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Our 9-month-old husky puppy died today from a degenerative brain disease. Last Saturday, knowing the end was near, I collaborated with Portland Florist, Francoise Weeks to create this peaceful, woodland scene. Some of our best memories with Kolohe were hiking through the woods. I don’t know what dog heaven looks like, but I hope it feels like this woodland daydream.
I created this photo series to personally cope with the devastating loss of having to say goodbye to our adorable pet too soon. I share it to comfort those who also have to say goodbye to their four-legged best friend. It’s never enough time.
Below you will find a letter and a beautiful photo tribute to our sweet husky doggie.
More info: stephaniejarstad.com
You were born the same week Michael and I were married. We’d been looking forward to your arrival for what seemed like forever. Here are a few things I never told you.
I was nervous about getting a husky, because I knew how much exercise you needed and wondered if I could live up to the task.
You turned me into a runner and it became the best bonding experience. I planned my week around the days I could take you to the dog park. Seeing you wrestle and chase all your doggie friends became the highlight of my week.
I was nervous when we found out you’d be a wooly-coated husky, because I’d be vacuuming behind your every step.
It quickly became my favorite thing about you. Hugging you is like hugging a cloud. You are the softest pillow. Thank you for soaking up all of my tears with all of your incredible fluff.
I was nervous getting a dog at what seemed like the second we got married. I wondered if we should settle into this new season of life, just the two of us, first.
Now, I cannot imagine our beginning without you. We’ve grown closer as a couple in our mutual adoration for our sweet pup. You light up our lives and we can’t imagine life without you in it.
Image credits: Opal+Rose
I was nervous you’d be one of those rascally, escape artist, typical stubborn huskies.
Well, you were. The husky that dug up the pond and then escaped to the neighbor’s house, is the same husky that caused our vet to ask if our husky was broken because he was such an obedient dog.
I was nervous to love you so deeply and have to face the heart-wrenching fate of saying goodbye someday.
That someday came too soon. I’m still in complete disbelief that we have to say goodbye to our 9 month old puppy. I’ve watched you age 15 years in two weeks.
I would clean up after your messes for 15 years if that was all that was wrong. (Thank heavens for hardwood floors.) I would hand-feed you boiled chicken to jump start your appetite for 15 years if that was all that was wrong. I would be your seeing-eye human to navigate your blindness for 15 years if that was all that was wrong.
I would take care of you after your seizures for 15 years if that was all that was wrong. I would hold your water dish up while you drink so you don’t aspirate for 15 years if that was all that was wrong. I would be your ears when you go completely deaf for 15 years if that was all that was wrong.
I would pick up your back legs when you’re too weak to climb the steps for 15 years if that was all that was wrong.
You’ve dealt with all of this and a degenerative brain disease that quickly took you from us.
I wish I could take away all your pain and also keep you here with us. Whether it meant you would live 9 months or 9 years, I would do it all again, just as long as you lived with us.
I wish you could meet our future babies and lick their chubby cheeks. I wish you could have seen your first Christmas, your first snow fall, your first birthday.
We love you so much Kolohe, Bubba, Pupper Nutter, Derp. We are so lucky to call you ours. RIP 3.19.17 – 12.19.17.
RELATED:
Kolohe’s life: 1 second every day
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What do you think ?
Kate Szymanski 7 years ago
I'm so sorry for your loss. It's not right to see such a young one go, but you obviously filled his time with great adventures to cherish forever. You'll see him again one day in a better place.
Dar Roepke 7 years ago
Words can't express how deeply sorry I am, for losing your sweet, beautiful Kolohe...I understand that hurt oh too well. It is so hard to explain to anyone, just how badly it hurts. Anyone that loves a dog, like you and your husband did, really gets it. There are "pet owners" and then there are "dog parents"...quite a big difference. My husband and I weren't able to have children, and our dogs were our babies. Words can't really express just how much love I have for animals, but especially dogs. There is just something so very special about dogs, they have such loving hearts, and they steal yours. But always remember, honor your dog, and give that special love to another...that is what your dog would want. He'd want another dog to feel that kind of love too, as that kind of love is hard to come by. I hope as your heart heals, you will someday find another special "love bug" to give your life special meaning again.
Greg T 7 years ago
Wait to watch the video till you are home alone!!! (says the 6'4" 250#, heavily tattooed impound lot supervisor) I'm a freakin mess over here!
stephaniejarstad (Post author) 7 years ago
hahah thank you for that description. From one dog lover to another, I'm glad you were touched. Sorry for making you cry.
Load More Replies... Greg T 7 years ago
Are the last pics of him laying down forever??? Freaking crying mess over here!!!
stephaniejarstad (Post author) 7 years ago
He is just taking a nap in the last photos. It was a few days before we put him down, but we knew his time was coming soon. I didn't want to have the last photos of him looking frail and weak, but at peace resting.This is the way I want to remember him and think of him in puppy heaven - taking naps in the woods and running his heart out. I'm glad you were touched by his story.
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Ml7500 7 years ago
Damned onion ninjas... I'm cuddling my 5 month big puppy for you. Take care <3
stephaniejarstad (Post author) 7 years ago
Give your pup and extra hug from us <3
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JillVille Child Care 7 years ago
I wasn't going to read this, nor look at the photos. But I did and now I'm in tears. I've said goodbye to many dogs over my lifetime and it truly does not get easier (as some would try to have one believe). You've done well by this sweet pup of yours, and I'd be right there with you for another 15 years with any of mine if we could have had more time. Big ol' puppy hugs and slobbers to you & your family.
