This article was originally published on November 6, 2024.

Saying the Forever Goodbye

Back in March 2020, we faced the heartbreaking decision to say goodbye to our beloved 13-year-old Akita, Kodi Bear. He had undergone hip and knee surgery as a pup, but after 12 years, it became clear that his sweet old body was just worn out. The arthritis from his surgeries was incredibly painful, and he struggled to stand and control his bowels. Kodi was always the dog who never had accidents in the house, so we could see how embarrassed he was when it happened.

We scheduled an appointment with the vet, and if you know Akitas, you know they often require muzzling because of their aggressive nature. But Kodi was the gentlest soul, and when the vet heard it was time for him, she assured her staff that

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