Kimo the Eskimo Dog
by Peggy Collins
Title
Kimo the Eskimo Dog
Artist
Peggy Collins
Medium
Digital Art - Mixed Media
Description
Commissioned portrait of Kimo, a beautiful American Eskimo dog. Following is a heartfelt letter Kimo's owners wrote after his passing, expressing their deep grief...
Dear Kimo,
Our hearts are shattered into a million pieces and I don’t think we can recover from this anytime soon. Until you have actually loved a dog deeply you won’t understand the excruciating pain of losing one. The human-animal bond is indescribable and runs immeasurably. Although neither of you speak the same language, you develop a deep connection you won’t get with another human.
Our first baby of 16 years is gone and we are numb to the core. We never thought it was possible to love a being so profoundly and so selflessly. You’ve taught us so many things without saying a word but through your actions you’ve changed us into completely different human beings, and now that you’re gone, we feel so lost and confused about our very own existence. The tears keep falling and we are unable to find solace. We see you everywhere in this house. You’re by the door wagging your bushy tail. Your nails clacking as you go up and down the stairs. You’re waiting for us to drop a treat or two in the kitchen or you’re jumping straight into the car without permission wanting to go wherever we’re headed.
I waited for you all my life. The first beloved American Eskimo dog I encountered on a street at a mere age of 5 and I was smitten! The minute I got my own place at 25 I got you, even before the furniture came. We were given the choice of any in the litter but your face and body language spoke to us. You were so little when we got you and so rambunctious that we knew our hands would be full but your character won us over.
You sat with Joel and I during our happiest and worst days. You licked our faces just because and also to take the pain away when we were in our foul moods. You welcomed Oliver into the family with trepidation but quickly opened up your space to him. You both rough-housed like every loving sibling does and then end your play licking Oli’s face and ears until they were drenched. You were always such a gentleman patiently waiting your turn behind Oliver as he was lapping water. Our road trips around the country won’t be the same without you.
We are struck with heavy sadness at your passing. We are glad to have had a chance to say goodbye and hug you many times on your last days. You left us on the floor watching a slideshow of all of us together on TV and us holding you in our arms. We looked you in the eye and told you that whenever you were ready you could leave. A few minutes later you stretched your legs and sighed your last breath. To never see you again in this lifetime is insufferable.
We miss you terribly. You fought a good fight Kimo. Prostate cancer then nose cancer. How much can one pet endure? Deep inside, we hoped you’d bounce back like you did with prostate cancer. Being brave, unyielding, and your eyes glistening with ambition as you conquered this battle. Then life threw us another curveball and the nose cancer just came on unexpectedly and aggressively. Just two weeks ago you were walking towards the ocean with so much desire to wade in it only to stop short because your ailing body wouldn’t let you.
I am hoping typing this letter gets rid of our heartaches but it's clearly not working. I could go on and on, writing about our adventures and crying our hearts out because this week is a tough one. In fact, I don’t think we’ve had a tougher week in our lives other than this and there were some rough ones! I want the world to know how much of an impact you’ve had in our lives and that of our families and friends. Hopefully we will find you in our dreams and fond memories so we could heal from this immense loss. Your passing symbolizes the end of an era, the end of a loyal best friend. Thank you for loving on us and letting us be your pet parents. Run free with your newly restored body. We loved you your whole life and we will continue to miss you for the rest of ours. Until we meet again.
Infinitely in our hearts,
Emily, Joel, and Oliver
Kimo
10.31.05 – 8.15.22 (9:07pm PT)
Uploaded
August 24th, 2022
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Viewed 906 Times - Last Visitor from Blue Bell, PA on 04/21/2024 at 10:58 AM
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