This article was originally published on November 6, 2024.
Saying the Forever Goodbye
Back in March 2020, we faced the heartbreaking decision to say goodbye to our beloved 13-year-old Akita, Kodi Bear. He had undergone hip and knee surgery as a pup, but after 12 years, it became clear that his sweet old body was just worn out. The arthritis from his surgeries was incredibly painful, and he struggled to stand and control his bowels. Kodi was always the dog who never had accidents in the house, so we could see how embarrassed he was when it happened.
We scheduled an appointment with the vet, and if you know Akitas, you know they often require muzzling because of their aggressive nature. But Kodi was the gentlest soul, and when the vet heard it was time for him, she assured her staff that a muzzle wasn’t necessary. We let him ride in the back of the truck for the appointment, and the wonderful team at Warrick Veterinary Clinic came outside to greet him, easing his nerves. He allowed them to place the IV and passed peacefully, just as we hoped.
Before my husband took him in, we spent that chilly March morning with Kodi. Being a big furry guy, he loved the cool weather. We took a short walk to say goodbye to his best friend, Lucy, and to visit the neighbors he adored and would sneaking off to see. We also took some photos to cherish those memories. A few months earlier, I had lost my 17-year-old Chihuahua unexpectedly, and I found comfort in the pictures we had together.
End-of-Life Pet Photography in the Evansville Area
So, when I saw Jessie Werner’s post in the Evansville photography group, it struck me as such a beautiful request from a grieving dog mom. And the Evansville-area photography really came through…