Survivors and Celebrations

PANDA BEAR's Story

My beloved Panda Bear drew her last breath in my arms on Xmas Day. She told me her time had come, refusing all food and liquids for two days, the loving eyes clouding and dying. She had fought an incredible battle with an autoimmune neuro polymyositis for a year, only to succumb to untreatable virulent lymphoma, fed by the very immunosupressant keeping her alive. Her decline was rapid over the previous month, I slept with her on the floor, along with my male Attila, and cat Din Din. Attila sniffed her constantly, a new behaviour, now I know that he knew. Panda was a magnificent long coat Akita, with the sweetest, most gentle expression which mirrored her temperament. She stopped people on the street with her striking beauty, then she would wow them with dignified friendliness, leaning on them and smiling. She had a great doggy smile with a sparkle in her eyes. When she was one, I got her a male puppy Attila, who she immediately trained to behave, share toys, food and chews. 'Til she died she was boss. From age of 3 mos, Panda was a SPCA Golden Outreach volunteer. All my Akitas over the past 20 yrs have done the same. Every week we visited the same nursing home, Panda going for the people, Attila for the treats. She was outgoing, affectionate, and patient. Her friends worried when she got sick, I would bring her for abbreviated visits when she had little strength. She was a fixture for almost 10 yrs, even staff mourn her passing. I miss her cuddles, the wonderful smell and feel of that magnificent coat, and most of all my nightly face wash with that warm silky tongue. She would fall asleep with my hand in her gentle mouth. I was her "pacifier" and she was mine. Attila's ears now need for me to clean them, his brow whiskers have grown back [she kept them trimmed] For fourty years I have owned and been owned by my Akitas. I love the complexity and simplicity of the breed. Each one gave me the greatest pleasure and the most immeasurable pain, the pain is the price I have to pay for the joy. This is my fate as a pet owner.