Yesterday, K and I took a morning "wander" in the woods, enjoying the quiet and each other. I took this photo of her, looking serene, in a dark pine forest, and then, almost immediately, she went on high alert. I quickly leashed her.
I'm glad that I leashed her because this beautiful bear ambled toward us just after I'd snapped the leash to her collar.
The gorgeous and healthy-looking bear didn't seem terribly concerned about us. He wasn't even remotely aggressive, even though K was going completely berserk barking and snarling at him from the end of her leash. He briefly backtracked and then made a small detour around us he headed on his way toward a heavily used bear path. Indeed, my trail cameras on that path showed that a flurry of bear activity was underway there at precisely the time that I took this photo. And, this cinnamon bear barged in on all of it. I'll tell you more about the incredible bear activity on that path tomorrow.
The hardest part of the whole bear encounter was how completely exhausted K was after she barked and snarled at the bear. We were less than a half mile from home but she seemed almost too tired to slowly walk that far. She even laid down in the middle of the trail for a rest, as if her legs could carry her no further. It seemed surreal - after all, she was still able to mountain bike with me just a couple of weeks ago.
That was a tough moment for me. I realized that K's cancer is really marching forward, and we're heading toward the end of our journey. I sat on the ground next to her and wept. I felt heartbroken all day, all last night, and all this morning. I spent last night snuggled with K, feeling her ribs rise and fall with each breath. Ah, what a special dog she is.
But, then, my and K's friend came over to visit K. K rallied in a huge way, looking so happy and playful with her long-time friend.
Her great mood has persisted. I know in my heart that our journey is nearing its end but every part of life, even the closing act, is precious.
I love you, K, and we'll be with you every step of the way.
And we are watching from a far -
ReplyDeleteThankful you are PAWmitting us to do so!
And so are we!
ReplyDeleteNola
As are we! You were meant to be by her side as she has always been by yours. :)
ReplyDeleteI think the hard part about the journey is that it's not a straight line. There are lots of ups and downs, good days and bad. For me, it was really hard to accept the point when there weren't going to be any more good days, but I didn't have any doubts about it. K is lucky to have you on the journey with her!
ReplyDeleteShe is so beautiful. Our thoughts and our hearts are with you -- it's been said already, but you and K are blessed to have each other. Take care --
ReplyDeleteL
I am with you in thoughts & prayers.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Lucy (Troy, Ohio)
We love you all and are on this journey with you...every step of the way.
ReplyDeleteWe are with you too and will be through the end and onward beyond. Take care. With love and hugs to both of you.
ReplyDeleteThrough the tears, after reading this post, I pray you know that we are all holding your hand from afar and hope in some little way it helps. We wish for K, peaceful days ahead.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Lily Belle
A happy ending to a good day
ReplyDeleteBenny & Lily
You will be there, with tears and sadness, but rejoice in your years together. K will know how much you love her, caring every minute, and
ReplyDeletewe share this time with you, hoping our words and thoughts from far away will be with you. From Jean
My first comment got lost in cyberspace.
ReplyDeleteFirst, we will be with all of you every step of the way.
I suspect that the heightened anxiety in K and her need to protect you, along with her intense barking and snarling were the perfect storm to affect her diminished lung capacity so much.
I'm glad she rallied the next day. She is indeed a wonderful dog, and you are indeed a wonderful woman.
I picture you and K sitting in those beautiful mountains and you at her side. It is a beautiful picture in my mind, even though you are crying.
ReplyDeleteWE are here too.
Bert and My Vickie
We are with you!!! Every step of the way.
ReplyDeleteI see the happiness in K's eyes , and her expression as she visits with your friend.
K was telling that bear a thing or two- and protecting you as always.
love
tweedles
We're here, too, every step of the way - and beyond. Give K a hug from us.
ReplyDeleteIt is so beautiful that you are sharing every moment of K's journey with her. I am sure her heart is calmed because of it. She is an incredible dog with an incredible spirit and how blessed the both of you are to share this journey together.
ReplyDeleteSuka and I continue to send our thoughts and love to you and K, and the rest of your family. K, you are an inspiration!
