Kuma came into this world on December 9, 2004 and my life the very next day. He left for heaven on January 30, 2016 in my arms and surrounded by his family. Kuma had a full and happy life. Kuma was my first dog and captured my heart immediately! His name was chosen because he looked like a little bear. We found Kuma which is Japanese for bear. It fit him perfectly and he was unlike any other puppy and deserved a unique name. He was 100% chocolate lab and never missed a chance to greet visitors at the door by enthusiastically greeting them and trying to give them a kiss. His happiness and joy were hard for him to contain. He loved dressing up each Halloween to deliver treats to the neighborhood children. We had to go door to door because he just couldn’t contain his excitement if he waited at home for them. He loved holidays and patiently unwrapped each gift as if it were fragile.
I know he considered himself a human and was my protector and best friend. Where I went, he followed. He loved going for rides with me and grew from a tiny pup who could ride on my lap to the large lab that often tried to put all 130 pounds on my lap. He loved to hog the bed and snored like a human. He had a weakness for chicken and pizza. He loved going for daily walks around our neighborhood and looked forward to the many children who would greet him daily and give him “lovins”. He would often stop in the middle of the street and stare at a neighbor until the person came over and gave him a little “lovin”. We tried to walk every day regardless of the obstacles. This past year his walks ended and we resorted to play sessions in the back yard. Kuma was officially blessed at church and I am so grateful he was able to walk, eat and play until the morning of his passing. He gave me kisses as he went as if to tell me it would be ok. I know Kuma is in heaven and I am so blessed to have had him in my life. I miss you buddy. Soon we will be together in heaven and can walk and play with Mr. Squeakers again. I love you Kuma!