My blog is called "Creative Smiles" because my designs are the result of incorporating mistakes. With fumble fingers that drop whatever they are holding - repeatedly, it takes a lot of giggles, smiles and creative patience during my crafting process. xx

Thursday, January 19, 2023

A Farewell to one of our Dearest Friends

 Our dear German Shepherd was euthanized at 1:45pm this afternoon, after succumbing to a pygmy rattle snake bite on Tuesday. Anti-venom is in limited supply and is needed for service dogs and military dogs, and of course, humans. With all the storms that caused flooding, there has been an additional need in our state. Anti-venom is not a definite cure-all for animals.

Kilo, age 5 in early Spring wondering, 
"what's taking you so long, Mom?"


Pymgy rattlers are extremely aggressive. However, not "all bites" are the same. It depends where the bite was inflicted, and how long it has been since the snake last bit something. The longer the venom remains in the snake, the more concentrated the venom. 

          Kilo, age 4, and Jack showing off            
their Barn Hunt Trial Ribbons

We have not seen any pygmy rattlers on our property for 25 years or longer, but of course, that does not mean they are not here. Because of the extremely cold weather, most snakes "hibernate" beneath the soil at this time of year. Our vet said it is the first time in 30 years of working that she has seen a rattlesnake bite in January. Unfortunately, many people move into rural areas, not comprehending the importance of snakes. Many of our "black/indigo" snakes are endangered because people indiscriminately kill snakes. Black snakes and especially Indigo Snakes keep the rattlesnake population under control. It is important to learn the difference before just killing snakes.

Kilo, age 9 sporting his gray muzzle while guarding the tractor disc attachment LOL
He is thinking, "WHAT!? It's HARD work!"

    Kilo, age 4, slobbering on me after a romp
    at night in our wildlife watering hole.

Kilo would have been 13 next month, an "ancient age" for German Shepherds, especially his size. He and my husband were joined at the hip. Kilo was still healthy, but had slowed down and suffered from mild canine dementia. In his youth, he enjoyed obedience training, agility training, "competitive barn hunting" and "working" side-by-side with Jack every day, even though in later years, he did more "overseeing" than working. 

It is a huge loss for our family, and Kilo will be missed. 


       


Kilo, age 7, helping clean and fill one of our "wildlife waterholes".
It is especially dry in Florida during the winter months.

Kilo, age 6, watching Missy Kitty jump from tree to tree, taunting him with:
"See what I can do? You can't do this!"

Thanks for letting me share - it always helps to talk things over with friends.
It is a huge loss for our family, and Kilo will be missed forever. This is a sequence of
photos where he is saying, "Hey, Mom! Watcha lookin' at?"

love,



39 comments:

crafty-stamper said...

Awww I am so sorry for your sad and tragic loss -Kilo was a very handsome dog and at least you both gave him a good life and have good memories.
Carol x x x

Donna Walls said...

Oh Donna, I'm feeling your headache and I send my sincere condolences. It's so hard to say goodbye to our babies. He was a loyal friend and protector.

Lori Kobular said...

Oh Donna, I am so very sorry! He was a wonderful dog! I hope your warm and loving memories of Kilo will help you through this very difficult times!!

Monica C. said...

Donna, thank you for sharing Kilo with us like this. I am so sorry for your loss and the heartbreak of the circumstances surrounding it. May your memories of him always be a happy place to visit.
Hugs
Monica

Anne Temple said...

I'm SO sorry to hear about Kilo! I know you and Jack will miss him terribly. He will always be in your hearts.

Kathyk said...

It is always so very sad to lose a furry family member and I feel your pain, wishing you and Jack all the very best at this time

Kathyk

Leslie Miller said...

Donna, I was very sad when your post came up in my Feedly because I knew right away it must be about Kilo. However, I was shocked at the suddenness and the reason for it. I know how you and Jack must be feeling right now and it is a heartache for sure. One of the worst in my opinion. I'm so very sorry. I appreciate that you took the time to share these pictures of your beautiful boy. This is sorrowful news indeed. Sending hugs.

Verna Angerhofer said...

So sorry to hear that! He was a beautiful dog. A wonderful addition to your family!

Darnell said...

I'm so sorry to read this, Donna. I've been through this with two big slobbery labs and it's so painful. Kilo was such a handsome dog! You've written a beautiful tribute for him and I love all the photos you shared with us. It's clear you gave him a very happy doggie life! Big hugs to you and Jack, Darnell

Aimeslee Winans said...

I wondered why our Messenger chat stopped so abruptly, you must have discovered Kilo was bitten. My heart breaks for y'all, I'm so sorry. It's never a good time no matter how old they get and we are never prepared. May God hold y'all close and give you comfort. XOXOX

Sue said...

Oh no, despite all my hopes and prayers, I am so very sorry to hear the news that you had to give him up. So very hard, Our last dog, was 13 and I cried for a week. Please know I am thinking of you both with a heavy heart. Beautiful pictures of your boy through the years, Thanks for sharing, have been thinking of you all day.

