15/04/2024
Yesterday I had to say goodbye to my best friend. I knew this day would come, but nothing could prepare me for it. For those who knew Moki, they would tell you that he always went 200% and that he LOVED his job so much he would tremble and could barely contain his excitement.
Moki was what other handlers begged for in a dog and would often draw crowds when it was his turn to deploy (for those who were brave enough to watch from outside the car). There were no trophies won or ribbons to hang, he was the dog you called when you knew you had a bad man to find and there was no messing around. He gave his entire life to the community we served, and the world is a little less safe now without Moki here.
As I laid in bed last night thinking of all the memories I had with Moki and what he did for me I realized it wasn't his bravery or loyalty that I will miss the most, it was his ability to love and live every single moment as if he may not get another. He taught me to never leave anything in the gas tank and to love as hard as possible all the time. I thought I would get a few more years with Moki, and was not ready to say goodbye yesterday. He taught me that I have this same thought about the ones I love-that I have many years left with them and that I "have time" to express love or gratitude "later". I realized that none of us are promised tomorrow and that I should treat each moment like Moki did and leave the tank empty. Moki treated each moment like a sprint and not a marathon, and we could all act a little more like him.
I don't think I'll ever be able to fill the giant hole left in my heart with his passing, but he did more for me than I ever could for him. He is the inspiration behind everything that this business puts out, even down to naming the product after him and having every single product we put out go through his mouth extensively before we think about making it. I will miss him every day and it is a reminder to all of us that we should cherish every single day we get with these dogs and that we don't deserve their love.
Moki, aka "Magic Man", the flying Dutchman,but most of all-my best friend. Love you buddy ❤️
