Schoney

What can I say about Schoney? So many things.

How did she enter my life? We met on May 2, 2009 at an adoption event. I took her outside, sat cross legged on the ground, and she crawled in between my knees, laid down, and closed her eyes. At that instant, I knew she was mine.

How much did she love food? Schoney was a foodie! She loved strawberries, popcorn, bananas, watermelon, eggs, noodles, pizza crust, and carrots. Especially, carrots! My meals were never safe as Schoney ALWAYS sat next to me while I ate. I always had “help” in the kitchen whenever I cooked. One time, I made popcorn with my Stir Crazy. Schoney ran from the kitchen to the living room, barked out the window, and ran back to the kitchen.

How much did she love to travel? Schoney loved being on the go. Whether it was on her four legs or in my 4 wheels, she was ready to go. She also loved being outside. Thanks to her, we discovered so many parks. She was the best traveling partner. We have been to Bemidji, Winona, Lake Vermilion, and Grand Marais just to name a few. Whenever the car slowed down, Schoney was up on the console looking to see where we were.

Who did she like to visit? Everybody! Schoney loved to go to “Grandma and Grandpa’s” house. I would let her out of the car, she would run up to the house, past my mom (who always had the door open for Schoney), and would jump into the recliner with my dad. Schoney also enjoyed going to work with me. Schoney made friends wherever she went. On our walks in our neighborhood, at the park, or when visiting our friend at college. My friend said “dogs are like celebrities around here”.

What happened to Schoney? In May 2015, Schoney’s vet diagnosed her with kidney disease. Schoney had a diet change, added supplements, and a kidney medication. Plus, she got to have an egg white every other morning. In May 2016, Schoney had a diet change and the kidney medication removed as it increased her potassium. Schoney and I went on vacation in September. When we returned home, she didn’t snap out of her fatigue. Schoney had lost some weight and was eating less. Schoney saw her vet who changed her diet to get her to eat more. A week later, we were back to the vet to try a couple of more things. Unfortunately, she kept eating less (including not wanting her egg). Schoney spent her last weekend outside enjoying the beautiful weather.
Schoney passed away at home, in my lap, on Oct 3, 2016. Schoney was cremated with Tobey (her favorite toy) and a peanut butter biscuit (her favorite treat). Thank you, Pets Remembered.

What do I miss about Schoney? Everything. How I would throw treats around the house. How she would run onto her blanket waiting for a treat. How she would “paw” me to pet her. How she would head butt me to lift up the blankets so she could crawl underneath. How she would greet me at the door. How she would lick my toes while sitting on the couch. How she would lie between my knees and rest her head on my thigh when she took a nap. How she would snuggle next to me when we would sit on the porch. How she would chew on Tobey’s nose. How I would kiss her on her head, rub her ears, and tell her I love her. How I would give her a hug. How her little “mohawk” would stick up. How she was not too happy when having a bath. How she enjoyed having a bite or two of my food. How she would steal my socks. How she would chase and eat grasshoppers. How she would have her “freak outs”. How she would get excited whenever I had food. How she would run behind the couch. How excited she became to go for a car ride. How she would stretch after a nap. How she would “grumble” when I climbed into bed and she had to move. How she would smile with her crooked bottom teeth. How her one ear went forward and the other backward when she was happy. How she would go to bed and bark telling me it’s time for bed. How she would stop and not take a step if I wanted to go one way and she wanted to go another. How we sat in the grass at the park while Schoney watched a yoga class.

What is life like without Schoney? Lonely. Sad. Quiet. Empty. A piece of my heart is missing. My best friend is gone. Right now, the tears are outnumbering the smiles. I know this will pass. My friends have mentioned the “Rainbow Bridge”. I know that she is happy, healthy, and eating all the eggs, strawberries, and carrots she can.

Who took such good care of Schoney? That would be “Dr. Sophie”, who, in my eyes, went above and beyond in taking care of Schoney (and me, too). Whereas, Dr. Sophie said to me, that I went above and beyond taking care of Schoney.

Schoney was my kid and that was my job.