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Missing My Boy
Hello everyone. I thought I would post today – many of you were so kind and concerned when I posted about my boy, Toki, and his lymphoma diagnosis and treatment. Very sadly, we had to say goodbye to my boy on August 7. The chemo wasn’t working, and his little body just wasn’t being kind to him anymore. Every day gets a little easier, but this grief seems to be the “time-release” kind. One day you’re fine and the next you’re crying in the car because someone said the word “puppy”. ???? I wanted to share some of my favorite things with all of you about my Toki as a little tribute to him.
First, he was the snuggliest of all snugglers. He would press his body into mine so hard, I thought we were the same animal. He loved his Kongs more than any other material item on Earth. He almost always had one in his mouth, and he could often be found lounging on a crumpled comforter with 5 or 6 of them scattered around him. Toki loved wearing clothing. I think it is because when he was a puppy, we made such a big, happy deal of it when we dressed him up. He loved making us laugh and smile, so therefore, he loved wearing pajamas and Hawaiian shirts and sweaters and tutus. One of my VERY favorite “Toki Moves” was this: if I was reclined on the couch or bed, he would walk onto my chest and put his forehead against mine and stare into my eyes. He always had a Kong in his mouth when he did this and it was the cutest, sweetest thing. His body was always on Full Wag in these moments. This is how I want to remember him. He was the sweetest, gentlest boy. Just happy to wake up every morning and be with his family. High-step marching through the kitchen to the treat cabinet. We named him Toki Wartooth after a ridiculous cartoon character who was meant to look intimidating, but actually was a big softy and loved cats. We had 6 cats at the time we adopted Toki – he was our first dog – so the name fit him perfectly. Muscle-bound and soft-hearted. About a year after we adopted Toki, we brought Starla home, and the two pups and all the cats would line up at the stove on Sunday mornings and would each receive a small helping of scrambled eggs. He was the greatest and we all loved him so. I’ll never stop missing my boy. Toki Wartooth O’Brien. King of Kongs.
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8 Replies
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What a beautiful and moving tribute, @LisaOMy !! ???? I cried and giggled with you while reading it.
The goodest boy ever. ????
Thank you so much for sharing him with us, and for sharing your love and grief so transparently.
Sending love and understanding… Catherine and Bliss. ????
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@LisaOMy Thank you for sharing with us your loving tribute to Toki. Like @catherine I am balling and giggling with you too as I read this.❤ I am just remembering all the wonderful things you shared with us of Toki. From his handsome runway outfits, to his boop-tastic pics. He was such a handsome boy too! He will be missed in DD. Sending lots of hugs to you and your girls. ❤❤
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@LisaOMy I am so sorry for your loss- my eyes fill with tears as a smile crosses my face as I read how you describe your special boy with such love. I love his love for Kongs and how you beautifully wrote when he pressed against you it like we were one animal. I feel like every dog momma knows that feeling!! My heart goes out to you! He was so lucky to have you and you were so lucky to have him! Thanks for sharing!
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We grieve with you, dear Lisa. No one loves, like our dog loves us, and there is a part of us that goes with them. I think it is only fair that it is this way; they give us their whole self, every day! My heart surged for you, the way you described him. I could see all your pets waiting for their scrambled egg ration. So amazing, the life you have lived with Toki. Him with his Kong…all the beautiful memories…puppyhood and on. It all goes by….way too fast! May he be at peace and may you feel comforted by these sweet memories of him, forever.
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@LisaOMy , I was so moved by your lovely tribute to Toki. What a very special boy he was. It’s abundantly clear how much joy he brought to you, and I know you’ll always remember his uniquely wonderful attributes. My heart goes out to you.
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Hi Lisa, I want to say how very sorry I am for the loss of your boy. It’s never easy to lose one of our own. I can tell how loved he was, and still is from your words. You described him in a way that makes us feel like we know him. Great job on this tribute to your beautiful Kong loving boy!! Run free at the Bridge Toki!
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@catherine @WaiThePuaPup @pawsup @bernerlabreclectus @virginiad @Dogmom2023 Thank you ♥️
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Well, I am so sorry for your loss. Unfortunately we have to all go through this and it’s just a heartbreak and tearjerker. Cherish those memories.!
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