Happy Saturday All!

Norman welcomes another one of his Chessie pals to the Rainbow Bridge.

Kuri

I had the privilege of knowing Kuri for a short time, she visited my house and played with my gang. One’s live is never long enough and so hard with a death is unexpected and no time to really say goodbye. Hugs to my friend Kathy during this difficult time. Kathy wrote a really nice tribute to Kuri that I would like to share with you all today.

I don’t know how to even start this. How does one go through grieving once but twice in 17 days for two very loved family pets? I know family and friends have been the greatest support I could ever ask for. Thank You each and every one for watching each chapter of my sweet Kuri’s life unfold. We never want the final chapter to be written especially when it’s in the most unexpected way. Sadly Kuri passed over the Rainbow Bridge today, being greeted by Monet and Ava.

Chesabar’s Kuri Inu (Japanese translation: Chestnut Dog) January 6, 2006 – June 5, 2016

We all know sweet little Kuri arrived with physical challenges, but they never slowed her down. Her medical messes ups started from arriving in my home at 8 wks old and only 3.25#, ectopic ureter surgery at 7 months old, elbow dysplasia, to stomach issues through out her life. Every time a punch was made, Kuri fought back. Kuri was a great fighter for the battles, but the war was too much. The war was lost today after finding out Kuri had a mast cell tumor in her neck and a cancerous tumor in her urethra (and most likely other places we don’t know about). Kuri was unable to eliminate without the aid of a vet and catheter. Kuri’s tail wagged to the end despite the event pain she was in. I’m thrilled to have my special girl surpass vets life age of 3 due to a liver condition found at 7 months old. 10.5 years is an amazing life for any Cheseapeake.

Kuri was an amazing the chessie. Kuri never had the trade mark chessie grin, but could talk up a storm when getting love and attention. Kuri was an outstanding representative for WI Chesapeake Rescue volunteering at expos throughout the year. She was more than happy to greet anyone of all ages and mobility types. When not volunteering, Kuri was a mascot for the my grooming shop. Normally greeting clients with a stuffed toy in her mouth and a silly bark since her mouth was full of toy. Other loves included boat rides, swimming, and belly rubs. I can still see Kuri chasing the other dogs with her ball in her mouth while they fetched up the ball. Give a quick growl/bark to let them know she’s hot on their tail.

I’m overwhelmed with all the medical professionals that helped get Kuri this far. Thank You to her specialist being Dr. Mark Edinger at Edinger Surgical Options to Dr. KC Brooks and Dr. Shawn Bogdanske at Lodi Veterinary Care (LVC). A special Thank You to Dr. Amanda Brooks for helping us out the past 3 days in Urgent Care/ER at LVC. She did very nice job helping Kuri cross over the Rainbow Bridge today.

In lieu of flowers please donate to either of these two 501(c)3 groups I work on a regular basis with. Please indicate “In Memory of Kuri Ebben”

CRROW (Chesapeake Bay Retriever Rescue of WI)
1318 S. Kernan Ave.
Appleton, WI 54915

Second Chance Fund
705 N. Main St.
Lodi, WI 53555

One never can fully prepare for saying “until we meet again” to a loved pet. The hardest when you are least expecting it. My heart aches and my eyes are running dry from days of crying and worrying over Kuri’s past few days of health concerns. I know she is running pain free and cancer free with Monet and Ava. I’m thankful for having Zara by my side. The days will be long and tough, but I know Kuri’s memories will keep me going. RIP Kuri.

Mike – Lucas’s dad with Norman.

Today we are attending the wedding of Norman’s trainers son Lucas. Lucas spent many hours out in the field throwing birds for Norman during his time at Woodland Bay Retrievers. I watched this young boy grow up to be a fine young man that just graduated from the Air force Academy. Thank you for all that you did with Norman’s training and good luck in your new adventures to come with your new career and life with your new wife Sammy.

Have a great Saturday all.