Deb D’Andrea, Nederland.   Over the years, I’ve written about saying goodnight to your beloved pets. It’s never easy to say goodnight, to make that final decision, or to know when it’s their time. Some pets quietly disappear, to be discovered already passed; while others will stay by our side till they can barely move and it’s a quality of life decision. On Saturday, August 11, 2018, I had to make that decision for my beloved Tiki girl and help her pass onto her next journey as her body was failing.

Tiki and I always had a special bond as she was my soul mate from the day I picked her up at 7 weeks old till the moment she peacefully released her last breath at 13 years and one week. We lived an amazing life together, traveling the United States, camping in my RV, and meeting thousands of people and animals across the country. I’d venture to say she’s gone more places than most humans I know.

We explored many hidden places, had lots of adventures, went to festivals, and did 4TheLuvOfDogz events together where she helped dogs, adults and kids. She would demonstrate to dogs how to do agility; and through dog walking, helped dogs who weren’t socialized gain a new perspective and confidence in life. Tiki’s peaceful way of interacting with everyone she met was life changing to all those she offered a paw to. Tiki was an incredibly peacefully strong soul who helped people and dogs in too many ways to remotely put into words. Her life caused positive changes in the world for humans and animals alike, changes that will live on for lifetimes. She was the reason I started my company 4TheLuvOfDogz.

Making this decision was not easy, but once again she reached out to me to let me know it was her time and she was ready. While to those who don’t know me, this may sound strange; those who know me would expect it: on August 8th Tiki sent me a dream as I was sleeping. We’ve always slept nose to nose, or at least close. She sent me a dream that she was playing and running and being the dog she once used to be. The dream was as vivid and real as if one was awake. She let me know she was ready and she wanted to be that puppy of past years. I awoke from that dream around 2 a.m. and immediately wrote my Vet, Patrick, to let him know it was her time. Patrick has known Tiki for 12 years, he was a huge advocate throughout her life, and during her brain surgery and recovery; and he offered to come to the house to perform a beautiful ceremony for her which he doesn’t usually do. I set the date for August 11.

I spent the next couple days with her knowing that she was going to be physically gone shortly. It was beautiful as her favorite cooler fall days approached. We went for a couple short walks at Mud Lake and Barker Res; we went to the transfer station and got treats; I cooked up her favorite foods and let her eat as much as she wanted. Saturday morning, I made her steak and eggs with her favorite eggs from my dear friend Emily. Tiki eagerly ate half, saving the other half for later as her second breakfast. She finished them all.

Saturday Tiki had friends come by to say their goodbyes; she knew it was the day. People came by she hadn’t seen in years, while others she had just seen the day before stopped by for a paw and hug. It was absolutely beautiful and she honored each in the soulful way she always touched our hearts. Then, the afternoon approached, friends left; and I, Sally and Bear laid next to her at the spot she chose next to my RV door. How appropriate, she was ready for her next trip.

The cosmos aligned and were ready for her as August 11th was a partial solar eclipse, a new moon and over the evening of August 11th-12th, the Perseids Meteor Shower filled the heavenly skies. Tiki’s sendoff was a beautiful day filled with the newly hatched barn swallows learning how to fly overhead, the sun softly glowing under a deep blue sky, and a gentle breeze blowing, with the aspen leaves singing their song. Till we meet again my dear Tiki girl, fly free, run, play and be all the loving soul you are. We should all be so blessed to live such a full life and pass on so peacefully. Be a dog, live in the moment.

Till next time. Deb D’Andrea, founder of 4TheLuvOfDogz & the Caribou Dog Ranch is recognized by the State of Colorado as a Certified Canine Massage Therapist and will visit your home or Vet’s office to work with your dog. Canine Agility may be offered at the Caribou Dog Ranch in 2017 if there is interest. Deb currently has limited availability for new Petz Nanny Clients; and she bakes up fresh dog treats & doggy birthday cakes per order. For information contact Deb at 720-675-7078 or email: info@4theluvofdogz.com.