November 2, 2009 -- October 11, 2011
There aren't enough words, but I can always try. I never imagined our time with him would be so short.
Kolchak had torsion and bloat on Sunday afternoon that was operated on from 4pm to 9pm that night, but ultimately he died of a pulmonary blood clot this morning around 11am.
Kolchak XV was first a blessing to our family. He came to us from a wonderful mom and he reflected his upbringing. Many said he was the best behaved Kolchak. We agree. To us, he was a goofy teenager growing into his body while embedding himself in our hearts. Of course, he was our "very, very bad dog" when he chewed things he shouldn't or stole food off a plate or counter, but he was just being the teenage borzoi he was meant to be.
Kolchak XV only came to us through his job and he did it well. He blessed our current Wolhounds, wolfpups (the kids), Gold Star families (KIA’s - Killed in Action’s family members), and Wolfhound Veterans of various wars by being gentle, non-judgmental, fuzzy, funny, and regal (if only you could see him in his dirt pile!). He was the physical representation of Wolfhound compassion. He only lived long enough to become a Corporal in the army, but he will always be one of a line of King of the Wolfhounds.
Finally, know that due to his Military Working Dog status, he was provided unlimited around-the-clock care that most owners/handlers/families dream of. This resource was exceptional in the heart of the vets and techs on their holiday weekend to come in quickly and frequently, some volunteering to pull a watch or overnight shift. They pulled for him with everything they had, knowledge, experience, resources, and desire. One tech said, "This is why I do this job. I take care of animals that serve." There was always at least one vet, often two, and a tech or two with Kolchak. He was the only animal in the emergency area so it was all about him. I do not doubt his care and only dream of that level in a civilian environment.
We thought he was doing better so the kids and I got to pet and hug him for a half-hour. He was alert and responsive, lifting his head when he heard and saw us and even trying to move toward us. When he started to crash, we had to go to another room. We know he knew we were there and that we loved him dearly. This is our only comfort. Our house is filled with his things, specific to borzoi and/or him. Now our palm trees will grow with the scars of his teeth, our China cabinet and house trim will bear his mark, and the hole in our heart the size of his schnoz will remain.
Godspeed, Corporal Kolchak XV Hoakoa Korsakov's Travelin' Man, to travel over the rainbow bridge, much too early for us, to rest at the feet of the Lord with a squeaky stuffy in your grip. Someday, we will meet you there.
I am so sorry for your loss. I got to meet Kolchak when I picked up his brother. He was a great dog and would have been my choice if he wasn't already spoken for. In fact I selected Troi because he and Kolchak were playing and the other brothers were just standing around.
ReplyDeleteI know no words can really help, but know you and your family are in my prayers. I hope the sadness passes quickly and you are left with just the good memories.
Dennis
Michelle, i can't begin to express the sadness i feel at reading your message of Kolchak's passing. Just think on this:
ReplyDelete"I think their spirit goes up there, to Sirius, the Dog Star. I can't imagine anything else that would keep it burning so bright and constant."
--- Captain Ezra Harper in , DogStar
I would like to express our condolences for the loss of CPL Kolchak XV. I had the priviledge of meeting Kolchak on my 2 trips to Hawaii the most recent 2 weeks ago and I could tell the love he received from you and your family. God bless the entire Crump Family.
ReplyDeleteKolchak had the most wonderful home, extended family and care I could ever ask for. Everyone went above and beyond to ensure he had a great life. I don't know why this happened. It was a fluke. I am heartbroken not only to loose him, but to know of the broken hearts of all those who loved him. Thank you Crump family, and the Wolfhounds for your love and devotion to my baby. Jane Bishop - Korsakov
ReplyDeleteThank you to the Wolfhound and borzoi communities for reaching out to our family as we mourn Kolchak.
ReplyDeleteWe're slowly moving from guilt to acceptance as we did everything to prevent bloat - not in his bloodline, free feeding, water available, no activity in the hottest part of the day, fans and cool tile all over the house, Isabella kept near him, and so on. He wasn't tacked since the risk of surgery outweighed the odds of torquing. I'd memorized the signs of torsion/bloat yet, having seen it first hand, nothing adequately or definatively, describes it.
One borzoi breeder described Kolchak's passing as he moved on to another duty station. He PCSd to the Rainbow Bridge. We'll miss him.
Kolchak blessed many and infected us for having borzoi in our life whether as a pet or mascot or both. We'll see what God brings us. We thank him for bringing so many breeders and Wolfhounds into our lives along with his personal love for us, his goofiness, his tatooing our trees and house, and training to have borzoi.
We just learned of Kolchak's passing today at Tree of Life. We are so sorry for your loss. We so enjoyed getting to know Kolchak on our visit with you in Sept. Although we only spent a little while with him, Kolchak will always hold a special place in our hearts. He was a very special part of a very special family. We pray that God will comfort you as you remember your beloved Kolchak. Hugs, Amy & Frank
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