Big Hug
Sue

brenda said...

My heart goes out to you Donna.

It's always such a sad and difficult time losing our four legged family members and when the circumstances are such as this it must be incredibly hard to accept.

Our senior girl is twelve and a half and also has canine dementia and just been through an invasive mammary op, the older they are the harder to overcome the things life throws as them.

You have some wonderful photos of Kilo to look back on happier times and I send my love and a cyber hug.

B x

pam said...

Dear Donna, my heart goes out to you and your husband.
So sorry for your loss of a beautiful dog.
Thinking of you.
Hugs Pam x

Chris said...

This is just heart breaking Donna. I am so sad for you and your husband to lose your beautiful Kilo. It's always so hard to lose a beloved pet in any circumstance no matter their age. I know how sad and upset you are feeling and you have my sincere sympathy. Kilo will live on in your hearts and memories.
Sending you hugs and wishing you comfort.
xxx

Dr Sonia S V said...

My heart goes out to you Donna. My cocker spaniel Goldy dealt with snakes twice and saved us humans from snake bites Goldy died of age related issues at 15........we still feel the loss.

KT Fit Kitty said...

Oh no, Donna, I am so sorry to read this sad news. I know what it's like to lose a beloved furbaby (or three) and it's heartbreaking. Still grieving my furbabies to this day. They become integral members of the family, and you need to grieve this loss. Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos. Kilo was a handsome boy! Sending lots of hugs as you remember and grieve your precious Kilo.

Conniecrafter said...

So sad to have had to say goodbye to your sweetie, but how wonderful to have had all those years with him, sending hugs!

KraftyKoolKat said...

Oh my dear Donna, I am so sorry to read this very sad news. He looks a beautiful boy. My heart and thoughts go out to you both.
Hugs
Cathy
xxxx

Beebeebabs said...

So sorry to hear this sad news - my heart goes out to you and your family.

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KarinsArtScrap said...

my sincere condolences Donna

gr karin

cuilliesocks said...

Oh Donna, I'm so sorry to hear your sad news about Kilo. I hope he didn't suffer. Our animal companions are so dear to us and so much part of the family, my heart goes out to you and your Husband, Hugs Kate x

Patti J said...

Donna, Kilo was such a handsome boy, and seemingly so loyal to his people. My heart is breaking as I read your post. Our furry family members love us so unconditionally, and it's so hard to lose them. We had to watch our sweet Sophie cross that Rainbow Bridge January 1st, so I'm totally feeling all of your 'feels'. Sending you many hugs, and prayers for comfort to you and your husband.

Donna said...

Beautiful pictures of your dear Kilo. So sorry for your and Jack's loss. Sending prayers and caring thoughts.

Dena J said...

Donna, so very sorry to hear of the loss of such a dear companion. Kilo's photos are beautiful. Pets are family. Sending comfort thoughts your way.

Crafting Queen said...

So very sorry for your loss. They leave such a large hole in our lives. Hugs Anesha x

Lori m said...

Donna, my heart goes out to you and hubby on your loss, hugs, Lori m

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

I’m sitting full of tears and knowing how you feel. How awful for you all. Big Hugs
Faith x

Margarets designer cards said...

I am so sorry to read your news, I am sending you love and a hug

Shona Erlenborn said...

I'm crying after reading this, Donna. How heart-breaking to both you and Jack. I know how much Kilo meant to you. I've never heard of the pygmy rattle snake, how awful and that the anti-venom was not available, even if it may not have helped. Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos. May gorgeous Kilo rest in peace.

Loose Stitches said...

I'm so very sorry for yours and your husbands loss Donna. Big Hugs! xx

https://shinebrightandcreate@blogspot.com/ said...

I'm so very sorry to read your sad news, beautiful photos of Kilo and sending hugs xx thanks so much for your lovely comments on my blog too Michelle x

Mrs A. said...

So sorry to read this post. So sad. Hugs Mrs A.

wannabcre8tive said...

Awww, I am so sorry about your dog. Nothing prepares us for having to give them up. I just lost one of my fur babies last month. It is sure sad without them. Sending hugs.

Pat said...

So sorry to hear that your beautiful dog has been lost to a rattler bite Donna, and you made a beautiful tribute to Kilo with some wonderful photos and can see that he was a much loved member of your family and can see that he will be greatly missed. x

Lori m said...

Hi Donna, just stopping by to say hi and hope the days are getting a little easier? I know it's going to be awhile before you pain eases, hugs, Lori m

Inkyfingers said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Kilo, Donna, and I'm sending a big hug. We are never really prepared for a loss and I hope that your happy memories will bring comfort.
Hugs
Carol x

Kathy said...

Donna, Kilo was beautiful and lived a "loved life" as a member of your family. Such a special sharing with all the pictures. I'm saddened for all of you, He leaves a Kilo size hole in your hearts. May the memories grow sweeter with every retelling of his antics and work ethic! Thinking of you as you grieve your loss!