My Life With KC

by Rita
(Peru IL )

I always wanted a Golden Retriever. Maybe because they can carry 3 tennis balls in their mouth and still smile!. Maybe because I like hair all over my clothes and house. But I wanted one anyway.

We have had dogs before, but I wanted a Golden. I used to beg Gerald for one all the time, telling him what I would name it, that it didn't have to be a puppy, etc. etc., but NO was his word. We were "too old."

Then Julie became sick and the begging stopped. After she died, he called me up one day and said "you can get the dog." Enter Erica Flahaut, telling me she found a golden at the Dixon Animal Shelter.

We drove to Dixon and I do believe I flunked the adoption process because I couldn't get the dog, but as I was walking out a little yellow sticky note fell from the bulletin board. "3 year old golden to give away."

Off to Rock Falls we went!. We found the house, and 2 goldens outside. I asked the man which one, he pointed and I asked what her name was.

"KC" he said. Well, the hair on the back of my neck stood up. I had to ask again. Again he said "KC." Of all the years of wanting that golden and begging Gerald for one, I always said that I would name it "KC" after his Kansas City Chiefs!

My heart stopped. Truly a sign from Julie that she knew I needed this dog in my life. Two days later KC appeared at my house with a red ribbon on her!

KC has been an amazing dog, my therapy and angel dog from the get go. My nephew Alex always wants to know if she ever barks. Rarely.

We have taken many, many walks all of our years together and have had some very interesting conversations along the way. We have cried tears, we have laughed, we have just been silent. We have met some amazing dogs who she had to say hello to.

We knew where to avoid the cats (which she hated) and why she was banned from Jyll's house because she chased her cat up the tree! We knew where not to go "potty," avoided the barking beagles.

We watched the seasons change year after year and couldn't decide which season we loved the best. We grew old together and our walks became shorter and slower. We sat on the deck together and I read and watched the birds and she took a nap in the sun.

She listened to everything I told her and never told a person. I learned from her what peace and patience are all about. She taught me many things.

She was such a good dog, almost an "angel" of a dog. She only peed twice in the house, the first day I got her and the last on Monday night.

And on Monday night Julie wanted her back with her...

I know for many of you, you understand what it is to love a dog and have the dog love you unconditionally. I truly loved KC because she was my "golden" love. She came to me at a time in my life when it was very dark. She lifted me up to a new life. She showed me the way to be able to live again.

Gerald and I miss her very much. To you, KC, we thank you for all the love you gave us for the last 10 years. The house is empty now and there won't be any fur around and all your furry babies will stay in the basket. The rabbits will now invade the back yard again and the cats will be meowing, but for 10 years we were safe.

You weren't my whole life, but you did make my life whole again. You will be buried forever in my heart.