Max & Kiba

01/09/2024

Replaced Max’s bed with one he finds acceptable. It’s a little big but anything for my special boy. 🥰

31/08/2024

Penny and Zoey had their annual checkup today. Penny was a hot mess, screaming at me because she wanted to go home but she’s otherwise healthy 🤪. Husky owners can understand.

Zoey has had a fistula on her bum for a while. We had Dr Olson look at it a couple months ago, there’s no abnormalties internally, and it isn’t growing or infected…but there haven’t been any changes so we’re now starting her on antibiotics and prednisone to hopefully clear it up. We saw Dr Reed today and she said there’s usually pretty good results with this treatment so I’m trusting her. Zoey is otherwise doing great as well 🥰. We’ll get blood results for both girls via email.

Max is still on antibiotics for Lyme treatment and he’s doing really well. He has no clinical symptoms, but we learned about the Lyme infection from his bloodwork. So glad we caught that!

Beauty had zero issues at her appt recently and she behaved really well in office like the other spinuskies. It’s just Penny who screams the entire time. 🙄

29/08/2024

Happy 9th birthday Max and Beauty! 🎉🥳Happy heavenly birthday to Kiba 💚🪽

Today is bittersweet. I’m celebrating Max and Beauty, but I’m missing Kiba. He was about a month shy of making it to nine.

This morning Beauty greeted me in a way Kiba used to, a huge smile, rubbing her face against my leg with breathy excitement. I was a bundle of emotion, laughing and crying interchangeably. I joyfully sang them happy birthday but then cried afterwards. 🥲 Hopefully I didn’t confuse them or ruin their special day at all. I’m trying my best to be happy for them.

I took Max and Beauty to Caribou for pup cups, it was a beautiful cool morning. We got to see a flock of turkeys! We drove by them really slow.

Then for breakfast I decided to take Kiba’s last meal out of the freezer and split it up amongst everyone. It has his saliva on it. Maybe I’m weird for thinking this but I feel like it connected the pack to him a little bit today.

I’m so thankful I get to hug and kiss Max and Beauty and wish them a happy birthday today. I’m holding Kiba so close to my heart, and I hope he knows how much mommy misses him. I hope he’s being well cared for and loved until I can join him someday.

**Max, Kiba and Beauty are littermates born with megaesophagus and rescued at different times. Max was 9 weeks old, Beauty was 4 years old, and Kiba was 5 months old when we adopted him from the humane society. We also have ME Penny, our husky who we fostered then adopted through Adopt A Husky MN. Zoey who we adopted from a shelter mid 2015. And remembering our angel Zane who started our pack in early 2015.

23/08/2024

I can’t resist some kisses and snuggles anytime
I walk by Max. ☺️

If you’re wondering why there’s toys under the feet of the couch: since I broke my foot I’m relying a lot on a robot vacuum to keep fur and dirt on the floor under control, but it gets stuck under the couch so this helps for now. 😅

22/08/2024

Beauty’s bloodwork and other test results came back, she is very healthy and free of any tick borne illnesses! I’m very happy! 😃

21/08/2024

Treat please 🙏

20/08/2024

Beauty had her annual checkup today. We’ll get bloodwork results in email. She is the perfect weight and minimal tarter on teeth. Dr was happy with her overall condition and she actually did really well in the office! So proud of her! 😍 Her and Max are turning 9 years old in 9 days!

I had my 6 week X-ray and podiatry recheck today for a jones fracture in my left foot. Doctor said it looks good, that you’ll still be able to see the fracture for months, that’s normal. I can start to walk in my regular shoe around the house a bit! He did scold me about how much I’ve been on my feet (in my aircast). I was around 8k steps a day once I was given the go ahead to walk in my cast. He said I should remain within 4-5k steps a day. I’m already at 4,500 steps and it’s only 2:45 in the afternoon so I guess I’ll be watching a lot of movies and tv shows. He told me to “be mature” and stop walking so much 🤣

19/08/2024

I groomed my pretty Beauty girl today. This is only like 1/3 of the fur I got off of her! I think she feels a lot better. I would’ve attempted a bath if not for my foot still being in an aircast.

I trimmed her face and feet, and even trimmed all her nails! She’s never let me get all her nails so I was very pleased. I used a paddle brush, rake and comb for about an hour on her very slowly. She’s wearing a harness, I think that helped her comfort level.

15/08/2024

One month ago today, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to help our beloved Kiba cross the rainbow bridge. He was only 8 years old—far too young to leave us. Kiba had megaesophagus, yet he lived his life with so much joy and vibrancy, rarely letting it slow him down. He was the sweetest, gentlest soul, always so full of life and love.

