking your favorite trails. Quote Old Dogs are the Best Dogs. Thank you, campers. Current enrollees: Punkin. AnnIE Oooh M Angels: Pal . Segugio. Sorella (TPGIT). LadyBug. Zeke-aroni. MiMi Sizzle Pants. Gracie. Seamie . (Foster)Sweet. Andy. PaddyALVIN!Mayhem. Bosco. Bruno. Dottie B. Trevor Double-Heart. Bea. Cletus, KLTO. Aiden 1-4. Upon reflection, our lives are often referenced in parts defined by the all-too-short lives of our dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
45MPHK9 Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 What a beautiful tribute. How lucky Karma was to have you take her in when she needed you most. I'm so sorry that she had to leave you. Godspeed, beautiful girl. Quote Tricia with Kyle, our senior mutt dog Always missing Murray Maldives, Bee Wiseman, River, Hopper, Kaia, and Holly Oaks Holly“You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.“ -Bob Dylan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neighsayer Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 Hugs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.