SJ_Panda_love 7 years ago
Such a cutie, and really a heart breaking story. I hope he is running in green grass in doggy heaven with his new pals. Damn it, will you stop cutting onions at least in office.
Marion Friedl 7 years ago
What a beautiful way to say goodbye to your pooch, may precious Kolohe run free behind the Rainbow Bridge now!!!
Leslie Tollefson 7 years ago
I'm so sorry for your loss. Nine hundred years isn't enough time with our fur babies. But she'll be watching over you guys, and waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for you. LoseDog-5a...f1c5e6.jpg 
Copperhead 7 years ago
There is only one thing wrong with dogs; They don't live as long as we do. From the pictures it looks like your pup was happy and content, and I bet you gave 15 years of love in the 9 months you spent together. So sorry for the loss, I've been there and know the pain.
Janet Farley 7 years ago
So sorry for your loss. I understand what it means to lose a fur baby that means so much to you as I lost mine last week. I had the blessing of having her longer than 9 months but know that love isn't measured on a calendar but in our hearts. Your pictures are beautiful and I suspect they will comfort you in the years to come. <3
Stephie Wright 7 years ago
Sending love from one husky owner/lover to another. Your pup was so beautiful. Huskies are so amazing and such a special breed. I love your multiple nicknames. We do the same with our boy. I know how heartbreaking it is to put an animal to rest. I had to do the same with my boy Moon last year. Very sorry for your loss.
Katinka Min 7 years ago
What a terrible loss!! 9 month is way too short to have with your dog. :'-( I am surprised, though. Degenerative disease and seizures in a nine months of old husky? That must have been one truly aweful breeder. I hope there aren't any more litters from that combination, blue eyes or not.
Kev Jen Wanderlust 6 years ago
We lost our 8 yr old husky mix over the summer. 6 months later we're still devastated and people who aren't dog owners will never understand and blow it off by saying we should just get another dog - as if they are just interchangeable objects. You found an amazing way to share your love of your dog with all of us and I hope it helps you find comfort. . Great story and great pictures.
annette byrne 7 years ago
So very sad just broke my heart into millions of tiny pieces so sorry for you're loss sleep well little one
Bree Manning 7 years ago
Im sitting here balling what a lovely story thank you for sharing. VERY sorry for your loss. what an amazing 9 months you gifted this beautiful boy x
Desiré Yen 7 years ago
My deepest sincerest condolences on your loss. Loosing your fur baby is HORRIFIC 😱 Pray your hearts heal. Hope to see your loved one in doggy heaven one day❤
Pragya Fating 7 years ago
He looks peaceful. He reminds me of nymeria from Game of thrones. Don't u worry in dog heaven he will not be in pain. I m sorry for your loss.
Doug Gentry 7 years ago
My Baby Fur Girl,"Husky Shepherd passed away and we invited a little Husky/Wolf to come join our pack. It's quite the adventure. She's now almost 9 months. I'm so so very sorry you and your Husband had to experience this loss. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers.
stephaniejarstad (Post author) 7 years ago
Aw, it's so hard to say goodbye. They are such special dogs! Give yours some extra loves from our pack tonight.
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Pia Minas-Cavdar 7 years ago
Completetly in tears over this. So beutifully written and so true......
Meaghan Baker 7 years ago
Thank you so much for sharing! We just put our 13 yr old beagle down this morning for the same symptoms, however, his spine was fusing together. It's unfair that our furbabies don't live as long as we do. I'm so sorry for your loss! If anything ever happened to my husky, idk what I'd do!
Margaret Turnbull 7 years ago
You gave your beautiful dog a short but beautiful life. Heartbreaking
Terrylynn Mills 7 years ago
Wonderful, I to lost my baby ball of fluff n know how heart wrenching it is, what was written touched me deeply n I am sorry for ur loss I would like to say time does heal ur wounds, but it takes a lot of it to do so, n there is a doggie heaven n u will get to see ur ball of fluff again one day!
i dont want one 6 years ago
I am so sorry. I've lost so many pets over the years, and it's always devastating. You're right, it's never enough time. We lost a kitten to FIP (feline infectious peritonitis), he must have come home from the shelter with it, he went downhill in the matter of a few hours. My heart truly goes out to you.
Bruce Bursten 6 years ago
Stephnaie, We feel your pain and love. We have a Jack Russell Terrier, Spanky, who tuned 18 on Sept 14, 2017. He is aging quickly, but is the love of our life. Thank You.
Teressa Felts 6 years ago
So sorry for your loss. He was a beautiful dog and you gave him a wonderful life. It was so hard to watch that video, but glad you have that to view over and over. I have three fur babies and I pray that God will have all our fur babies in heaven when we all get there. They are the joy of my life, as Kolohe was to you. Thank you for sharing.
Lindi Littleton 6 years ago
Omg this hit home. I lost my Bruno not even a year ago. I still cry for him everyday. I loved him so. You made this so beautiful and heart warming. I'm sorry for your loss. May you mend the hole with the memories you have. God bless you
Tanya Vudler Casale 6 years ago
So very sorry for your tragic loss of your friend. It must be devastating, as the losses of our dearest friends always are. Just remember that he is waiting for you on the other side to join him one day. ❤️
Carolyn Bruno 6 years ago
Sorry for the loss of your beautiful pup, kolohe he looked like a sweetheart.I know he will be missed.❤❤❤🐶🐶
Shannon Neumeyer 6 years ago
That was beautiful. Anyone who has lost a part of their family would love this.