Today, as I hold his urn close, I’m overwhelmed by a deep sadness that words can’t fully express. I miss him so much—his joyful howls, the way he would run alongside his brothers with a toy clutched between them, the warmth of his big paw, and that sweet smell on the top of his head. I miss the way he’d look at me with those beautiful eyes and long lashes, eyes filled with nothing but love and trust.

I’m grateful beyond measure that I got to be his mom, to share in the joy and love he brought into our lives and others. But my heart is shattered knowing that I’ll never get to experience those simple, precious moments with him again. I wanted more time—so much more time—with my sweet boy.

Kiba, you were so special, so deeply loved, and I will forever carry the memory of you in my heart. The pain of losing you is immense, but so is the gratitude I feel for every moment we had together. You’ll always be a part of me.

💚

14/08/2024

Yesterday my tire fell off my car as I was leaving my physical therapy appt (for my broken foot). I was pulling out of the space, heard some grinding, the front drivers side of the car dropped and the car wouldn’t move. Thankfully I was in a parking lot and I only blocked one gal in but was able to direct her out of the spot with some finagling. Our neighbor Dustin went with Nathan out to the clinic parking lot where my car was and they spent hours working on the ball joint. Then our neighbor Dave went and helped them wrap it up. Nathan didn’t get home until after 11pm, in bed at midnight , and he was up for work at 3:45 am. I’m so grateful to each of those guys. 🙏

Today I got the news that Max tested positive for Lyme and anaplasma, tick borne illnesses. He’s starting a 30 day treatment, he’ll be on Doxycycline. I ordered some stuff from Dr Harvey’s to assist his recovery (pro/prebiotic chews, multivitamins and whole food mix to go into the raw food called raw vibrance). Nathan is also picking up raw goat milk.

Max’s bloodwork was good other than the tick disease. None of the dogs have ever tested positive for tick borne illness (they are on preventatives), but I know he’ll be ok. He’s not showing any symptoms other than maybe being tired, I figured it was him grieving for Kiba. I’m glad I can help him now though.

I made checkup appts for Beauty on the 20th and Zoey and Penny for the 31st. Penny was just seen at a different clinic for an urgent care appt and had a urinalysis and regular check but no bloodwork, so this upcoming appt will include bloodwork. That was just me having a panic attack over her health after losing Kiba but she was ok.

I got insurance on all the dogs before Kiba passed, though all his appointments were not covered. I don’t know if I should pay more upfront for better coverage or what to do. Each dog has a $750 deductible and 70% is covered after that. I have Figo through Costco. I feel like the universe is just sucking me dry, mind body soul.

13/08/2024

Max enjoying breakfast

12/08/2024

Beautiful northern lights last night, as well as meteor shower. I sat outside for hours just looking up into the vast sky, and Nathan even joined me for a little bit. I like to think it’s a small glimpse of heaven and our loved ones saying they’re doing alright. 🩷

12/08/2024

Max had a vet checkup today. His physical exam went great, all good. We’re waiting on routine lab results. I can’t believe he’s a senior dog. Him and Beauty will be 9 years old on the 29th this month, Kiba would’ve been too 😢. Max for some reason is the most nervous at the vet, burying his face in my chest and legs. But everyone loved him and thought he was adorable, they even put a bandana on him. 🥰 They commented on his cute walk—his spinone trot. When we got home he followed me around the house and is now napping near me on the couch.

We got Kiba’s ashes and ink paw prints back weeks ago, my sister and nieces were here and held me as I cried. Nathan also picked up his Bailey chair from the hospital and it’s been back in its rightful place next to Max’s chair. I would like to donate it one day, but not until I’m ready.

I ordered a stone for him. I’ll set up his memorial out back in the special meadow next to Zane’s. I’m waiting for a couple pictures I also ordered before I decorate my office and make memorial shelves for the boys.

🦶 It’s been 5 weeks since I broke my 5th metatarsal (Jokes fracture) in my left foot. I’ve been walking around in my air cast for 1 week now with some aches and pains. Doing daily stretches and strengthening of the ligaments and muscles. I have my second physical therapy appt tomorrow.

I’ve been doing EMDR therapy the last few weeks. Losing Kiba sent me over the edge, I was so scared for the life of all my dogs. One year after losing Zane was too soon for this to happen again. My past trauma definitely plays a part in exacerbating these overwhelming feelings. I’m just taking it one day at a time. 🩷

02/08/2024

Just brought Penny in for a full exam. I’m having a hard time with thinking that all the dogs are sick with different ailments since Kiba passed away. I’m so worried about all of them. Penny is perfectly healthy. I just feel stupid for worrying so much over basically nothing.

