Six years in the context of an average human lifespan is not very long. Six years to a dog is quite a long time especially when that dog’s life span is 12 or 13 years on average. Six years for Kali and I is both a flash and an eternity.
A flash in that it seems like just the other day I was sitting in the international terminal at San Francisco International Airport waiting for my precious cargo to be unloaded. Waiting with two months of accumulated anticipation since first seeing Kali’s picture on the Facebook page called “Rescued Love From Taiwan”. This group coordinates with True Love Rescue to bring mostly Golden Retrievers from Taiwan to loving families in Northern California. This was where Kali came from. I’ve documented that story of Kali’s journey from Taiwan to America any times. Newer followers of Golden Kali can read about it here: Meet Kali.
It also feels like an eternity because of the countless experiences Kali and I have had together during the past six years. For much of this time Kali was rarely far from my side. As I write this post she lies sleeping at my feet; a very familiar spot and one that is so natural to both of us. We estimated Kali’s age to be five years when she joined our pack. Now a full fledged senior at 11 her hip dysplasia slows her down quite a bit. Her cataracts impair her vision. She’s developed either acute selective hearing or just plain hearing loss. I believe it is the latter. Still, Kali’s love and devotion remain ever present and stronger than ever. I try every day to live up to that example she sets for me!
Each year Memorial Weekend marks Kali’s Gotcha Day.
So here on the Sunday of the 2020 Memorial Day holiday I sit reflecting on that same weekend in 2014 when we welcomed Kali into our family and into our home in Livermore, CA. Kali adjusted to her new life almost immediately. The bond between us was instant. For two years we carried out an almost daily routine of morning walks, meals, playtime in the afternoon, and cuddles in the evening.
In 2016 we added a new nine-week old puppy to the pack and named her Kloe. Kali welcomed her with open paws and became a great big sister and teacher. Within two weeks we moved to the Sierra Nevada Foothill town of Tuolumne, CA. Kali took it all in stride welcoming her new surroundings and new baby sister. “But wait Kali – there’s more…”
In 2018 we adopted Koda, a four month old rescue. Koda was, and is, a bundle of energy and moxie! This time around Kali is not as actively involved with the younger pup. She stays above the fray and leaves the heavy lifting to her younger sister Kloe all the while remaining near by and willing to offer advice (woof!) and criticism (“Zzzz”) when necessary.
So on this 2020 Memorial weekend, as we remain mostly sheltered in place, I am feeling blessed that my Golden Kali remains in my life and by my side.
Happy Gotcha Day Kali. You will forever be the Golden light in my life and at The Golden K.
Golden Kali 