Pat Pechon 6 years ago
Sometimes Angels can only stay a moment. He was in the absolutely perfect place. Deciding which of you was more lucky, would be impossible. Thank you for sharing, and spreading the love of a dog.
Connie May 6 years ago
that was one loved dog who had an amazing rich life shared with people he loved. Im so sorry for your loss.
Crystal Clark 6 years ago
Prayers to your sweet pup. Our cat kolby passed from congestive heart failure, at 9 years old, 6 months aftee being diagnosed. I would wake up at 2am, and give you your medicine every four hours, do anything to make you more comfortable, research oxygen producing plants, alternatives, try anything, pay every cent I could to have any extra time with you my sweet boy
Rebecca Perdue 6 years ago
Thank you for sharing your tragic story. I also recently lost my beautiful dog, Anubis. He was my best friend. My shadow. When I have a sad thought about him, I turn it around and think about how grateful I am to have had this special friend in my life who brought me such happiness.
sosunlight 6 years ago
Such a gorgeous pooch! And so fortunate to have had such a loving family, even if only for a little while :'(
Nathalie Hidalgo 6 years ago
So beautiful and so sad. Dogs are the most perfect creatures. They are limitless in their love for us and teach us to be almost as good as they are. I miss my furrybabygirl too. Lily is greeting your Kolohe, as she’s been gone 2 months and 2 days longer.
Norma-Jean Anderson 6 years ago
I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. ... a beautiful dog who had a beautiful life thanks to you.... may you be able to find comfort in that. I'd imagine he is now running free, no pain, waiting to see you again some day.
Linda McMullen 6 years ago
This breaks my heart. I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved baby.💖
Carina Vassilieva 7 years ago
I am so sorry for your loss and feel your pain and your heartbreak...i lost my beloved soul dog Rex to degenerative myelopathy this past September. I don't think the pain of the loss ever goes away fully, but with time it will become tolerable. This is not the end; Love never dies. Love and Light.
Kate Mcq 7 years ago
I understand your pain. We lost our pup at 7 months of age from congestive heart failure. It was sudden but I would have done everything I could to manage her condition. The one thing I can say is that giving my love to another pup has been therepeutic. At first I didn't want another dog because I didn't want to "replace" her. Then I realized that I have too much love to give and what better way to honor my pup then to give love to a pup that needs it.
Bill Gutekunst 7 years ago
am so sorry about you puppy passing. He is gone from you but will always live in your heart. You will meet again when he comes running across the Rainbow Bridge. God Bless all of you.
robert declercq 7 years ago
im so so sorry for your loss of your beautiful fur baby!! i know huskies are the best dogs on the planet, and you gave him the best year of his life, and you will see him again one day i promise i had a beautiful siberian husky for 14 .5 yrs and she has been gone 3.5 yrs and i still cry but i know they are a gift from god that we need to cherish . god speed to you and the family!!
Kathi Burns 7 years ago
What a beautiful tribute to such a beautiful and beloved boy. I am so sorry for your loss. Brain ailments are so quick and so frustrating ..... and so unfair. Thank you for sharing. 💔
Sheila Zimmer 7 years ago
So sorry for your terrible heartbreak. We’re you able to have a necropsy performed on him? We’re you able to contact his breeder? He sure was a beautiful dog, again I am so sorry.
Cynthia Lamacchia 7 years ago
Im.so sorry....I lost my baby in Aug at 6 yes very unexpectedly. ...there's nothing like that pain. <3
William Poole 7 years ago
So very sorry for the loss of your pup. We put down a 15 year old pup that to this day, nearly three years later, I still miss his breath on my skin, watching his dog-mares while he slept, the rake of his fur, or incessant pawing for attention or pieces of pear and other treats. It is not for the loss of a dog...but "that dog" that breaks my heart.
Deirdre McGoldrick 7 years ago
Thank you so much for sharing a glimpse of what Life was like with Kolohe. For some of us, Our Pets are our children, either before we bring a child into the world, or because we're unable to medically, & they fill that void. And your Loss is just as important. The Grief the same, to me. Your photos captured the Love in Kolohe's eyes, that she had for you & your husband. And you can see the Happiness n how utterly comfortable you made Kolohe feel in this Life. These photos, although they may be hard to look at noq
Deirdre McGoldrick 7 years ago
....to look at now, will bring tears of Joy in the years to come. Kohohe was one lucky Husky to have parents like you two!! But I'm sure you both would say, No, we were the lucky ones. And although your time was cut so short, at least you were given 9 months full of Love & Happiness!!!
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Anna Mundi 7 years ago
I'm truly heartbroken for you. It is a beautiful thing, however, to see a love so strong and pure: yours and you husband's for Kolohe, and Kolohe's for you. I hope as time goes on, the heartbreak fades and just leaves the love and the good memories.