01/08/2024

I miss him so much. All his sounds and the way he talked to me. 😞💔 Kiba Bear

01/08/2024

Some beautiful gifts from Mega E Misfits. 🫶 They are fellow megaesophagus moms.

We lost Zane last year and Kiba recently. Kiba was born with megaesophagus and almost made it to his 9th birthday. These bracelets are engraved on the back part of the pictures. I’ll link the Etsy seller in comments.

I will cherish these for always. 😭🧡💚

31/07/2024

Thank you everyone who has surrounded us in love and support during this difficult time. 🙏🌈🙏 Thank you for the sympathy cards, digital art, stone art (as pictured), messages and donations towards Kiba’s final medical costs. I don’t know where I’d be without your love. I appreciate you.

We lost Zane only a year ago on June 4th, 2023, and then Kiba on July 15th, 2024. It’s been shocking. There are still many days I still have to pause and cry over Zane as his death was quite tragic. And here we are feeling like we can’t catch our breath with this unexpected loss of Kiba.

I’m 3+ weeks out from breaking my foot (Jones fracture), which has made the grieving process and caring for my other dogs that much more challenging, though I’m adapting as much as I can. I had new X-rays done yesterday and the gap between the break is the exact same as the first X-ray from the ER. It’s aligned but is still non-union. Please pray that it joins and continues to heal. I start physical therapy next Monday.

Every single message and gesture hasn’t gone unnoticed even if I didn’t respond. It truly means the world to me. I’m a very sensitive person who tends to self-isolate when I’m sad, but I am trying my best to keep pushing forward. Much love to you.

💛 Hilary

30/07/2024

💚🌈 Kiba went to the rainbow bridge on July 15th. Today we received this beautiful digital painting of him, on Nathan’s birthday. We miss Kiba terribly. He was such a central part of our pack. He brought so much joy into our lives with his contagious smile and excitement especially at mealtimes. My baby 💔

This beautiful boy is Kiba. A sweet, handsome Husky / Italian Spinone mix with Mega Esophagus. His family, furry and unfurred miss him terribly. He now is running free above the clouds with his brother Zane.
Everyone please keep Kibas family in your thoughts and prayers.

Max & Kiba

30/07/2024

Happy birthday, Nathan! You’re a wonderful husband, dog-dad, uncle and son. We all love you so much.

Zane and Kiba are sending you snuggles from the rainbow bridge. 🧡

27/07/2024

Max is really glued to my side more than usual. I know he misses Kiba, we all do.

26/07/2024

Penny, Max and Zoey hanging out with me. My sweeties.

25/07/2024

Can you spot Beauty? I’m watching a movie, sitting in the teal chair, she loves to be near me.

24/07/2024

Max and Zoey got groomed today! They’re so fluffy and soft. Hopefully we won’t have as much fur around the house now, it’s been hard to keep up with due to my broken foot.

The staff at Groom My Friend were really helpful with assisting me and were gentle and kind to the pups.

Nathan was only a few minutes ahead of us on the way home so we met up at a gas station and he pumped gas for me, and of course got kisses from the pups. 🥰

23/07/2024

What do you think of the new color in my office/Penny’s room? It’s a light, muted purple. I’m not a purple person but I’m trying something new. I think it’s a tad more purple in person.

I plan on hanging canvas pictures, and some memorial shelves for Zane and Kiba.

21/07/2024

Beauty taking her turn at the gopher hole, now turned to crater by the dogs.

20/07/2024

My big sister came to spend the day with me. She watered and pruned my flowers out front and picked stuff from the garden I wasn’t able to due to my broken foot. She’s also going to help me paint my office. I’m so thankful 🙏💕

19/07/2024

They’re still at it 6 years later…

Some things never change. These two love to dig a good hole together. A gopher dug a tunnel in the backyard. Max and Penny are having fun creating a big mess back there and all I can do is sit here in the house with my non-weight bearing broken foot. 😄

19/07/2024

Penny’s birthday pup cup with Zoey 🩷☺️

18/07/2024

Happy 6th birthday, Penny! We are taking her to DQ for a treat and then a drive through the wildlife refuge this evening. 🌲🦆🥳

Penny was a breeder surrender (Adopt a Husky MN), born with megaesophagus. We fostered and adopted her. Her ME went into remission around the age of 1, though she still has a little trouble with water but is otherwise good!

She is such a good girl, is very much a homebody, and doesn’t like to wander off like most huskies. She’s got a silly way of shaking her head side to side when she is excited and comes to greet you.

Her best friend was Kiba, so she’s been very sad. We’re trying our best to keep the dogs’ spirits up while grieving for Bubba bear. 💕