Kya, my dog

[Kya]

In 1996 i was finishing my sophmore year at the University of Denver. A couple of freshman I knew had a cute puppy but realized they couldn't maintain the responsibility. Her name is Kya. Next thing I knew I was sneaking a tiny fuzzball, 16 week old puppy in and out of my dorm. For the next 17 years this dog became a part of me, apart of my soul. She was my first backcountry ski partner. She has always been more then a companion, a friend, a family member, and ultimately a teacher. Kya taught me how to live on my own, how to face the unknown, how to care for and start a family of my own. She was with me the entire time. I like to believe that she lived an incredible life full of adventure, happiness, and love. How else could a 70lbs dog live to be 17 years old? This May, a few days after Memorial Day weekend, she died peacefully and surrounded by her family. Best dog ever.
The Fuzz as a puppy...


Her first 14er, Torreys summit...


Ready for another backpacking trip. She used to get stuck upside sometimes because of that pack when trying to roll in the snow. So funny, but so stoked!


Flower girl at my wedding...




She was such an awesome big sister. When my daughter was a baby and toddler, Kya would let her crawl all over her and pull her furr. Never once a growl. Only licks in da face. I think that was the deal they made. But she did pester like a big sister should all the way up untill the end...




I believe she was so sweet with our baby back in the day because she was a mother herself. She gave birth to a 12, yes 12 puppy litter. That was back in 1998 and only 10 from the litter survived. I'd bet she outlived most of her pups.


Hard days work in the kitchen...



About a week before she passed...


Classic Kya, just chillin outside...


I know, kind of cheezy, but I don't care.

So, that is my username, Kya and what it represents.

[systemoverblow'd]

Wow, 17 awesome years. Cute pup. I'm sure she loved the family as much as you loved her. Condolences.

[meatspicy]

not cheesy at all. she sounds like an awesome dog who lived an awesome life.

thanks for sharing

RIP Kya

[meatspicy]

also, very cool that she got to be with you from when you were just a kid all the way to a grown man with kids of your own

im sure she was beyond special to you

[Scotsman50]

I recently lost my Siberian ,Chugach... I know how you feel. Condolances. What a great life she had. 17 years ..amazing.

[stuckathuntermtn]

Sounds like a true companion. My sympathies.

[neck beard]

Good on you man. Your post makes perfect sense.

And it must hurt.

Respect for Kya the dog.

[Art Shirk]

You guys were so lucky to have each other for so many years. What a great ride. RIP Kya and condolences. ++

[CJL116]

17 years is rare for a large dog, i am positive having a loving family contributed to that. condolences. the pictures are priceless

[Buster Highmen]

Best stuff.

[BigDaddy]

Great dog and tribute. Not at all cheesy... very sweet.

[Vets]

Such a sweet dog. You shared so much together.
So sad that she is gone, but she will always be with you in many ways.

[rideit]

Wow.
Great stuff.
Beautiful dog...obviously in many ways.

[CJL116]

[stalefish3169]

Sorry for your loss. Congrats to you both on a great run though; seventeen years is pretty impressive!

[MakersTeleMark]

Yes, amazing.

If you want a good little local popup romp with some whiskey, maybe brush creek, or an easy to Homestake, let me know.

I'm right down the road as you know, and I'll bring some good Bailey energy, she could use some non-Mommy energy.

Call me. Easy overnight. Let's do this right.

Condolences, but I know so well how much they give.

[Chainsaw_Willie]

What a great tribute to your pal. If that's cheeze, I'll take a ten lb. block.

[BmillsSkier]

Like many I pause before clicking on these threads, but then am reminded why I do.

RIP Kya.

Until you get to see eachother again... peace.

[MTT]

Nice story thanks for sharing.

You were obviously a great life long friend to Kya. Sucks that dogs only live for a small part of our life. I have now lost a couple of friends.

Vibes for your loss, and may I recommend

A NEW PUPPY!

[RCC55125]

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

[skiJ]

... Awesome tribute --

lucky dog. Lucky man... lucky Family --

well done !


Sincere Condolences ... J

[philth]

Awesome Doggy life. Sorry for your loss. Beautiful pup.

[AK47bp]

Sounds like Kya had about the best life a dog could ask for, good job.

[supermodel159]

Kya sounds like an amazing friend! Great story and life!

[splat]

Hey, Kya. I feel ya, bro. I just had to put down Otis, who hung out with me for 16 years.
He was the first canine maggot and it was a sad day.

RIP Kya and Otis.