Valerie Deacon 7 years ago
I am so very sorry for your loss and the ensuing pain and grief you will endure. It's never ever easy to lose those you love so dearly!!! ❤️🙏🏻❤️
Coyote Cosmica 7 years ago
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a dog is never easy. It hurts a special kind of nasty. But I honestly believe they give us more than what they take. We get to keep the memories, and all that love and light in them. We're never, ever the same after they come into our lives, and how amazing is that? Thanks for making Kolohe's life an amazing one and for sharing him with us.
Rose Brooks 7 years ago
A short life, but so full of love and kindness, would that all canine babies could see the same care.
DisneyworldFAN 7 years ago
The husky is so cute! I am so sorry he died. I bet he was a great dog.
James Wright 7 years ago
After reading your story and watching the video I had to stop and cry , He was very lucky to have such great parents in his short time here, My heart goes out to you and your family. IMG_0763-5...bee4eb.jpg 
Kikka io 7 years ago
I could not stop the tears coming down as I read the lines that accompanied these beautiful photos. I have a dog, which is now a year and a half, and I think of the incredible pain that I would have felt if I had come to miss it only after 9 months. because it has already happened to me, when my splendid mein c**n failed me at the age of 3 years, and also I thought about everything I wanted to do, live and share with him in all the years we would have had to live together and that instead I could not do because a terrible disease ripped me so soon. I am near you in the spirit, because it is a terrible pain to endure especially in a moment when everyone is happy and you feel yourself dying inside. I send you a hug from Italy and I tell you: it will never pass completely, but slowly it will only hurt when you think about it, and not continuously like now. you must wait and be patient. and above all take another dog, because his love can help you a lot.
Yolanda Qin 7 years ago
Sorry for your loss and hope your puppy rest peacefully in heaven. Tears poured down my cheeks. Hope you could recover from this.
Katie Dufrane 7 years ago
Omg my heart is just crying what a beautiful story and baby i would do anything for my fur babies. Anything. Rip sweet baby😟
BREAK YOUr perceptions 7 years ago
why is it raining on this page? its very odd. it only started raining after i was reading this. anyone know how to make it stop?
Hanna Fikeis 7 years ago
I 'skim' read the letter only because I started crying almost immediatelly. I am so sorry to hear about your puppy, he must've been such a sweetheart...
Debi Gagermeier 7 years ago
so so sorry. You video has me in tears at work. No one can unders tand lose until they have lost a pet.
LRo 7 years ago
He was beautiful and such a good boy. I'm so sorry he died. You loved him well, and I hope this pain heals soon and you find it in your hearts to welcome another furry friend who needs it, too. Soon after I lost my Little Kitty I brought home Bianca, and never regretted the decision to help myself heal and grow to love someone else who needed me. Wishing you a merry Christmas not in mourning but in celebrating the beginning of your lives together as a married couple, who have already overcome a challenge together and have a new year and endless possibility ahead.
Tamara Laney 7 years ago
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking for you. You were so blessed to have each other.
Linda Newhouse 7 years ago
I'm sorry for your loss. tears are dripping down my face. It reminded me of my cat who died when she was 14. She had a long full life, but it is never long enough. We had a very strong attachment. Now I have another kitty. She is epileptic. I have to give her a pill two times a day to prevent the seizures. I just found out she is also blind a month or so ago. It explains so much of her quirky behaviors. It is hard to believe she is blind sometimes when it seems like she is staring me in the eyes. I guess she must be listening to me breath and sniffing the air coming from my direction. Our pets give us so much. Their love stays forever in our hearts. My sincere condolences.
Magpie 7 years ago
Bless u for looking after her so well. In time it will become easier to remember the good times. It is an act of courage: we know our pets will most likely die much earlier than us. but we still do invite them into our homes and love them as much as we can. And they give us so much pleasure and love.
Louise Reardon 7 years ago
I am very sorry. My Yorkie passed 2/29/17. She was 9. I had expected her to live 15 to 17 years old. I know your pain. Some days I cannot stand her not being with me. I would like to say it will get better but I do not know if it will. Talk about your dog often, remember everything. Cry as much as you need.
Christopher Schlumpf 3 months ago
You will see your puppy again one day. We all live beyond these hard lives.
John DeAngelo 6 years ago
Beautiful dog, very sad story. It’s hard enough losing a dog but one so young is especially difficult. What a pity that his degenerative brain disease wasn’t diagnosed earlier in his life. He went downhill very quickly. You certainly gave him a fullfilling life during his short time on this earth. RIP! Sweet boy
Michelle Lee 6 years ago
You are a good person. I'm so sorry about your loss but that puppy had the best life possible on Earth. Thank you for your love
Shane Chang 6 years ago
I'm so sorry, I couldn't read this... I'm so emotional just from skimming the pics. I have a healthy, nearly 2 year old sweetheart Maltese. Every day I'm terrified to go home from work, so afraid I'll find her dead when I get home. I'm sorry for you loss.
Elisabeth Noguera 6 years ago
This one of these posts, that makes me cry (something not usual). With every animal I lost, a wound appeared in my heart, and it became a scar, that is always there. What happened to your puppy was unfair, as most of premature deaths and suffering of animals. Poor beauty...
Laura Ford-Everett 6 years ago
Awe this one make me cry. What a lucky pup he was to have you...and you him. You gave him your heart because you promised to love and take care of him and you did. Lucky doggo for sure. I am so sorry for your loss <3
Linda Blomquist 6 years ago
So sorry for your loss. Kohole knew he was loved and his short life was a good one thanks to his humans. x
Rosalind Duffy 7 years ago
Beautiful. My sincere condolences. Wonderful tribute to such a lovely dog. So very sorry.
