A memorial to Koala and Songi

It's been a rough couple of days.

You know my friend G lives in Daegu - she and her family are the people I spent Christmas weekend with. I've known G since I was 8. We're from the same hometown. We grew up together. I first met her Yorkie, Songi, back in 2004 when I was in Korea with the US government. I've played with Songi countless times over the years, and I've pet-sat quite a few times, too. I didn't see much of Songi this past weekend, as she wasn't feeling well. I learned from G Sunday night after I'd returned to Seoul that it had turned into something serious. I awoke Monday morning to an email that Songi had died in the night. 

Songi, 2007

Songi 2010

I cried. I hugged Charlie. I sent an email to my mom, telling her about Songi, and saying that I was glad to have the day off from work, so I could spend it in bed snuggling with Charlie, but oh, how it made me miss Koala. 

Koala was my baby. You know I'm a cat lady. I've never had anything against dogs - in fact, I like most dogs. It's just that I'm a cat person. Except for when I first met Koala and fell totally in love. I'd have brought her with me to Korea, except that she was so happy spending all day with her 8 canine friends, and would've been miserable in a tiny Korean apartment. I've missed her terribly.

I awoke this morning to a response from my mom. Koala had died. The timing could not have been more surreal.

Koala had a rough start to life. She was born in December 2008, and came into my life in January 2009. She was almost dead. A dog had attacked her, had bitten her in the head and neck. She'd been dumped in a parking lot. When she was first spotted, she was walking in circles. Then she collapsed. She was weak, dehydrated, couldn't stand or eat or drink. She had a few seizures. I stayed up with her all night, giving her water and chicken broth via syringe. And she lived.

Koala when I first saw her.
Cleaned up and feeling better, but resting

Due to some issues I won't get into here, she wasn't vaccinated right away. She came down with parvo. An enormous vet bill (and some fantastic work by my local vet that was worth every penny) later, she had fully recovered.

Koala at the vet's, being treated for parvo.

Bringing her home from the vet

Koala was never the smartest dog. She was absurdly funny looking. She often ran in circles. Periodically she would have seizures, but never seemed to feel any ill effects afterwards. But that's the only thing that could explain her sudden death, on her porch, untouched by the other dogs.

Koala, summer 2009
Koala and her two puppy friends, Marlee and Piglet could not fetch worth a damn. But soooo cute. Piglet (the tiniest one in the video) grew into a behemoth - and we were able to find her a home. Mom still has Marlee.
Perfect portrait :-)
Koala, July 2010, shortly before I moved back to Korea
Koala playing with her new friend, Wolfie, summer 2011
My last picture of Koala, taken when I was home late this summer.
I'll miss her.