Every moment is a new hell.
I, very literally, cannot remember life without you. And I'm not sure how to express my feelings for you.
I knew as soon as Casey moved to Alaska with me that she needed a protector and companion while I was away. We named you Kaskae, Chief, as a manifestation of what you could become.
My fondest memory of you is several memories. Every time I came home at 5am after a long shift, you growled and barked the deepest bark. You were a fierce defender of your mama. Every time, I would make it up the stairs and you would realize it was me. You let me pet and hug you and then you knew your watch was over and made your way to your bed. You were exactly what I needed you to be.
You were a damn problem in your peak. You were a handful and caused me so much grief. You stressed me out! But you were the perfect boy when I needed you to be. You made me so proud. I cannot believe that we got to know and care for you. And in your final days you were just as crazy as when you were a pup. You never stopped being you.
I don't know how to move forward without stepping over you. I miss you buddy.
Our Kaskae went to sleep for the last time earlier this week. He was nothing short of a gift to us for 14 years and if you knew him you know that to be true.
As a puppy he taught me adventure, fun, and goofiness. Swimming in glacier runoffs, canoeing on the lake, jumping off the diving board, wrestling on the couch. He was an Alaska boy.
Then he gave me joy. In the funny, in the exploring. Our walks together were something I still donāt quite have words for how much they impacted me. They changed me.
Finally in his later years he taught us patience and presence. And just how sweet it was to tend to an older dog. He couldnāt walk as far as we used to, and it took a good 30 minutes to warm him up to go outside in the mornings. We had the privilege of getting to care for and nurture him in those moments of tending, the slow strides walking through the neighborhood, him setting the pace, stopping to sniff for as long as he wanted. Pulling us into his favorite places (we didnāt say no). Making sure he knew heās still a good boy without the sense of hearing. The only goal was ever that he felt love and happiness until the very end (and that he would get lots of treats). And thatās exactly what happened.
Our silly, smart, cuddly, funny, loving, loyal, happy baby boy. I have so many words but they donāt feel like enough. It was a complete honor and JOY to love and be loved by you Kaskae. I will love you forever.
We enjoy the simple things at the park nowadays. But isnāt that how it always is? š Birds, bubbles, sticks, treats, and drooling #goldenretriever #seniordog #dogsofinstagram
2026 FACE-O-MATIC DEBUT āØš¦š come see me this Thursday 5-8pm for the first Third Thursday of the year! Iāll be popping up with the Episcopal Diocese on South Main. Meander around to other artist stops on your way, this is one of the best monthly event nights in the neighborhood āŗļø
@thirdthursdayftw sponsored by @nicoledawsontx . @nearsouthside #southmain #thirdthursday #artist #fortworthartist #nearsouthsidefortworth