Echo 7 years ago
Thank you for sharing. I am truly sorry for your loss, but it did give me a moment to reflect back on my losses as well. They bring such great joy, and can never stay around long enough. But we hope that we gave them more than enough love so that when they go, we know that we gave them everything they ever wanted. As time passes hopefully another will come your way who will give you more joy till the end of their days.
Arienne de Vassal 7 years ago
I'm crying my eyes out watching this. I know what it's like to love and lose a beloved pet, but 9 months is wrong! I am so very sorry for your loss, this was a sweet and beautiful tribute to an amazing boy who left way too soon.
Laura Perkinson 7 years ago
What a heartbreaking beautiful life you had with Kolohe. Your letter made me cry. but what a wonderful home you gave him for as long as he was with you. I am so so sorry for your hurt and lose.
John Holden 7 years ago
I'm sorry for your loss of a very beautiful dog. I loved the line about your vet wondering if he was broken because he was so obedient – having a lovely well-behaved dog as part of a family makes a loss even harder. I wish you peace and fond memories of the good times you shared together.
Halen Effinger 7 years ago
i'm so upset i didnt think i'd cry for some reason and here i am bawling my eyes out at 4 in the morning
Sky Catana 7 years ago
So heartbreaking. So much love from beginning to end. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Thank you for giving him the greatest 9 months a puppy could ask for.
Sky 6 years ago
You don't have to be such a f***ing a*****e all the time. Burn in Hell.
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Kate Szymanski 7 years ago
I'm so sorry for your loss. It's not right to see such a young one go, but you obviously filled his time with great adventures to cherish forever. You'll see him again one day in a better place.
Dar Roepke 7 years ago
Words can't express how deeply sorry I am, for losing your sweet, beautiful Kolohe...I understand that hurt oh too well. It is so hard to explain to anyone, just how badly it hurts. Anyone that loves a dog, like you and your husband did, really gets it. There are "pet owners" and then there are "dog parents"...quite a big difference. My husband and I weren't able to have children, and our dogs were our babies. Words can't really express just how much love I have for animals, but especially dogs. There is just something so very special about dogs, they have such loving hearts, and they steal yours. But always remember, honor your dog, and give that special love to another...that is what your dog would want. He'd want another dog to feel that kind of love too, as that kind of love is hard to come by. I hope as your heart heals, you will someday find another special "love bug" to give your life special meaning again.
Greg T 7 years ago
Wait to watch the video till you are home alone!!! (says the 6'4" 250#, heavily tattooed impound lot supervisor) I'm a freakin mess over here!
stephaniejarstad (Post author) 7 years ago
hahah thank you for that description. From one dog lover to another, I'm glad you were touched. Sorry for making you cry.
Load More Replies... Greg T 7 years ago
Are the last pics of him laying down forever??? Freaking crying mess over here!!!
stephaniejarstad (Post author) 7 years ago
He is just taking a nap in the last photos. It was a few days before we put him down, but we knew his time was coming soon. I didn't want to have the last photos of him looking frail and weak, but at peace resting.This is the way I want to remember him and think of him in puppy heaven - taking naps in the woods and running his heart out. I'm glad you were touched by his story.
Load More Replies... Ml7500 7 years ago
Damned onion ninjas... I'm cuddling my 5 month big puppy for you. Take care <3
stephaniejarstad (Post author) 7 years ago
Give your pup and extra hug from us <3
Load More Replies... JillVille Child Care 7 years ago
I wasn't going to read this, nor look at the photos. But I did and now I'm in tears. I've said goodbye to many dogs over my lifetime and it truly does not get easier (as some would try to have one believe). You've done well by this sweet pup of yours, and I'd be right there with you for another 15 years with any of mine if we could have had more time. Big ol' puppy hugs and slobbers to you & your family.
SJ_Panda_love 7 years ago
Such a cutie, and really a heart breaking story. I hope he is running in green grass in doggy heaven with his new pals. Damn it, will you stop cutting onions at least in office.
Marion Friedl 7 years ago
What a beautiful way to say goodbye to your pooch, may precious Kolohe run free behind the Rainbow Bridge now!!!
Leslie Tollefson 7 years ago
I'm so sorry for your loss. Nine hundred years isn't enough time with our fur babies. But she'll be watching over you guys, and waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for you. LoseDog-5a...f1c5e6.jpg
Copperhead 7 years ago
There is only one thing wrong with dogs; They don't live as long as we do. From the pictures it looks like your pup was happy and content, and I bet you gave 15 years of love in the 9 months you spent together. So sorry for the loss, I've been there and know the pain.
Janet Farley 7 years ago
So sorry for your loss. I understand what it means to lose a fur baby that means so much to you as I lost mine last week. I had the blessing of having her longer than 9 months but know that love isn't measured on a calendar but in our hearts. Your pictures are beautiful and I suspect they will comfort you in the years to come. <3
Stephie Wright 7 years ago
Sending love from one husky owner/lover to another. Your pup was so beautiful. Huskies are so amazing and such a special breed. I love your multiple nicknames. We do the same with our boy. I know how heartbreaking it is to put an animal to rest. I had to do the same with my boy Moon last year. Very sorry for your loss.
