Parting is never simple, particularly when it involves bidding farewell to your closest companion.
It becomes even more challenging if that final farewell signifies that you’ll never have the opportunity to see that cherished individual again.
Traversing the rainbow bridge is a moment every dog caregiver fears.
Honestly, I’m not certain what’s more daunting: the precise instant of passing or the lingering anxiety gnawing at the back of my consciousness, recognizing that moment would arrive, inevitably.
When Kate Schakols, a resident of Texas, adopted Rooster, she understood that their time together was rapidly dwindling.
Rooster was an elderly dog, well into his twilight years, suffering from significant health issues.
So, why would a young woman choose such an aged, ailing dog?
To provide him with the best final days he truly deserved, that’s the answer!
It Was The Best Of Times, It Was The Worst Of Times
Ancient.
Forsaken.
Ailing.
Despairing.
Exhausted by existence.
That was Rooster – a 10- to 12-year-old chocolate Labrador discovered in Gulf Coast STARS shelter located in Brazoria County, Texas.
Nevertheless, Rooster was also adored, valued, and salvaged, all due to Katie Schakols and her family.
“I fell so in love,” Katie shared with PEOPLE magazine. “He is just one of the most beautiful dogs I’ve ever seen, both inside and out.”
Katie overlooked Rooster’s multitude of health concerns: cataracts that rendered him blind in his left eye, worn-out elbow joints, missing teeth from scraping against pavement for food, lumps, bumps, heartworm, and more.
“The connection I had with Rooster was extraordinary,” Katie adds. “I’d never encountered that particular type of bond before, and it was clear to everyone that he had selected me to be his person.”
An everlasting connection was formed. Knowing their time was fleeting, Katie and Rooster resolved to make the most of it.
Rooster entered a nurturing environment with Katie, welcomed by a younger canine companion, Bailey. The unfortunate senior pup was overwhelmed with affection, experiencing a feeling he had never known previously.
A pup who once scoured concrete for scraps was now enjoying genuine dog kibble and strolling on grass as if walking on a soft cloud. Everything surrounding Rooster felt like it was coated in sweetness. Everything was… lovely.
However, joyful moments must eventually conclude.
Katie was conscious that Rooster had limited time left. Nevertheless, the manner of his departure struck Katie hard in the gut, as if someone had torn him away from her.
On the 28th day of Rooster’s blissful new existence with Katie, an unforeseen event transpired. It’s something you never anticipate, yet it claims so many dog lives annually.
Bloat, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus, overtook Rooster. His abdomen began to fill with gas, twisting painfully. Rooster was in excruciating distress.
There was no way to rescue this valiant fighter.
“It was time to say goodbye. I know my mom feels sorrow, but I wish she could understand that these were the most wonderful 28 days of my life,” Katie mentioned in the video she shared on her TikTok.
Bloat can be treated in some cases, but still, about 30% of dogs affected must be euthanized. Rooster was not among those who could be saved. It was too late for him to undergo a gastropexy – a surgical intervention to prevent GDV. |1|
The veterinarian had no options left.
Due to precautionary measures, Katie was unable to be there for Rooster’s final moments. He was taken into a different room where he was finally relieved of pain and where he glimpsed the rainbow.
“She whispered in my ear that she’d always hold me dear and is deeply sorry she couldn’t rescue me,” Rooster expresses in the video.
Oh, precious Katie… I hope you realize you truly saved Rooster. The time you shared was brief, yet you provided him with more love than he had ever known throughout his entire existence. You revealed to him what it means to be loved and to have a home.
Our time on this planet is fleeting, and we never know when it will end. This emphasizes the importance of making the most of it. Let’s commit to good actions! Let’s aid those in need! Let’s rescue dogs from shelters and offer them the lives they deserve!
Let’s emulate Katie. This young woman wasn’t concerned that Rooster wouldn’t be around for many years. Her sole focus was on rescuing him and demonstrating that life can indeed be beautiful.
The shelters are overflowing with senior dogs. Hardly anyone is interested in adopting them. A rescued senior dog will adore you wholeheartedly if you choose to save him. They merely need a little affectionate home and a warm lap to curl up in when memories of their past lives creep back in.
References:
Jerold S. Bell, DVM. Risk Factors for Canine Bloat. 2003. DOI