5-22-95 to 10-28-08
Kiowa was just 4 1/2 weeks old when he and I met. All curls and wet, his 4-legged Mom had him and his siblings swimming…it was love at first sight. We made the journey down from Patton, Maine to Mohegan Lake, New York. Introducing him to his new brother, a 2 yr. old tabby-mix, named Tonkie was more entertainment than any TV show could provide. Kiowa was as round as he was long, all feet and ears racing around trying to catch Tonk. As Kiowa grew so did Tonkie’s patience, now able to share treats and not hurt one another. This once ball of fur was a full grown 110 lb. eating and play machine. His great joys, all his life were his “babies”, various sized stuffed animals. I think at last count he had well over 150 of them, (in every nook and cranny of the house). When Kiowa was 1 year old, we (3), Tonkie also, moved from New York to Colorado. What an adventure! Our new house consisted of a hot tub and in-ground pool. Both were thoroughly examined by Kiowa, trying each out, to make sure they were safe of course.
Over the next twelve years Kiowa amazed me how caring and devoted he was to our family and especially me, giving unconditional love whenever needed or not needed. He listened and would look at me in a knowing sense only a dog companion would understand. Our days were always filled with “baby” related issues, (washing-drying), while counting them going in the washer and out…walks in the mountain trails, running full speed into Carter Lake, chasing out elephants…if any existed. Christmas days, packages were never safe…curiosity underestimated Kiowa. At night, bedtime rituals, and of course his own pillow, sleeping right next to Mom, snoring! So many memories, so little space, but they all fit deep inside my heart.
My life changed that day in Maine, and so did Kiowa’s, our relationship started and bloomed. As hard as losing my companion is, I know in my heart, he still lays next to me in bed and watches TV next to me on the couch, making sure there ARE NO elephants to scare me…and always the unconditional love we shared.
Lovingly, Kiowa’s Mom, Vicki L. Pormen