Katinka Min 7 years ago
What a terrible loss!! 9 month is way too short to have with your dog. :'-( I am surprised, though. Degenerative disease and seizures in a nine months of old husky? That must have been one truly aweful breeder. I hope there aren't any more litters from that combination, blue eyes or not.
Kev Jen Wanderlust 6 years ago
We lost our 8 yr old husky mix over the summer. 6 months later we're still devastated and people who aren't dog owners will never understand and blow it off by saying we should just get another dog - as if they are just interchangeable objects. You found an amazing way to share your love of your dog with all of us and I hope it helps you find comfort. . Great story and great pictures.
annette byrne 7 years ago
So very sad just broke my heart into millions of tiny pieces so sorry for you're loss sleep well little one
Bree Manning 7 years ago
Im sitting here balling what a lovely story thank you for sharing. VERY sorry for your loss. what an amazing 9 months you gifted this beautiful boy x
Desiré Yen 7 years ago
My deepest sincerest condolences on your loss. Loosing your fur baby is HORRIFIC 😱 Pray your hearts heal. Hope to see your loved one in doggy heaven one day❤
Pragya Fating 7 years ago
He looks peaceful. He reminds me of nymeria from Game of thrones. Don't u worry in dog heaven he will not be in pain. I m sorry for your loss.
Doug Gentry 7 years ago
My Baby Fur Girl,"Husky Shepherd passed away and we invited a little Husky/Wolf to come join our pack. It's quite the adventure. She's now almost 9 months. I'm so so very sorry you and your Husband had to experience this loss. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers.
stephaniejarstad (Post author) 7 years ago
Aw, it's so hard to say goodbye. They are such special dogs! Give yours some extra loves from our pack tonight.
Load More Replies... Pia Minas-Cavdar 7 years ago
Completetly in tears over this. So beutifully written and so true......
Meaghan Baker 7 years ago
Thank you so much for sharing! We just put our 13 yr old beagle down this morning for the same symptoms, however, his spine was fusing together. It's unfair that our furbabies don't live as long as we do. I'm so sorry for your loss! If anything ever happened to my husky, idk what I'd do!
Margaret Turnbull 7 years ago
You gave your beautiful dog a short but beautiful life. Heartbreaking
Terrylynn Mills 7 years ago
Wonderful, I to lost my baby ball of fluff n know how heart wrenching it is, what was written touched me deeply n I am sorry for ur loss I would like to say time does heal ur wounds, but it takes a lot of it to do so, n there is a doggie heaven n u will get to see ur ball of fluff again one day!
i dont want one 6 years ago
I am so sorry. I've lost so many pets over the years, and it's always devastating. You're right, it's never enough time. We lost a kitten to FIP (feline infectious peritonitis), he must have come home from the shelter with it, he went downhill in the matter of a few hours. My heart truly goes out to you.
Bruce Bursten 6 years ago
Stephnaie, We feel your pain and love. We have a Jack Russell Terrier, Spanky, who tuned 18 on Sept 14, 2017. He is aging quickly, but is the love of our life. Thank You.
Teressa Felts 6 years ago
So sorry for your loss. He was a beautiful dog and you gave him a wonderful life. It was so hard to watch that video, but glad you have that to view over and over. I have three fur babies and I pray that God will have all our fur babies in heaven when we all get there. They are the joy of my life, as Kolohe was to you. Thank you for sharing.
Lindi Littleton 6 years ago
Omg this hit home. I lost my Bruno not even a year ago. I still cry for him everyday. I loved him so. You made this so beautiful and heart warming. I'm sorry for your loss. May you mend the hole with the memories you have. God bless you
Tanya Vudler Casale 6 years ago
So very sorry for your tragic loss of your friend. It must be devastating, as the losses of our dearest friends always are. Just remember that he is waiting for you on the other side to join him one day. ❤️
Carolyn Bruno 6 years ago
Sorry for the loss of your beautiful pup, kolohe he looked like a sweetheart.I know he will be missed.❤❤❤🐶🐶
Shannon Neumeyer 6 years ago
That was beautiful. Anyone who has lost a part of their family would love this.
Pat Pechon 6 years ago
Sometimes Angels can only stay a moment. He was in the absolutely perfect place. Deciding which of you was more lucky, would be impossible. Thank you for sharing, and spreading the love of a dog.
Connie May 6 years ago
that was one loved dog who had an amazing rich life shared with people he loved. Im so sorry for your loss.
Crystal Clark 6 years ago
Prayers to your sweet pup. Our cat kolby passed from congestive heart failure, at 9 years old, 6 months aftee being diagnosed. I would wake up at 2am, and give you your medicine every four hours, do anything to make you more comfortable, research oxygen producing plants, alternatives, try anything, pay every cent I could to have any extra time with you my sweet boy
Rebecca Perdue 6 years ago
Thank you for sharing your tragic story. I also recently lost my beautiful dog, Anubis. He was my best friend. My shadow. When I have a sad thought about him, I turn it around and think about how grateful I am to have had this special friend in my life who brought me such happiness.
sosunlight 6 years ago
Such a gorgeous pooch! And so fortunate to have had such a loving family, even if only for a little while :'(
Nathalie Hidalgo 6 years ago
So beautiful and so sad. Dogs are the most perfect creatures. They are limitless in their love for us and teach us to be almost as good as they are. I miss my furrybabygirl too. Lily is greeting your Kolohe, as she’s been gone 2 months and 2 days longer.
