THE DOG THAT CHANGED US!
Karma’s Legacy and the end of an era - October 28, 2019
When Hurricane Ike hit the Gulf Coast in September 2008, many animals were displaced. We got a call asking if we could rescue a one- to two-year old Shepherd mix that was found wandering around an abandoned gas station. We did and the next 11 years of our existence included our beloved Karma.
Karma loved almost every person she met. She greeted you like a dear friend and usually rolled over hoping for belly rubs. Everyone who met her was captivated by her joy and beautiful brown eyes. But Karma was quite dog reactive and most people interested in her either had other dogs or wanted a dog they could take to the park where other dogs would be. She required a diligent handler to ensure she didn’t have any altercations with dogs being walked nearby. With these factors and as she got older, fewer and fewer adopters expressed interest in her.
Karma was the reason we created our Forever Foster program. We thought we’d have a better chance of getting her (and other long-term residents) into a loving home if we remained financially responsible for her care. We all got lucky when a long-time volunteer said her college age daughter was interested in meeting Karma to possibly foster her. The meeting went well and Karma happily trotted out the door to enjoy her new home. Apartment living suited her because she had a comfy couch and bed for napping. Her mom ensured Karma had everything she needed to be healthy and happy. Unfortunately, when she graduated, she was offered a job out of state that required a lot of travel and it was decided that was not the right life for Karma. We had to prepare for Karma’s return.
Our hearts were broken thinking about Karma losing her home and having to return to the shelter where she would be around other dogs, most of whom she would not like. Our love for her pushed us to think way out of the box. We took a large room on the cat side of the shelter that was primarily used for storage and turned it into Karma’s apartment. We got a small TV, a huge dog bed and the mattress from a crib plus a nice rocking chair for volunteers to sit with her. We cut a doggie door in the outside wall, built a deck and stairs to outside and fenced in a good size yard for her to run anytime she wanted. Other than the cats not being too happy about an “alien” on their side of the shelter, it was a good solution. Karma was happy.
It wasn’t long after Karma settled in to her apartment, a woman came looking for a “small fluffy dog” as her long-time canine companion had recently died. We didn’t have any dogs that matched that description at that time but our then-manager decided to introduce the lady to Karma. Remember, Karma loved almost everyone she met. Luckily, it was love at first sight for both of them. The lady went home to tell her husband. He came to meet Karma. Again, love at first sight. Their application for forever foster was carefully reviewed and approved. For the next two and a half years, Karma lived her best life. She was loved as we hope all dogs are. Early this year, she started showing her age and recently struggled with an issue on one paw that would not heal. Last week we learned why. Karma had an aggressive form of cancer that was not visible in mid-September but rapidly invading her lymph nodes in less than six weeks. She told us last Wednesday night that she was ready to go.
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we said goodbye to Karma on Thursday, October 24th. She was surrounded by several people who loved her dearly when she passed in her loving foster home. Karma forever changed us for the better, teaching us that we must push ourselves to try new things and be creative to help animals that don’t fit the typical shelter animal mold. We’ll think of her every time we walk into the shelter and see “her” doggie door and deck.
End of life care for Karma has taken a toll on our special needs fund. If you are so inclined to make a donation to the fund in her memory, we’ll be incredibly grateful. You may donate at www.CentralTexasSPCA.org. Please enter “In memory of Karma” in the comments.