As we knocked on the door of a buddy, he answered and said “you have to be quiet because our dog just had babies, and they are all sleeping”. He said that they were in the process of finding homes for the little guys, so I thought, I will keep my eyes open for anybody looking for a dog. Although I loved dogs, we for sure couldn’t have one because the place we were renting wouldn’t allow pets. So we quietly walked into the house, and all the little furry pups were sleeping next to the mother. They looked like a bunch of little-stuffed teddy bears sound asleep. There was one who wasn’t sleeping, when I walked in he put his head up looked at me for a second and then ran over to me. I picked him up, flipped him on his back, holding his head in my left arm and his belly and legs in the air. He just stared up at me with total comfort and fell asleep in my arms.
He melted my heart, and I didn’t care the consequences, I was going to bring him home. That day, at six weeks old, he chose me to be his best friend and we began a journey that would build a bond like no other. When I got him home, I didn’t know what to call him so started doing some research. Since he looked like a lion and bear mixed, I wanted something with authority and power. I ran into this name from an old Asian emperor that really sounded fitting. “MIKADO” That was it, a name of excellence and power for an Asian dog. Very fitting for a king! So as a nickname I called him “KADO”. He took to it and really started to respond as I would call out his name; his ears would perk up and I would have Kado’s full attention.
Well, the king had to be well trained so, at an early age, I spent countless hours working with him on being obedient and mastering tricks. We began with learning how to sit. Way too easy for him. Next, we moved to lay down. He was so smart that we just kept going with more tricks. Shake, high five, roll over, each with little hand signals that eventually turned into doing these things without talking. That still wasn’t enough, so I taught him how to speak and tell stories each with different tones and cries. This dog was amazing! So after all that it was time to teach him how to break dance. One day I spun him around on the floor, and he just went with it. At the end he stops, strikes a pose and sits there with a smile. Pure entertainment and he loved it!
Years had passed by; we kept moving houses and cities, but this brought us closer together. On the way, he was always there by my side. If I would get up and go to the living room, he would get up and follow me and then lay back down at my feet. Loyal was just who he was. If I ever went to the mission field, he would wait by the door no matter how long it took. Whether two weeks or 8 months, he was always there. Our bond was inseparable and whenever I needed a shoulder to cry on, I could go to Kado and just give him a bear hug; which was like hugging a 50 pound stuffed teddy bear.
Now if you have ever met Kado, you would have a story to tell because he would always touch your heart in a way that would leave you wanting to take him home and cuddle. His personality was gentle, loyal, and always seemed jubilant. He didn’t care much about other dogs because he would rather spend time with the humans and lay at my feet. It is truly amazing the gift that Kado has been to me and the blessings to so many others. You say that he was just a dog but in all reality he was so much more than that. I learned so much from him and through Kado’s love and characteristics I have been able to apply those qualities in my life. It’s amazing what we can learn from another one of God’s creations.
All in all, Kado has lived a good 14 years on this earth, but his time has come to an end. That is longer then most Chow Chow’s, but a blessing through every moment of it. God again as gracious as he is, allowed me to be by Kado’s side as I saw him take his last breathe. Today marks the day that my best friend has finished his time here on earth. I don’t know if dogs go to heaven but I am thankful to God for having Kado choose me and all the blessing I have had with him. I hope he has blessed your life as much as he has mine and thank you all who have helped me care for him. You have been a tremendous blessing!
Through this, it has made me think that we never know when we or the people we love will die. Cherish every moment and give your life to Jesus so that this temporary life will continue in heaven again. Life is short, and then we reach our final destination for eternity. Don’t wait until it’s too late to do what you need to do right now. God bless you, and I love you all!