Norma-Jean Anderson 6 years ago
I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. ... a beautiful dog who had a beautiful life thanks to you.... may you be able to find comfort in that. I'd imagine he is now running free, no pain, waiting to see you again some day.
Linda McMullen 6 years ago
This breaks my heart. I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved baby.💖
Carina Vassilieva 7 years ago
I am so sorry for your loss and feel your pain and your heartbreak...i lost my beloved soul dog Rex to degenerative myelopathy this past September. I don't think the pain of the loss ever goes away fully, but with time it will become tolerable. This is not the end; Love never dies. Love and Light.
Kate Mcq 7 years ago
I understand your pain. We lost our pup at 7 months of age from congestive heart failure. It was sudden but I would have done everything I could to manage her condition. The one thing I can say is that giving my love to another pup has been therepeutic. At first I didn't want another dog because I didn't want to "replace" her. Then I realized that I have too much love to give and what better way to honor my pup then to give love to a pup that needs it.
Bill Gutekunst 7 years ago
am so sorry about you puppy passing. He is gone from you but will always live in your heart. You will meet again when he comes running across the Rainbow Bridge. God Bless all of you.
robert declercq 7 years ago
im so so sorry for your loss of your beautiful fur baby!! i know huskies are the best dogs on the planet, and you gave him the best year of his life, and you will see him again one day i promise i had a beautiful siberian husky for 14 .5 yrs and she has been gone 3.5 yrs and i still cry but i know they are a gift from god that we need to cherish . god speed to you and the family!!
Kathi Burns 7 years ago
What a beautiful tribute to such a beautiful and beloved boy. I am so sorry for your loss. Brain ailments are so quick and so frustrating ..... and so unfair. Thank you for sharing. 💔
Sheila Zimmer 7 years ago
So sorry for your terrible heartbreak. We’re you able to have a necropsy performed on him? We’re you able to contact his breeder? He sure was a beautiful dog, again I am so sorry.
Cynthia Lamacchia 7 years ago
Im.so sorry....I lost my baby in Aug at 6 yes very unexpectedly. ...there's nothing like that pain. <3
William Poole 7 years ago
So very sorry for the loss of your pup. We put down a 15 year old pup that to this day, nearly three years later, I still miss his breath on my skin, watching his dog-mares while he slept, the rake of his fur, or incessant pawing for attention or pieces of pear and other treats. It is not for the loss of a dog...but "that dog" that breaks my heart.
Deirdre McGoldrick 7 years ago
Thank you so much for sharing a glimpse of what Life was like with Kolohe. For some of us, Our Pets are our children, either before we bring a child into the world, or because we're unable to medically, & they fill that void. And your Loss is just as important. The Grief the same, to me. Your photos captured the Love in Kolohe's eyes, that she had for you & your husband. And you can see the Happiness n how utterly comfortable you made Kolohe feel in this Life. These photos, although they may be hard to look at noq
Deirdre McGoldrick 7 years ago
....to look at now, will bring tears of Joy in the years to come. Kohohe was one lucky Husky to have parents like you two!! But I'm sure you both would say, No, we were the lucky ones. And although your time was cut so short, at least you were given 9 months full of Love & Happiness!!!
Load More Replies... Anna Mundi 7 years ago
I'm truly heartbroken for you. It is a beautiful thing, however, to see a love so strong and pure: yours and you husband's for Kolohe, and Kolohe's for you. I hope as time goes on, the heartbreak fades and just leaves the love and the good memories.
Valerie Deacon 7 years ago
I am so very sorry for your loss and the ensuing pain and grief you will endure. It's never ever easy to lose those you love so dearly!!! ❤️🙏🏻❤️
Coyote Cosmica 7 years ago
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a dog is never easy. It hurts a special kind of nasty. But I honestly believe they give us more than what they take. We get to keep the memories, and all that love and light in them. We're never, ever the same after they come into our lives, and how amazing is that? Thanks for making Kolohe's life an amazing one and for sharing him with us.
Rose Brooks 7 years ago
A short life, but so full of love and kindness, would that all canine babies could see the same care.
DisneyworldFAN 7 years ago
The husky is so cute! I am so sorry he died. I bet he was a great dog.
James Wright 7 years ago
After reading your story and watching the video I had to stop and cry , He was very lucky to have such great parents in his short time here, My heart goes out to you and your family. IMG_0763-5...bee4eb.jpg
Kikka io 7 years ago
I could not stop the tears coming down as I read the lines that accompanied these beautiful photos. I have a dog, which is now a year and a half, and I think of the incredible pain that I would have felt if I had come to miss it only after 9 months. because it has already happened to me, when my splendid mein c**n failed me at the age of 3 years, and also I thought about everything I wanted to do, live and share with him in all the years we would have had to live together and that instead I could not do because a terrible disease ripped me so soon. I am near you in the spirit, because it is a terrible pain to endure especially in a moment when everyone is happy and you feel yourself dying inside. I send you a hug from Italy and I tell you: it will never pass completely, but slowly it will only hurt when you think about it, and not continuously like now. you must wait and be patient. and above all take another dog, because his love can help you a lot.
Yolanda Qin 7 years ago
Sorry for your loss and hope your puppy rest peacefully in heaven. Tears poured down my cheeks. Hope you could recover from this.
