At the end of a dog’s life

We got KoKo back in 1994.

She came to us when she was an older puppy. The guy who brought her into our home wanted to put her in the pound. We said no, so she became our dog.

She was there through some rough times in our lives, and loved to lay at the foot of our bed during the night. Last month she was rapidly going downhill. She could not get up from her the floor, or if she tried to, she would fall back down. A friend and I gave her our blessings. I told her it was OK for her to "cross over."

The friend then took our other puppy out for his regular walk while I kept a short vigil on KoKo, and then went back to bed. I heard her bark a small bark two times, and then, she was gone. My husband had been asking me, "What are we going to do with her body when she dies?" I answered him that I honestly did not know at that point in time.

I knew that I did not want to put her body in a dumpster. Another friend of mine looked up "crematory services" and found one near Asheville that would pick up KoKo's body, and return her ashes to us. The lady at Asheville Pet Crematory said she had lost one of her dogs in May, and was very understanding.

She did not push us on what type of service we wanted. While no one wants to have to choose how to deal with their pet's death, this service provides the dignity, respect and comfort during the season of loss when it's so desperately needed.

Thanks, Asheville Pet Crematory, for being there with us, and for the understanding of the essence of KoKo's being. In her lifetime, she had become more than just a dog. She had earned her rightful place as our family member and dear friend.

— Marci McGowan
Asheville

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Webmaster
Mountain Xpress Webmaster Follow me @MXWebTeam

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

3 thoughts on “At the end of a dog’s life

  1. bikeman

    I am convinced our pets hang in for a long time because they don’t want to “let us down”. Giving your dog permission was the best thing for your dog. My condolences.

  2. boatrocker

    Is Asheville Pet Crematory the same group that sprinkles the ashes on the garden off Montford Ave? I have a cat’s ashes making stuff grow in that garden since 2001 if that’s the same organization my vet gave her remains to. We should all be so lucky to be treated nicely that way after we depart.

  3. Gina T.

    The worst thing about dogs is that they are only allowed a short time here on Earth. The best thing about dogs is that they spend every bit of that time trying their hardest to please us and make us laugh.

    Best wishes and fond memories to you.

    I understand.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.