Bit belated post, however things continued to be a bit crazy for the rest of 2019. Taking a look back at the time between Mid-November to the end of December, life was a roller coaster.

As a quick recap of the mid-November update, Koko was having some issues, stress levels were high, work was crazy. Not sure I actually expected things to change before the new year.

Shortly after that post, Koko had a relapse and continued to deteriorate. We were able to manage most of the symptoms for a while, however the stress was starting to get to us. Koko wasn’t in pain, but was having episodes (of which there is not need to go into) where when he came out of it he recovered as if coming out of sedation - confused and snuggly - then back to normal, but with less energy. The episodes started happening more often, until it reached the point where he only had small bouts of energy, but was still a happy boy. We kept pretty close to home as to not stress him out.

With all this happening, work was busy, new procedures were being implemented that did not roll out perfectly. Ryan was putting in a lot of hours at work and trying to help with Koko where he could.

I had an epic fall crossing the street in torrential rainfall on my way to work one day. Some abrasions, bruises, bone bruises and sprains (yes, I did get Xrays). So now I hurt while walking AND my wrists hurt constantly. Did not help my state of mind!

Then came Christmas. People came over to hang out. Lots of people in and out of the house, Koko was in his element until he needed to nap on Mom, which was often, then he was a social butterfly again getting pets from his favorite people. Christmas Eve we drove out to Mission to hang with Ryan’s side of the family. Koko and their Pitty Cross roamed the yard, sniffing, peeing and rolling on everything. Inside there was people, pets and puppy nap time. Christmas Day, presents were open and keeping the dogs out of the kids and presents was impossible. They always want to be in the middle of things in case they miss something!

Driving home Christmas Day, the dog napped the entire way, Ryan and I had some quiet reflection on the last couple of days. Listened to some music, laughed a bit. Once home we packed and got ready to catch the flight to Whitehorse the next morning to see my parents.

On Boxing Day it was an early flight so we jumped out of bed, got dressed and headed for the airport. Arrived and met up with Tamara, Wes, little C (baby) and Tika (dog). Then it was on to the plane with 2 dogs and a baby! Not awkward at all! All 3 little ones were pretty good on the plane. Landed in Whitehorse where we were met by our welcoming party: Mom, Dad and the boys (2 dogs). Well there was so much excitement! Everyone saying hi, dogs underfoot saying hi to everyone, even other passengers. Loaded up into 2 vehicles, and off we go!

We arrive at the house unload and have some visit time, then nap time, dinner and more visits. Koko was restless trying to keep out of C’s way, sleeping in the weirdest spots and hiding behind the couch. Having gone a little deaf he wanted to be sure he wasn’t going to be surprised.  C loves Koko and learned his name before Auntie! Which he still doesn’t say! Any white dog is Koko, most aquatic life is Fish, other aquatic life, dogs and any other animal is Tika. He has the import things down.

Bedtime and next day for Christmas number 2! Stockings were opened and plundered, all the dogs got chewies and toys, C got a bunch of presents and was so excited ripping the wrapping paper off (not sure he noticed the presents). The adult stuff was more chill. We just watched the dogs and C. Afternoon was hanging out, visiting, watching C play with his cars and blocks. 

Then it was leftovers for lunch, finished preparing for Turkey Dinner, and nap! Couple of friends came over and visiting ensued. C was delighted with the new attention and Koko managed to claim a lap and get all the scritches. Shortly thereafter the feasting began! To be fair, the turkey was being sampled from the moment it came out of the oven. Dogs all got turkey snacks too!

Dinner was delicious, then the dogs got their turkey dinner plate (think a much smaller version of what we just had, turkey AND all the fixings). Tika’s dinner started early as C kept throwing food from the high chair at her. Our guests brought a delicious trifle, dogs got ice cream (hey, it Christmas!). We did a family photo in the living room, got some good ones. Then we said goodbye to our guests, who left all the extra dessert, and we all retire to the living room. All the dogs have a nap, C plays with cars and blocks. 

Overnight - Koko took a turn for the worse, the on call vet came to the house (thank god for small town vets) and eased his passage. He had an excellent Christmas, saw all his favorite people, and said goodbye surrounded by loved ones.I honestly don’t really remember the next couple days, I just recall that it was hard. We changed plane tickets and came home early to grieve.

We went over to Tamara and Wes’s for New Years Eve, had a delicious steak and lobster dinner, played with C, and had some good visits. As they have a baby who doesn’t always sleep through the night, we said goodbye and headed home to ring in the New Year, with Tika in tow as they were leaving town and their puppy sitter had to cancel last minute.

And so that rounds out the happenings of the last bit of 2019. It was rough, but full of love.