3:14 On 3-14

This maybe the last thing you would expect from a personal development blog but it’s something I just feel like I need to share.

In 2003, I had moved from my hometown of Toronto, Ontario to the bustling metropolis of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (There is humor in that statement, trust me). My child’s mother Kym, was from that part of Canada and after we broke up, she informed me that she would be moving back to her hometown.

I made the decision, literally in a minute, to leave everything I knew in Toronto and be around my son as he grew up. Even if his mom and me never worked out, I wouldn’t become ‘one of those Dad’s’.

The first few months there were rough. I didn’t know anyone. I tried to find friends and eventually did start developing good relationships with some of the people I met but I kinda decided…I needed a real companion.

In September of 2003, Dakota was born and in October, she would come home and become my new best friend.

I actually was trying to get a ‘chocolate Labrador’ but Kym recommended that I consider a Rottweiler. She had grew up with them and said they were the best dogs to own.

A Rottweiler?

To grow up around my son? Aren’t these the dogs that have killed more human beings than any other dog breed? Aren’t they dangerous?

I was pretty ignorant but I started to do my homework and found a local breeder in Saskatoon and decided to take the plunge. What an adventure it’s been!

Over the next decade plus, Dakota and I were inseparable. She saw my pain, she saw my struggles and she also experienced my wins. She was at my side on the long road trips to and from Edmonton, Toronto and Saskatoon, she was beside me every single day…When I say, she saw it all…This insane journey from where I was to where I am today, she saw it ALL lol!

This truly was my best friend. And unless you have owned a dog, you can never really understand the bond one has with them. You just can’t describe it.

Over the past few months, I could see her slowing down though. Heck she was 13 going on 14 years old and Rottweilers aren’t supposed to make it past 10 or 11. She was on borrowed time but I was so blessed for all the friendship she gave me over the years.

Yesterday (March 12th) my wife and I decided it was time to let her rest. She was having so many health problems and I could see it in her eyes, it was time.

Today at 3:14 pm ironically on the 14th day of the 3rd month of the year, I put my best friend to rest.

Again, this may be the last thing you would expect from this blog, but it’s part of my journey and I wouldn’t have done it any other way.

Dakota, you will be sorely missed and I cannot thank you enough for being such a huge part of my life over these years.

Rest in peace my friend!

29 thoughts to “3:14 On 3-14”

  1. Sorry for your loss John , These furry friends of ours are much more than that they are put of our story.

    Human or animal this is always appropriate

    Do not stand at my grave and weep
    I am not there. I do not sleep.
    I am a thousand winds that blow.
    I am the diamond glints on snow.
    I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
    I am the gentle autumn rain.
    When you awaken in the morning’s hush
    I am the swift uplifting rush
    Of quiet birds in circled flight.
    I am the soft stars that shine at night.
    Do not stand at my grave and cry;
    I am not there. I did not die.
    ~~~Mary Elizabeth Frye

  2. Hi Jon. I am so, so sorry for your loss of Dakota. I give you my deepest sympathy and send you my daily prayers. You wrote a very beautiful post about your Dear Friend you just lost.

    The poem Tim posted is so fitting.

    Big, Big Hugs, Prayers Jon.

    1. Thanks Renee…Was the worst. I’ve never put down a pet before. Horrible experience leading up to it, but she passed very peacefully.

  3. Losing a Pet is one of the hardest things to do. It tugs at your heart strings, Felt that pain a number of times. There a part of your family, I had a cat many years ago followed me every where, Even jumped into my car when I got home. Cried like a baby when he died, Still thing of him today. I’ve taken that trip to the vet to have to put a Dog to Rest. It’s not easy. Like Jon said if you’ve never had a pet it’s really hard to imagine the feeling. Sorry for Your Loss Jon

  4. She will forever be Kota to me – what a great tribute Jon. I love the fact that she “welcomed” her new furry friends into the house, and feathered friends too. It seemed like she never got jealous – I think she knew where she stood with you. Sorry for you loss Jon – RIP Kota – you were a great friend.

    1. Thanks Kent. Yeah man, she was the best. Always welcomed people to the house (after a few loud barks mind you lol) and was always good with the other pets.

  5. So sorry to hear about Dakota Jon, it is sad when you lose a great friend. Your memories will always remain. Hugs to you all and its good that you have shared with us here on the Plus One blog.

  6. Dear Jon,
    I feel your pain as I have lost a cat before. The good memories will always last and I hope your heart will be comforted during this time knowing the goodness you brought to Dakota’s life πŸ™‚ Thank you so much for sharing your journey with her in your blog today, and many hugs your way.

    With love,
    Laura

  7. So sorry to hear that, I know how hard it is I lost my Pulga (Portuguese for Flea) a couple of years ago, and couldn’t get out of bed for days.

    Remember the good times

  8. I also had a dog for 13 years that died a week after my Bday a few years ago, so I can relate. She was a chow that people said looked like a bear, so my mom named her Snuggles. I loved that dog like family & was pretty damn devastated when I got home from work & found her. It was a rough week b/c I later got a ticket, totaled my car, lost my job, & my grandpa had a stroke all in the same week. I felt like I was being punished for something. In hindsight I realize it was a domino effect. I had a occupation in sales & after my dog passed I didn’t get much sleep & found myself vomitng on the job. Neither was good for business, but my superiors saw my dedication & b/c I didn’t request time off they said I was a warrior. However when I crashed my car rushing to work in the rain I found it fairly difficult to get to & from there & perform my job, so I was essentially forced to leave.
    I never really liked that gig & now have 2 other awesome dogs, so I guess everything happens for a reason. I didn’t want another pet after Snuggles b/c I felt she couldn’t be replaced & for a couple of years I didn’t have 1, until I was surprised w/ 2. πŸΆπŸ• I love them just as much; & I hope 1 day u 2 can find another companion. Until then, keep your head up & RIP to Dakota.

    1. Thanks Antoine. Yeah man, everything does happen for a reason for sure. Sometimes it’s hard to see it though for sure.

  9. As I said the day you made the decision, I’m so sorry, Jon. I know how hard it is to make that decision and I have been through the loss of many, many cats and dogs throughout life, but in the last 10 years or so there have been repeated loses of several elderly dogs and cats, many of whom had lived 15 or 17 or more years. I’ve only had to make the decision you did a few times as primarily most of mine always died at home, and it’s just so tough, I know. My mom reminded me the first time I went through it that sometimes it’s just kinder to release them from their suffering, and said at the time (she’s an RN who also taught nurses) that she thought it was a shame that we can’t sometimes be as kind with other people who are suffering as we are able to be with animals and their suffering and pain. In any case, my heart is with you as I’ve been watching sweet Dakota for nearly a decade now – I know you will miss her, and she will missed by many, including me. Hang in there *hug*

    1. Thanks Lynn, really appreciate the thoughts and kind words. Yeah she was a staple of TE Live for years….The barking at a pin drop lol

  10. I have 4 dogs and one cat buried in the woods on my property and it’s not easy to loose part of your family and they do all of them in their own way and it’s amazing how fast they can know you better than you know yourself sometimes. You just have to think about all the memories and remember they are not suffering anymore.

  11. Jon
    Do not feel ashamed when you cry, it’s a part of the healing process.
    It will not be easy as I lost my Gracy beagle two years ago, I still tear up when I think
    about all the love her and I shared. Hold the love you and Dakota shared, She was
    surely a blessing in your life.

    Your Friend
    Randy

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