For Kahlua

Yesterday afternoon we said goodbye to our sweet old boy, gave him a kiss and let him go. He had been in kidney failure for several months, and on lots of pills and getting subcutaneous fluids at least twice a week to help flush out his system and do the job that his kidneys could not. We were lucky that the vet in our area in LIC agreed to let me bring him twice a week after work to have his fluids done because it was not going well at home - he fought like a doberman!! Feisty little doxie, body of a shrimp, heart of a lion. But the fluids did make him feel better so we kept it up. The last few weeks he deteriorated rapidly and stopped eating and we knew it was time. It was only fair. Prolonging it further would risk him having a seizure or a stroke and he was feeling lousy. I think he was tired. We said our goodbye Tuesday morning and I took him to the vet Tuesday afternoon and he agreed. His passing was peaceful, he was snoring in true Kahlua fashion in my arms and he passed very quickly. Never easy, but it was the right thing to do to help him along the path he was already on.

As many of you know Kahlua was my first dog. I adopted him in the early summer of 2004 in Massachusetts before heading off to grad school at Duke. I knew I would be living alone and really wanted to find a canine roommate. I found him on Petfinder, small adult dog about 7 or 8, with an even temperament. Perfect. I met him and knew that was it, he was mine. He was so excited to see us when we came to pick him up for good two weeks later, and get him out of the apartment he was sharing with way too many dogs for the space - a big hearted rescuer took him in when his family surrendered him and did the best she could for the dogs under her care. He kept running back and forth to the door and back to us, as if saying 'let's go! let's go!', little legs doing double time as I was trying to sign the adoption contract in the kitchen. Kahlua was ready for his next adventure in life.

We spent a lovely two years at Duke.  I have fond memories of coming home to him sleeping on the couch, getting up and stretching when he heard the door before coming to greet me. He flew home with me for breaks, went to the beach in East Hampton, spent Christmas in Wellesley, even came to work with me when I interned at NOW. He was such a pal, and always happy to be included. My second year we began going to doxie Meetups  in Durham where I met a woman who was very involved in dachshund rescue through DRNA, and I adopted Bailey. And the dynamic duo Bailey-Kahlua mudslide was born! I was hooked. Loved the breed, and wanted to be more involved in rescue.  I have Kahlua to thank for that. He had a wonderful little personality and has been an anchor for Bailey who has a more anxious disposition. They've been roommates and bedmates ever since Bailey joined us at 6 months in November of 2005. Bailey loved Kahlua, would always engage him to play as Kahlua tolerated his puppiness. I moved back to New York and to our apartment in Murray Hill and they were the self-proclaimed kings of the block, keeping each other company while we were at work, barking at all the other dogs in our building and the neighborhood, big or small.  People would laugh to see such peep-squeeks bark and lunge with all their might. All bark and no bite. Two years later came Maya to add to the circus and the five of us moved together to LIC, our pups taking all the change in stride.

For the moment, we are all sad that he cannot be with us, and trying to adjust to life and our routine without him.  He required a lot of attention, so the absence is definitely felt. We are also so grateful for having had him in our life. He was a wonderful little dog.  Personally, I have him to thank for showing me the ropes and making me a life long dog owner. If Kahlua taught us anything it was the tremendous potential of rescue dogs who truly need a second chance to love and be loved in return. My life is so much richer for it. Please leave your comments and any memories or stories that you have of him. We would love to read them and reminisce.

 Enjoy bossing all the big dogs around in doggy heaven Kahlua. Demand treats and belly rubs, and enjoy your naps in the sun. You were very loved and will be greatly missed.  Lots of love and face licks.