Kota

Kota, our Chocolate Labrador Retriever, passed away on Monday, October 24, in our home. He was 16+ years old, an age rarely seen by his breed. He was diagnosed with a oral tumour just two weeks before and so it was likely cancerous. The service was performed by Sunset Veterinary Care; it was reverential and mindful.

Kota loved the water. Right to the end, he felt connected to the lake or stream or even spring thaw puddles. He always wanted to go for a walk; from the smells of downtown Saint Boniface to the trails of Assiniboine Park and Whittier Park and Camp Neustadt. Kota had a 24/7 appetite. From hovering his own food to being our pre-dishwasher plate cleaner to our Sunday evening dinners when my Mom would ‘secretly’ give him something from her plate. Kota was a dreamer. In his sleep, he would sometimes move his legs as if to mimic running to chase after rabbits. Kota was gentle. He was always ready to say hello to all who met him. In the past couple of years, it was not uncommon for a stranger to say: the old man is looking good today! We will miss the life that he brought into our lives.

We will miss looking back on the trail and seeing him run towards us. We will miss his boyish thrill to get back in the water. We will miss the small things like having him close by when we are working from home or spending time in the tent or taking him to get a bath at the pet store. We will miss him at our feet when we are watching tv. As well as, just me and my dog times.

His unconditional love for us will truly be missed. He will be remembered through our memories.

Warmly, Doris and Martin