My first ever Sheltie, Dakota, my sweet boy passed on July 9, 2020 (9 days after Cody), after having been diagnosed with Hemagiosarcoma (a tumor on his heart) a mere month before. He was 13 (as was Cody).
It is an awful disease that has taken many beloved dogs of friends and family members. We were blessed to have Dakota with us for a month after he was diagnosed, many I know weren't that lucky.
To think I thought Dakota was crazy when he was young! Little did I know what would be in store for me with Levi.
Dakota was sweet, stoic at the Vet, he HATED other dogs, was devoted to his "pack" at home, but wasn't much of a fan of humans that he didn't know. He never would have enjoyed going to daycare or boarding like Levi does.
He was a great brother to Cody. They truly loved each other.
He hated taking walks, wasn't thrilled with the car (he would sit on the floor). Didn't like to sleep in his bed, he preferred sleeping on the floor. If I stirred eggs he would bark. If I used spray butter he would bark. He was the quirkiest dog ever!
He LOVED his precious Greenies, popcorn, red peppers (not hot ones!), apples, carrots and the doggy meatloaf/meatballs/hamburgers I would make for him.
He also ADORED HIS DADDY!
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Dakota was extremely bonded with Lenny when he was young, as time went on, he and I became extremely close. He had a sixth sense of knowing just when I needed extra loving.
He was the first dog I had as an adult and was the fulfillment of a childhood dream of having a Sheltie. He was special in so many ways.
He was the polar opposite of Levi!!! He wasn't confident and actually LOOKED and paid attention to where he was walking not ramming into people and walls BOL!
He loved running and playing fetch when he was young.
He adored his red, white and blue Dollar store ball that we have safely tucked away in a trunk. That dog had sooo many toys and that disgusting worn out plush ball was his absolute favorite.
He was sooo much smaller than Levi! At Dakota's largest he was 28 lbs, most of his life he was 25 pounds (Levi is 36 lbs and about 3 inches taller.)
The 13 years he was with us went by in the blink of an eye. I am grateful for the many collages I have on the living room wall of both Cody and Dakota, this way I can still see them both every day.
Dakota you were such a good and special boy. Daddy and I think of you, love you and miss you every single day.
About a minute after Dakota left us, I noticed a yellow butterfly that flew right into our patio doors, I am certain that was our sweet Dakota letting us know he would always be there.
Sweet Dakota, please know that NO OTHER dog could EVER replace you. You ALWAYS are in our hearts and on our minds. Levi didn't replace you, as "Dr.Smiley" said when I felt guilty when I had adopted Cody two weeks after my Bobo passed, "You aren't replacing him, you are making NEW memories with another pet. He would want you to give the same love to another pet that you gave to him."
Thank you, Dakota, for sharing your life and love with Daddy, Cody and I. You were the PERFECT first Sheltie.
Much Love Always,
Mom
Love and hugs on this sad anniversary.
ReplyDeleteOh he was such a special boy....and I know how you are feeling.....as much as I adore Teddy I couldn't love any cat as much as I loved Sammy. I've loved every pet I've ever been lucky enough to share my life with but some of them leave and take such a large part of our heart with them. My solace comes from believing one day we'll all be reunited with all the loves of our life including our precious pets.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Pam
Lots of hugs and purrs to you and Lenny, Caren, as you both remember Dakota. He was a beautiful, special boy. ♥
ReplyDeleteBoth your boys were so pawsome, but your boys now are also super guys! They will all be in your heart forever whether they are here or not.
ReplyDeletethank you so much and that's so true!
DeleteHugs and comforting purrs as you remember sweet Dakota today, and everyday.
ReplyDeletePurrs, Julie
I'm so sorry you lost Dakota, Caren. I know it is so hard to lose a pet, I too am missing so many. This is a lovely and meaningful tribute to Dakota. Sending purrs from us.
ReplyDeletePurrs back to you and (((hugs))) as well
DeleteBig healing hugs, Caren. ♥
ReplyDeleteSending love and hugs as you remember you beautiful boy. I can't even imagine losing two loves so close together.
ReplyDeleteSending love and hugs back to you today and always. Losing them both so close together was the worst pain I have ever known.
DeleteOur pets are only on loan to us, but our hearts are broken all the same.
ReplyDeleteHugs and purrs on this remembrance day.
Such a lovely tribute to your sweet Dakota.
ReplyDeletethank you so much!!
DeleteThrough my tears after reading your post, I'm sending you loving thoughts of comfort. I know sweet, precious Dakota is watching over you. Hugs and tail wags, M, Norman & Elsa🐾
ReplyDelete(((hugs))) back to you sweet friend. Sending love as well.
DeleteSpecial prayers for you today. It is the also the 2 yr anniversary of one of my kitties crossing RB. . . Mimi the Bengal Girl (facebook page also). I truly feel your pain. I have had cats (and dogs when I was younger at home) for 50+ years. I have lost many, but the joy of another, although it DOES NOT replace said pet, it does help heal the heart. . . I currently have 9 adopted/rescued kitties. 💕🌈💕🌈💕🌈
ReplyDeletethank you so much for those lovely and oh-so-true words. I am so sorry for the loss of your precious kitty (and all of your other pets)...sending (((hugs))) of comfort
DeleteBeautiful tribute. Sending love and hugs as you remember your special boy. XO
ReplyDeletethank you so very much. Sending love and hugs back!
DeleteThat was such a terrible time for you all but sweet Dakota loved you both with all he had, such a special pup and special memories. Hugs dear friend.
ReplyDeleteHe sure did that's for sure. He wanted to be with us even on the day we had to let him go. He fought it with everything he had. Sending you (((hugs)) as well, you were such a comfort to me at that awful time.
DeleteIt was a sad year losing both Cody and Dakota. We could see he was a special dog, as Cody was a special cat.I recognize their photos always
ReplyDeletethat was so sweet of you Greg, thank you (((hugs)))
DeleteLosing Dakota whom you loved so much so soon after Cody's passing must have been just so devastating. Losing one is hard enough. Maybe Cody was calling him to be there with him so they could be together forever.
ReplyDeleteSending many hugs and much love as you remember your precious Angel(s).
((( ♥ )))
What a touching remembrance of your sweet and beloved Dakota. He was such a special boy, and the loving bond you shared was so, so clear. Much love and gentle purrs as you remember him always, but especially today. XO
ReplyDeleteI have no idea why this posted as "anonymous," but we wanted to make sure you know this comment was from us. Hugs to you, dear Caren!
DeleteI should have known from how beautifully written and caring it was!!! (((hugs))) back to you!!
DeleteDakota was such a sweetie. I loved seeing pictures with him and Cody together. I could tell there were BFFs. Sending you big hugs on this anniversary. Losing them so close together had to be so devastatingly difficult. I'm glad you both have Roary and Levi to help mend your heart. Cody and Dakota live on forever and left an indelible paw print on everyone's heart. xoxo
ReplyDeleteBeautiful remembrance of Dakota. What wonderful memories you have. You all obviously loved each other very much!
ReplyDeleteI love reading your stories about Dakota and Cody. They had such a sweet relationship. And I love how Dakota ruled your home. The years do pass so swiftly. Make the most of every moment. Love, Dori and Kim
ReplyDeleteWe remember Cody and Dakota with you, every day.
ReplyDeleteWe, too, loved that amazingly lovely face...and those sensitive eyes, that saw everything....
ReplyDelete