God Speed Sweet Kumba

[DivaDawg]

http://www.divadawg.com/KumbaRelaxed.jpg
KiaOra King Kumba, CGC, TDI, Certified Service Animal, Rescue Ambassador
Dec 31 1993 - Nov 11 2007

9/11 Kumba passed on to the rainbow bridge, after his bone cancer just got too much for him. He was hobbling bad, but it had gone to his lungs. He wasn't gasping (I would never allow that) but it was time, he lived with such dignity, he deserved to go to the bridge with dignity.

We went for our last walk that morning in the woods, Kumba got to pee on all his favorite trees, and with assistance we went down to the spring fed creek, where he loved to drink from, the sun was shining through the trees and ferns casting little shadows in the water, Kumba saw the shadows and looked at me, so I crouched down, and he layed in the water (only around 2" deep at this time of year) and I 'made the shadows dance' using my fingers and he scratched and 'pounced' in his own way into the dancing shadow into the water, where it splashed up, Diva and Kiss came running down, and they played too, then Kissy licked Kumba's ears, and Diva gave him her famous little butt wiggle in the face, Wicket came down and kissed Kumba and then he got up and we all walked (hobbled) up the bank together - it was a beautiful moment that I will forever remember and even now, even though I remember it with tears, I also smile, it was so so perfect.

Kumba passed away in my arms, with me telling him how much I loved him, and how much he meant to so many. He gave me a kiss and went gently to sleep. He passed with the same digitny in death as he lived his life. Gentle and loving to the very end. God Speed BooBoo.

Thanks to Terry & Gary Dyck for letting Kumba live his final year in Doggie Paradise (no stairs, no city fumes and lots of love), I was with Kumba for approx 2 weeks a month (in between my own chemo treatments), and he was so happy, loved his walks in the woods and Gary spoilt him rotten, they were buds.

On Saturday, Pete (my ex-hubby) drove down to Terry & Gary's and Gary and he went golfing and then came back to the house, where we had BBQ'd chicken and a bottle of champagne and toasted Kumba, To his 'family' that loved him and he loved back ten fold.

Farewell gentle boy, even though you aren't with us physically, you will always be with us in memory and spirit.

http://www.divadawg.com/TheCrew.jpg

I will do a Kumba Rainbow Bridge page, but not just yet, it's too hard.

Kumba was a therapy dog, certified service animal and the best ambassador for Rottie Rescue I have ever known. It gives me comfort to think he will walk among the souls of 9/11 and will continue to give comfort and love like he did when he visited the children's hospital, schools and cancer wards.

While we were in the waiting room, a 18mth old child was there and came over to BooBoo as he was laying down, with his head up, and as the child came (crawled) over, Kumba rolled onto his side and the child hugged him, and Kumba gave him a kiss, forever the gentleman, forever the ambassador - that is the way I will forever know him in my heart, he was not just my heart dog and the love of my life, he was everyone's dog, everyone that met him, fell in love with him.

May he find the rescues that have passed before him, but passed away in loving homes, because of him, and how he represented the breed and the species. My vet (Dr Reeves) said to me, "over 30yrs in practice, and I have never known a dog like him, and I don't think I ever will, he wasn't one in a million, he was one in ten million."

God Speed and may you find all the shadows to pounce on that your heart desires and I know you will be well tended until I can join you. I was proud to be blessed with you for the time I was.

I choose a private cremation for Kumba, and he will be sprinkled around a tree we will purchase at Terry & Gary's at Pup's paradise. In the woods there are many trials, Terry's son, Brad has asked if it's ok if he makes a sign like the ones you see at National Parks, and have on it "Kumba's Way" and it will be on the path leading down a slight hill, to the creek that Kumba so so loved.


Lis' Kristof
who feels like there is something missing, but who knows that Kumba will always be with me. My heart dog, my love, my first k9 furry child who taught me so so much.



Dallas, TX

[2rotties2luv]

What a lovely tribute to such a wonderful dog. How fortunate you are to have had him for so long. I am so sorry for your loss.

[smileygirl]

What a beautiful way to remember not only Kumba but what he meant to you. He was a very lucky boy to have such a wonderful life with a family that loved him so and allowed him to be ALL he was! May he pounce all day at the bridge and greet us all someday! Godspeed sweet boy...Tina

[spoiledbabies3]

Lis...Such a befitting tribute for such a wonderful example of the rottie breed! Kumba may have left you in physical body, but he will forever hold a piece of your heart as his spirit soars to watch over you. He is now your special "rottie angel" and he left the pain of OS behind to wait for you at the bridge. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I read about your very special boy, I understand the pain of cancer as I have lost 2 to the horrible disease and I have a 10 1/2 yo boy that was dx in April. Take those special memories and treasure them forever...Kumba would want you to do that. He would want you to remember him with love and cherish the special bond you had together. Godspeed sweet Kumba as you fly on your wings of gold that you so richly deserve. Watch over your mom because she misses you greatly. She needs you to hold her hand and help her through...Lis, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Time will help your heart to heal...take all the time you need. God Bless You.

[ralph]

Rest in Peace Kumba So sorry for your loss.... Sandi

[livertw]

I am so sorry for your loss. Letting them go is our greatest gift of love.

[Bucky's Mom]

What a wonderful tribute - I am so sorry for your loss

Lisa (Bucky's Mom)

[JuneyB]

A beautiful dog found his beautiful owners....and each were blessed.

Play pain free at the Bridge Kumba...you will be welcomed!!!

Prayers for you and your extended family Lis.

[gail pang]

First off I am so, so, sorry for your loss. I have often wondered
about you ,Kumba, and Wicket. I recall the problems from another
board (Petsmart) years and years ago. One was when you had to
go back home to have your surgery(insurance), you had to leave your big
boy for about six months,I prayed and prayed for you and Kumba.
You posted a picture of Kumba in the tub taking a special bath
because of his skin problem. I was having a similar problem at the
time with my guy.

Kumba has been welcomed by a wonderful group of angel rotties.

Now you must take care of yourself. Again I am so sorry. Hugs to you.

[Karyn]

I am so very sorry for your loss. His excellent work was done and now he has gone to the bridge to wait for you. God Speed good and noble Kumba.

[Rottlva]

What a beautiful tribute to a very beautiful boy. He is up above now, continuing his work, and has left a mark forever on this earth. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[Ilovemypuppy]

I read your beautiful tribute to Kumba through tears running down my face as I could feel the love between this magnificent soul and all those he touched. . Run free at the bridge sweet Kumba, there will be a creek there for you to play in, I am sure of it.

Your memory will live on in paw prints on all the hearts that came to know your gentle way.

[KatMc]

What a wonderful tribute - I'm so sorry for your loss. Kumba sounds like he was truly a wonderful spirit.

Kathy