Goodbye, my beloved little Todd.
Todd, aka the Todd-father, was found years ago in the BP Oil Spill.
He was cleaned up and left behind in a high kill rural Louisiana shelter.
It wasn't long before little Todd won over the hearts of the volunteers there, who were reaching out to rescue groups all over the country on his behalf. Begging them to pull him.
He was moments away from euthanasia for space when he was pulled by a local rescue. Next thing he knew, he was in the lap of a pilot -- flying the friendly skies to Washington, DC.
Todd had numerous health issues going on- from his teeth to his malformed hip to heartworm. I'd learned about him through social media, and started following his story and donating to his care.
Finally, I inquired about adoption.
He had already spoken for. The woman had 3 other Chi's and wanted to add him to her existing pack. She took him to her vet, and the vet instructed her not to adopt him... saying he was (and I quote) "a lemon."
So, as fate would have it, his foster contacted us- and the rest is history.
The addition of Todd was one of the best decisions I've ever made. He was the glue that held us together after Tucker passed... who Raiyna was tightly bonded to. Todd helped her through mourning the loss of her brother.
He was also my righthand man with all the dogs who came through my boarding school program (for those who may not know, I'm a canine behavioral trainer and author). He was small... but mighty. Mighty in energy. Very clear - and fair- with his communication. Stood his ground. And never took any of the other dogs' shenanigans personally.
He was also the bridge between humans who feared dogs... and dogs; and turned non-dog people (and non-small-dog-people) into dog (and small dog) people.
Fast forward several years. At 14 yrs of age, little Todd started showing signs of dementia. He'd walk into corners and not know how to get out.
Then he started not knowing how to walk a straight line.
Losing depth perception.
Knowing how to navigate steps.
He hasn't barked or made a peep---- not a sound----- in over 2 years now.
Todd started forgetting everything he'd ever learned.... as well as how to drink water and eat... became incontinent...and just became a shell of who he once was.
His waking hours are spent walking in circles. Clockwise. Always clockwise.
I've been waiting for God to play God.
Waiting for Nature to take its course.
I deeply struggle with "playing God" and ending a life.
Any life.
I understand when there's need, there's need.
But we've both been hanging on as long as we could.
There's been zero quality of life for little Todd for a very long time now.
If you've been following me for a while, then you likely know what all has been going on in our world.
I'm asking for help.
Help to give little Todd the send-off he deserves.
Times have been unspeakably difficult as a small business, so I'm asking for help.
There's so much pain and struggle going on in the world right now. I know this.
But, if you know me.... if you know Todd... if he's touched you in your life in some way... if you've been following my work for a while, please consider helping us.
After many... many... months of struggle and hardship.... I've finally come to the understanding that he needs help crossing over. His appointment is tomorrow morning. And this is absolutely killing me.
I ask that you keep me and my beloved fur-mily in your thoughts and prayers.
This last year has been riddled with exceptional loss and devastation.... and it's continuing in a number of ways.
Thank you......
Warmest,
Kimberly A.
https://gofund.me/2aa44427
