The angels brought Cheryl’s beloved Dakota
home on October 31, 2013
I was an almost daily visitor back the first of this year (Jan 2013) when my American Eskimo baby, Dakota at 12 years old, began showing EPI symptoms. After lots of exams & the EPI test at Texas U, he was diagnosed. After lots of wonderful advice from Izzy’s mom and other great members & the dedication of our wonderful vet, the amazing Enzyme Diane, lots of meds and dog food changes, Dakota began to turn around. By May 2013 his poop was firm brown down to just 2X a day instead of yellow, runny or cow pie and 4-5 times a day. His food was Taste of the Wild Dry Salmon – it was great for him. His coat was healthy and he was a happy boy. The only treats he got were made from pure salmon. In July of this year he began limping & stumbling and his hind quarters were weaker. Many vet exams and tests & Xrays showed bad arthritis – he could not take Nsaid’s (he did in 2012 and after just 2 weeks of taking Carboprofen, it almost killed him – his liver failed but the vet saved him). We tried other meds but he got worse – we even did acupuncture in October of this year but it was too late. He got worse, panted constantly & was living on pain meds. No matter how bad he felt, he made the effort to meet me at the door when I came home from work. But sadly he was usually limping with pain, panted like a steam engine or conked out on pain meds. Sadly, surgery was not an option at $4,000.00. Much to my anguish, we made the decision to send him to the Lord yesterday, Oct. 31. Our dear vet came to the house and his passing was peacefully. His “sister” Chloe “his” cat is heartbroken as well – she will not quit searching for him. This hurts badly but we do whatever we can for our babies. In honor of Dakota’s memory, we are donating Dakota’s remaining enzymes to another EPI dog. I am so thankful for all of you who were such a support during Dakota’s awful EPI early days. May the Lord bless you all! The poem below is dedicated to my beloved boy. Many thanks – Cheryl (Eskie Mom) & Dakota
LEND ME A PUP
I will lend to you for awhile a puppy, God said,
For you to love him while he lives
and to mourn for him when he is gone.
Maybe for 12 or 14 years, or maybe for 2 or 3
But will you, till I call him back
take care of him for me?
He’ll bring his charms to gladden you and
(should his stay be brief)
you’ll always have his memories
as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise that he will stay
since all from Earth return,
But there are lessons taught below
I want this pup to learn.
I’ve looked the whole world over
in search of teachers true,
And from the folks that crowd life’s land
I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love
Nor think the labor vain,
nor hate me when I come to take
my pup back again?
I have heard them say,
“Dear Lord, Thy Will Be Done,”
For all the joys this pup will bring
the risk of grief you’ll run.
Will you shelter him with tenderness,
Will you love him while you may?
And for the happiness you’ll know
forever grateful stay?
But should I call him back
much sooner than you’ve planned,
please brave the bitter grief that comes
and try to understand.
If, by your love, you’ve managed
my wishes to achieve,
In memory of him that you’ve loved,
cherish every moment with your faithful bundle,
and know he loved you too.