About two months ago I was out on an afternoon walk with my dog, Kota, and as we turned the corner onto our street, all four of her legs gave out and she collapsed. I couldn’t get her to stand and she lay limp. I sat on the curb and cried. I tried to pick her up – I would carry her 62 lbs home if I had to. But she growled. I assumed she was in pain. Fortunately, I had my cell phone with me (very rare as I usually don’t bring it on walks). I called my husband. Crying, I said, “I think Kota is letting me know it’s time to go.” My husband was picking up dinner and about 10 minutes away. When he arrived, I was able to pick up Kota and put her in the back of his Ford Edge.
Guess what happened? She jumped up and started prancing around! We took her for a ride and she was happy as could be! When we got home she ran around the backyard. I brought her to our holistic vet that week. I asked, “Does she want to ‘go'”? No…. not yet… this was the day Kota decided she just didn’t want to go for walks anymore! She was DONE! Hanging her backyard was all she wanted to do!
I love that your dog was very deliberate in what she was trying to tell you. Northern dogs are so amazing. I’m glad she is doing fine. Keep up the good work on taking care of yourself! It’s inspiring.
How wonderful that Kota let you know she was done with walking! But I can understand how horrible your felt when she collapsed. She is your whole world outside of Pete. Hopefully she can go snowshoeing with you this winter. The watch, the vest and healthy eating plan should definitely make for you a healthy New Year.
Oh my gosh Kota! That would be so scary! I’m gad she’s doing okay and I love that she knew just how to communicate with you and that you listened.
Congratulations on the watch. Wooohooo!
You had me freaking out about Kota! I was so ready to start bawling. I’m glad you can learn to focus on you some more, though. I need to do the same. I was running half-marathons just five years ago and now … nothing.
Oh yes, you did freak me out with Kota! I haven’t been at this point in a long while and I am hoping my gals will be walking and hiking with me for many years to come since they are younger. I hear you on feeling guilty going out without her, but if she is happy – then no guilt should be for you! No, I can’t see myself spending that kind of money on a watch – but so glad you are loving it!
Glad to read that Kota is doing okay and makes her own decisions. Taking care of YOU is important, and it sounds like the perfect action plan!
I loved seeing those images of you and Kota together, she looks so happy. It’s amazing what dog’s tell us when we listen to them. I tell the parents of reactive dogs all the time – “don’t take your dog for walks, they’re happier at home”. That vest is cute (and cute pic with Kota). I too am on the weight loss train in 2022…here’s to our mutual success!