Today is Akiko's Birthday!

[seeker]

Well, MY Akiko. She turned 12 years old today, and yes, she is named after Akiko.

I think threads must expire here, because I can't find the "Mark Crilley Akiko artwork" thread anymore, but here is a picture Mark drew of Akiko (and Akiko).

Click on it to see it in higher res.

[danstro]

Hey, Dan! I hope Akiko had a very Happy Birthday! Extra Milkbones for everyone!

Ain't nothin' like the unconditional love of a dog!

[bounty]

aaw. woof woof woof woof to you

[Thauib]

happy b day Akiko.... yeah I know I'm too late hahaha!

[seeker]

Yep - woof woof. She's 12 years old and a bit over a month. Makes me think how long the Akiko stories have been around - since she was named for them - meaning Akiko has been around quite a while!

[Thauib]

wow...

[seeker]

Maybe indeed Akiko's time is finished. If so, Mark, it must be bittersweet. I lost my Akiko today, and the pain is fresh, but I am sure it will dull.

[seeker]

A Lament: On an aging beloved pet

My right hand cups water from the bowl as my left hand props up her head. She fervently licks tiny bits of water as it leaks between my fingers onto a blanket we have placed upon the rug.

I know I’m probably hurting her – the pancreatitis she miraculously survived two years ago has once again inflamed her insides. Three days on IV saved her then – nothing passed through to incite the organ - and the flames subsided. Last week, I watched the bile once again emerge. I cringed, knowing she had also developed congestive heart failure during two years of survival.

And the economic times – the money spent then seemed so much more precious now. Without any IN-come – how could we justify another three days?

She sleeps on the bed. She always lies against my side, but with her head pointed toward the foot of the bed. Tonight, I reverse that, knowing she is too weak to argue. I place her head near my own, and cradle her in my arms. If she goes, I want her near me.

I truly believe this wonderful dog, my ‘daughter and heir’, saved my life years ago. You’ve heard, and probably scoffed, as I have, how they take away the pains and suffering of those they love. Yet, I have had a major heart incident and have always had digestive issues – and she has always been there to take some of it away.

We spend the three days – she is worth it. She comes home and seems happy to once again eat without pain. But it is only six days – and once again – the flame returns.

She’s a DOG. She’s 13 years old, has congestive heart failure, severe pancreatitis, and probably liver issues. And you spent how much – AGAIN?

No – she’s a FAMILY MEMBER. She’s my little girl. I hold her close to my chest as we drive to our family vet; the expensive way didn’t solve the issue this time. She adjusts herself to look out the windows of the car – she is still fascinated by all around her.

Over the phone, even our vet questions our abnormal persistence – then sees how alert and interested she still is in this world – and immediately offers possibilities. We give her an anti-nausea shot, a holistic treatment for pancreatitis, and then inject her with 250ml of water.

Once again, we can regain control. Tomorrow, we can do something. We are taking her off of all food and water once again (other than her meds), but to prevent dehydration, we will give her water – not through an IV, but through subcutaneous injections – via our hands.

We know her time is limited. But, now we can do something to give to her some of what she has given to us. Nothing can ‘save’ us from the ravages of age, but as long as she has a will to live – to be with us – we will do all we can to help her accomplish her goal.

We love you, Akiko.

Present day: September 21, 2009 9:50pm

[seeker]

Was that MONDAY night?

Akiko is still with us, and time blurs. She is NOT doing well, but we are about to try to re-introduce food. If she cannot hold food, we will have to give up. I am not as hopeful as I would like to be.

Still - this is one of the most self-aware dogs I've encountered. Certainly I'm prejudiced, but I feel and see nothing near the same in our other sweet sheltie, Crystal.

This dog seems to know what is going on. Truly weird - I am not a big "dogs are like humans", but this dog begs to differ.

I should write another lament, but not now.

[seeker]

Two Facebook Posts from today:

Dan Davis:

I'm losing my "best friend" at 3pm today. She has tried very very hard to stay, but this bout is too much for her. We will miss her. I have a few hours left with her. She even shares my profile picture.

Funeral for a Friend - we will raise a glass in honor of my beloved sheltie Akiko Saturday at 9pm CDT - I would be honored if you did the same - whether in memory of Akiko or of any beloved animal family member that you have lost in your life. They have blessed us with their presence and deserve more than just being gone. They deserve remembrance - raise a glass to Akiko and to your beloved departed pets with us.

[seeker]

Goodbye, Akiko. I will always love you - both of you.

[danstro]

Dan, I am so sorry to hear about Akiko. I know you loved her very much and that she loved you just the same. I'm sure that she was very comforted by your presence during her final days. I know that you'll miss her and will think about all the wonderful days you spent together. She was very lucky to have had you in her life.

Years ago when a friend of mine lost one of her beloved pets, she shared a little poem with me that someone had given to her. I now share that poem with you. You might have already heard of it, but if not, here it is. I hope it brings you some measure of comfort in this difficult time you are going through.

RAINBOW BRIDGE

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies who has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Take care, Dan.

[seeker]

Thanks, Dan. I appreciate your good thoughts.

[seeker]

I miss Akiko.

Both my wonderful dog as well as the comic. I could not believe that this thread was still #4 on the list of threads - last post in here was eleven months ago.

My sweet sheltie: it's amazing how a dog can attach to you. She was my CONSTANT companion for 13 years. She would have been 14 today...

The comic: Well, I named my dog after Akiko, didn't I? An amazing comic, an amazing series. I was one of the "comic letter page writers group" along with Dave Van Damelon and Dan Stroshine and others. I'm only sorry that Akiko never took off the way it deserved to do. Even Random House books couldn't launch it enough to be a continuation.

To both my darling little doggie girl, and to an amazing girl on adventures in outer space - I miss you both, very much.

[seeker]

I still miss Akiko the comic and my puppy.

[seeker]

Thumbs up to the new collie youtube video by Mark!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH: youtu.be/wK3zXiFiscQ

"Drawing Time Lapse: Dog." Thanks for all your dog breed suggestions the other day, friends. I decided to draw a big, fluffy Collie. Narrated version will be up tomorrow. Big thanks for watching and sharing! ^ _ ^ ~Mark