Kodiak “Toad” Parsons – 2001-2013
Less than two weeks after taking her to Kansas City, my mom called to let me know that Toad had taken an abrupt turn for the worst. She was in a lot of pain, and the X-rays showed that she had no discs left in her neck. Severe arthritis was taking over. Her back legs were buckling. And thanks to my friend Mark and his heroic buddy pass provision, I got on a last-minute flight.
Last night, we said goodbye to my sweetest friend. She was the happiest little dog, social and affectionate, funny and cute, and so much braver than me. I’m so grateful to have had 2 years of 3-legged adventures with her, and especially relieved that I could be with her in her final moments – moments that were heartbreaking but somehow peaceful. Although in pain, she was attentive, ears laid back, tail wagging until the very end.
Toad’s life made a difference to mine. She forced me to not be the center of my universe – which, let’s be honest, is hard to do. She was companionship. She was unconditional love. I felt better when she was around – which is why I took her with me everywhere I could: work, parties, counseling (yes, I took her with me to counseling). She made people stop on the street, charming everyone she came across. She loved cheese and rotisserie chicken. She hated having her picture taken and getting her feet wet.
Most of all, she loved people, and I’m pretty sure it’s okay for me to say that she loved me the most, followed by my family and then probably Graham Stoner. I know that so many of you loved her, and for those who never met her, I wish you could have. She was one of a kind.
I’ll miss you more than I can say, Toady – good girl.
share:
Annie, I’m so, so sorry to hear this. What a loss!
Oh jeez. Crying at 7am. Love you Toad.
Sweet Toad. So sad you’re gone. I love you, Annie.
oh annie. I am so sorry. this is the very worst. I’ll be thinking of you. xo.
Sweet Annie – I’m so sorry. I will miss the adventures of Toad… even though I never met him face-to-face. Hugs from Nashville.
Godspeed, sweet Toady…no words, Annie…just love and hugs from afar.
Annie – I’m so sorry. Thinking of you and sending an e-hug. I’m so sorry. What a sweet dog.
Hugs, my sweet girl. A host of hugs in heaven for Toad, too. So sorry for your loss.
So very sorry for your loss, Annie. ((hugs))
As somebody who still misses his baby-girl everyday, now there are two baby-girls I’ll be missing. I hope my sweetest buddy Toad finds my Lola wherever they are. My world is a better place because of those two. Thanks for sharing Toad, Annie. I’m thinking about you.
Oh Annie, I am so very sorry for your loss!
so so so sorry Annie.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Annie. This is a beautiful tribute. I hope that one day I’ll have a dog like Toad.
Oh, Annie, I’m so sorry. I had truly wished to meet sweet Toad someday. I don’t have anything scripturally to back it up, but I firmly believe our dear pets will be with us in Heaven. For as much as the Father loves us and instilled our love for our pets, I honestly believe our sweet creatures will be with us in eternity. My sincerest condolences.
Oh, Annie, no one really does words better than you do, especially when it comes to something so very real as the companionship this dog gave you. I’m sitting here, wetting my lap with tears, because all that you say about her is so true. Graham’s words only add to it – the world is a better place because of Toad.
It always brightened my day to read about Toad. She was so precious. Love and prayers to you, Annie.
Oh Annie, I am so sorry.
xoxo
I’m so sorry, Annie. Thinking of you and Toad.
I am so very sorry to hear this Annie. Toad meant a lot to you – I know this because you have been telling us for years. And now you have lost yet another constant in your life. I hope you still have enough anchors down.
Feel me walking beside you.
Bob
s/v Eolian
Seattle
Oh Annie, this is heartbreaking. What a terrible loss. I’m glad you were able to be there with her. Please take the time to grieve the loss. It takes time. Our dogs really are such steadfast, wise companions. My heart and prayers go out to you.
Sweet Toad. I remember winding our way through Central Park last fall as you talked about Toad and how special she was, and how much she was impacting your life. Wish I could have met her. <3
Toad truly was one of the happiest dogs I have ever met, but for the joy she brought to you the same joy was returned to her by you. She knew she was loved dearly by you, and she couldn’t help but wag her tail in glee and appreciation. There’s no companion quite like Toad, but then there’s no companion quite like you either, Annie Parsons. :-) Love you!
Annie, so sorry for your loss.
Ah Annie, I’m so sorry for your loss. ((HUGS)) to you, hon.
It’s been a long time since I’ve had to burry a pet, but I still remember the pain. Sorry for your loss friend.
I’ve been following your blog for about 2 years now, and out of all the things you’ve written that I should have commented on and didn’t – this is the first post to prompt me enough to leave some words (mostly because I’m balling my eyes out all over my keyboard.)
I had a dog, a good dog like Toad, who I picked out of a litter for my 9th birthday and who died in a really tragic way shortly before I turned 16. Animals aren’t people – I know – and I don’t know if they go to heaven or not; but a faithful little dog named Mandy had a big impact on my life and to this day, I cry when I remember her (and I’m not a teary person, believe me.) ANYWAY… all that to say: I think God must have a purpose for certain animals He puts into our lives just like He has a purpose for everything else, and I can relate to way He used Toad in yours. I don’t know you personally, Annie Parsons – but I do know this is a hard thing, and I’ll be praying for you!
Here’s to Toad, and to the future!
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