Suka and K
Ann..from..THE OUTER BANKS OF NC>>said..It is amazing how God will put people in the right place at the right time...especially when I see that picture of the friend with K and I believe that is what she needed..hang in there... you know there is always something positive that comes out of every situation...and when you look for the good ...that is how you find it..that river of your life is full of joy and happiness and it flows with such kindness..I want my tears.. to be happy ones...for the love of K...she is and always will be special....hugs
ReplyDeleteSending lots of love to K. We are thinking of you all.
ReplyDeleteWe are with ya too. MOM really likes that 2nd to last picture. I like it too. K's face is so playful.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Goose
We are with ya too. MOM really likes that 2nd to last picture. I like it too. K's face is so playful.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Goose
You know our hearts are with you, too, every step of the way. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteJed & Abby
She is such a gorgeous dog. I have fallen in love with her too.
ReplyDeleteK's body is telling her to slow down, but she is fighting all the way and what a wonderful spirit she has.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs to you both xx
What a meeting you had! Can understand Ks barking , she wantet of course to protect you.
ReplyDeleteYes the truth is hard and sad but K will fight as long as she can and even go hiking with you. Its really hard to know whats coming up.
Hugs from us!
And we will be with the two of you every step of the way too.
ReplyDeleteLove ya lots,
Mitch and Molly
What a sweet post and what a beautiful bear! We are thinking of you and K in this difficult time.
ReplyDelete~Milly and Shelby
Sometimes closing acts go through a series of encores .
ReplyDeleteEveryone is right. We are with you both!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous bear. We recently had a black bear climb up and fall asleep in a tree on main street. Most likely Mamma Bear had decided this adolescent male needed to move out of her den and get a real job! Wildlife officials tranquilized and moved him back up the mountain. Poor baby! He didn't want to bother anyone though. He was just confused.
Again, everyone is with you and K through this journey.
Mamma Heartbeat
K would have spent her very last breath protecting you if necessary... Unconditional love, reciprocated. A very special girl, indeed :)
ReplyDeleteWe are here for you too and in a way, we're sharing your journey with our Benji as we are all on the same journey. Sometimes it's so hard to be strong and upbeat, but you and K are doing it so well....together...which is as it should be.
ReplyDeleteSending our prayers for both of you.
K is so lucky to have you by her side for every aspect of her life. And, as your blog friends, we're so thankful that you allow us to see into your journey. It's truly a beautiful one.
ReplyDelete-Corbin
And always remember that your journey with K will be an eternal one.
ReplyDeleteI know how hard this must be for you. It's so easy to forget about the cancer when they are acting so alive and then to have her need rest in the middle of the trail like that...
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks for you - but please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. You are so faithful to her to keep by her side during the end of her journey. She is so blessed to have you.
You know, when you said she was barking and snarling at the bear, I thought "I wonder if that will tire her out." :(
ReplyDelete((hugs to you both)) One day at a time...
I'm watching too :) Love you back KB, K, R and the runner.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful K...beautiful mom....my thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDelete♥hugs♥
Bev
What beautiful pictures! Please know our prayers are with you and K.
ReplyDeleteLove and Devotion is a 2-way-street...I can feel your strength seemingly helping K rise up. Your friend's visit was special timing for loving K!
ReplyDeleteWe love you too, K! Sending hugs and love!
ReplyDeleteSam
I missed this blog yesterday. I have been busy sewing.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me sad to think K couldn't make it after barking at the bears. Now she knows.
Let her know too, that we, Jo, Stella and Zkhat are all going to stay right with her, along with this huge multitude of dear friends. Right now I am looking at the pic of R looking between the bars and he knows too, I'm convinced of that.
Love and hugs,
All of us
Hi Y'all,
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard when a love one, pawed or footed, is suffering and we feel helpless.
Hawk aka BrownDog
Hello - haven't commented in quite awhile, but have been reading most of your posts and enjoying your amazing photos. I stopped commenting when my mother passed away in April... I'm sorry, but I just wanted to shout at you "Yes! I know your dog is sick, but my Mother just died!" Browndog is right of course... it's hard whenever we lose a loved one, "pawed or footed," but really KB... I've cried many, many tears over my mothers death and even though it's tough to lose a pet, there's really no comparison. At least that's my opinion.
ReplyDeleteWay to keep your cool when confronted with the bear! Yikes!!
Kathy
I can picture that point on the trail and feel the lump in my own throat. I'm glad a friend stopped by and I was happy to see her smiling face too if only in photo.
ReplyDelete