Katie Dufrane 7 years ago
Omg my heart is just crying what a beautiful story and baby i would do anything for my fur babies. Anything. Rip sweet baby😟
BREAK YOUr perceptions 7 years ago
why is it raining on this page? its very odd. it only started raining after i was reading this. anyone know how to make it stop?
Hanna Fikeis 7 years ago
I 'skim' read the letter only because I started crying almost immediatelly. I am so sorry to hear about your puppy, he must've been such a sweetheart...
Debi Gagermeier 7 years ago
so so sorry. You video has me in tears at work. No one can unders tand lose until they have lost a pet.
LRo 7 years ago
He was beautiful and such a good boy. I'm so sorry he died. You loved him well, and I hope this pain heals soon and you find it in your hearts to welcome another furry friend who needs it, too. Soon after I lost my Little Kitty I brought home Bianca, and never regretted the decision to help myself heal and grow to love someone else who needed me. Wishing you a merry Christmas not in mourning but in celebrating the beginning of your lives together as a married couple, who have already overcome a challenge together and have a new year and endless possibility ahead.
Tamara Laney 7 years ago
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking for you. You were so blessed to have each other.
Linda Newhouse 7 years ago
I'm sorry for your loss. tears are dripping down my face. It reminded me of my cat who died when she was 14. She had a long full life, but it is never long enough. We had a very strong attachment. Now I have another kitty. She is epileptic. I have to give her a pill two times a day to prevent the seizures. I just found out she is also blind a month or so ago. It explains so much of her quirky behaviors. It is hard to believe she is blind sometimes when it seems like she is staring me in the eyes. I guess she must be listening to me breath and sniffing the air coming from my direction. Our pets give us so much. Their love stays forever in our hearts. My sincere condolences.
Magpie 7 years ago
Bless u for looking after her so well. In time it will become easier to remember the good times. It is an act of courage: we know our pets will most likely die much earlier than us. but we still do invite them into our homes and love them as much as we can. And they give us so much pleasure and love.
Louise Reardon 7 years ago
I am very sorry. My Yorkie passed 2/29/17. She was 9. I had expected her to live 15 to 17 years old. I know your pain. Some days I cannot stand her not being with me. I would like to say it will get better but I do not know if it will. Talk about your dog often, remember everything. Cry as much as you need.
Christopher Schlumpf 3 months ago
You will see your puppy again one day. We all live beyond these hard lives.
John DeAngelo 6 years ago
Beautiful dog, very sad story. It’s hard enough losing a dog but one so young is especially difficult. What a pity that his degenerative brain disease wasn’t diagnosed earlier in his life. He went downhill very quickly. You certainly gave him a fullfilling life during his short time on this earth. RIP! Sweet boy
Michelle Lee 6 years ago
You are a good person. I'm so sorry about your loss but that puppy had the best life possible on Earth. Thank you for your love
Shane Chang 6 years ago
I'm so sorry, I couldn't read this... I'm so emotional just from skimming the pics. I have a healthy, nearly 2 year old sweetheart Maltese. Every day I'm terrified to go home from work, so afraid I'll find her dead when I get home. I'm sorry for you loss.
Elisabeth Noguera 6 years ago
This one of these posts, that makes me cry (something not usual). With every animal I lost, a wound appeared in my heart, and it became a scar, that is always there. What happened to your puppy was unfair, as most of premature deaths and suffering of animals. Poor beauty...
Laura Ford-Everett 6 years ago
Awe this one make me cry. What a lucky pup he was to have you...and you him. You gave him your heart because you promised to love and take care of him and you did. Lucky doggo for sure. I am so sorry for your loss <3
Linda Blomquist 6 years ago
So sorry for your loss. Kohole knew he was loved and his short life was a good one thanks to his humans. x
Rosalind Duffy 7 years ago
Beautiful. My sincere condolences. Wonderful tribute to such a lovely dog. So very sorry.
Echo 7 years ago
Thank you for sharing. I am truly sorry for your loss, but it did give me a moment to reflect back on my losses as well. They bring such great joy, and can never stay around long enough. But we hope that we gave them more than enough love so that when they go, we know that we gave them everything they ever wanted. As time passes hopefully another will come your way who will give you more joy till the end of their days.
Arienne de Vassal 7 years ago
I'm crying my eyes out watching this. I know what it's like to love and lose a beloved pet, but 9 months is wrong! I am so very sorry for your loss, this was a sweet and beautiful tribute to an amazing boy who left way too soon.
Laura Perkinson 7 years ago
What a heartbreaking beautiful life you had with Kolohe. Your letter made me cry. but what a wonderful home you gave him for as long as he was with you. I am so so sorry for your hurt and lose.
John Holden 7 years ago
I'm sorry for your loss of a very beautiful dog. I loved the line about your vet wondering if he was broken because he was so obedient – having a lovely well-behaved dog as part of a family makes a loss even harder. I wish you peace and fond memories of the good times you shared together.
Halen Effinger 7 years ago
i'm so upset i didnt think i'd cry for some reason and here i am bawling my eyes out at 4 in the morning
Sky Catana 7 years ago
So heartbreaking. So much love from beginning to end. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Thank you for giving him the greatest 9 months a puppy could ask for.
Sky 6 years ago
You don't have to be such a f***ing a*****e all the time. Burn in Hell.
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