The Day Kiah Stole My Heart

by Ranjith
(Erode,TN,India)

Still fresh in my mind like it happened yesterday -- Someone brought in two nine week old female Rottweiler puppies to show us. One ran and hid and the other stayed and played by our side. When I picked her up it was like holding a bear cub…she was just so cute. I said, "Oh this is the one. What a beautiful face," and I kissed her sweet head and told her I waited my whole life for her.

That is the Day My Kiah Stole My Heart. That was the happiest year of my life. Kiah continued to bring sunshine to our lives and she blessed us for almost 7 wonderful years, during which she taught us so many life lessons.

Our Cancer Journey began in late January 2005. My beloved Kiah was diagnosed with canine cancer - advanced stage Lymphoma. I have to say it was the worst day of my life. I did not know what to do. I felt helpless and inside I felt I was dying. I was in disbelief and very angry. I knew I had to stay strong for my girl, so we began our fight.

Kiah started chemo right away -- a 6 month protocol -- and Kiah sailed through chemo. She was strong and brave throughout her fight and she met her challenges head on.

I am so very proud of my girl. She truly embraced life and lived each moment to the fullest the whole while she fought. We enjoyed a great summer by each others side. We went swimming and boating and we even enjoyed a vacation in New Hampshire.

Kiah's last treatment was in July, but she stayed in remission for just five weeks post-chemo. We tried for a second remission, which sadly didn't work. In all, Kiah had seven months of true quality time. For this I am truly grateful. Kiah left us on September 4, 2005, five weeks before her 7th birthday. The hardest thing to do was to let her go, but I knew in my heart I had to for her eyes told me so.

My final gift of Love gave my baby girl her wings and set Kiah free from her pain. My heart has taken on that pain. A part of me left with my girl that day but she also left a part of hers here with me.