BRIDGES: Long-time companion to be missed

As it turns out, that was good news for Katie who never lacked for anything again for the next 16-plus years. She remained a faithful friend and companion all that time. Her final day with us was June 20 when the decision came to say goodbye. It was time. We all knew it, but that still doesn’t make it easier on the heart when we don’t see her.

While she had naturally slowed down a bit in recent years, Katie’s mind was still good. She still had a healthy appetite and still enjoyed taking naps on the front porch (when she wasn’t taking a nap inside the house.)

At one time she was a part of a quartet of four-legged companions. Her two sons Moonshine and Paco, along with our Dalmatian, Sparky, made for a full house. Their needs were met and they were happy until they decided they wanted something else.

Paco was the first one we had to say goodbye to followed by Sparky and Moonshine. Katie, however, with a strong zest for life, wasn’t going anywhere for a while. Month after month, year after year she continued being a part of our lives.

Recently, I purchased a book and gave it to my better half and her mom. The book detailed taking care of elderly dogs, as by this point we knew Katie’s days were probably approaching the end. Katie didn’t break the record for oldest dog in the world (an Australian dog has the record at 29 years) but I still marvel at Katie’s total, which was probably around 17.

I’ve enjoyed the company of many pets going back to my childhood, but Katie’s mark is a record. It goes without saying that it won’t be the same without her.

In recent years after her canine companions had passed on, the decision was made to introduce a cat to the fold. Andi and Katie quickly became friends and the new addition seemed to perk Katie up. The recent arrival of an outdoor feline we named Terri allowed Katie to have a friend as well when she was on the front porch. Looking through the window, Katie and Terri could often be seen sleeping side by side, often as Terri put a paw on her.

As we move on without Katie, we are left with the memories we have (I’ll always remember her chewing up my car washing hose not long after she arrived) and we’ll always have stories to tell.

Pets have always been a special part of my life and it’s easy to develop an emotional bond with them. Sometimes in life you get lucky. On a March night in 1996, Katie was lucky to end up at the doorstep of the house she found her way to.

Likewise, we were lucky to have her as a part of our lives for more than 16 years. I’m not one for change and I look for any consistent element we can find. Katie was a consistent friend for a long time and we honor her today for what she will always mean to us.

Chris Bridges is editor of the Barrow Journal. You can reach him at cbridges@barrowjournal.com.