Goodbye to Yogi Bear

Our big, beautiful boy has been going downhill for a while. Ever since the summer.

We thought it might just be the heat. Akitas have thick, double coats and tend not to enjoy hot weather. Yogi slowed down, couldn't walk very far, seemed to stumble more and more. In addition, his mind seemed to be deteriorating. He was often confused. He stared blankly at us and seemed like he didn't know who we were, where he was.

Things weren't looking great, but we didn't think it was that close to the end. Not until yesterday morning when Yogi had a massive seizure on the kitchen floor. Afterwards, he was clearly out of it. He couldn't settle. He was obviously not himself. We called the vet.

We were planning to bring Yogi, along with our female Luna, as we traveled down to Florida this week. But the universe had other plans.

We brought Yogi to the vet, who confirmed what we already suspected. He probably had a brain tumor, which would account for his disturbing symptoms. Dr. Matthew Beeson was so kind and compassionate as he put Yogi to sleep. He gave us lots of time to say goodbye. Yogi was eating treats right up to the very last moment. He felt no pain. Although we were extremely sad to have to say goodbye, the vet reassured us multiple times that we had made the right decision. This was so comforting, as it's always very difficult to know for sure.

Goodbye, my beautiful boy. You were the sweetest boy. You never met a human you didn't instantly like. You never growled at anyone. You loved to lick everyone's legs, whether they appreciated it or not. I hope you have unlimited treats in heaven because that was your favorite thing.