Muki Jacques Boss Dog

Muki receives acupuncture in 2006

2007-01-05T20:21:00.000-08:00

Video of Muki receiving acupuncture from Dr. Molly Rice at Coastal Holistic in Half Moon Bay, California. Dr. Rice was our vet until we sold our car and were less able to travel out of San Francisco. She was known to slip Muki some dried anchovies as a reward; you can see his hopeful interest in this clip. We were lucky to find Dr. David Fong at San Francisco Veterinary Specialists, only a short cab ride away.

Muki gets a lift

2007-01-05T20:02:00.000-08:00

Here's a video of Paul lifting Muki, taken in 2006 in our kitchen in San Francisco.

Muki's last visit to the vet

2007-01-05T11:04:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, January 4, 2007, Muki made his last trip to his vet, Dr. David Fong at the San Francisco Veterinary Specialists. In many ways we were fortunate: both of us were both able to be present, our favorite vet Dr. Fong was on-duty and available, and Muki's end was calm, quiet, uncomplicated, and relatively painless.

On Wednesday Muki had been relatively good, ate well if not much, seemed alert and responsive. At 2 am he vomited, went out for a difficult walk. At 7 am we found him in the kitchen near his food bowls, where he had collapsed. We put him in his hallway bed, one of many he had in the flat, and then took him for a difficult walk at 9 am. He could barely stand or move, seemed semi-comatose, and was generally uninterested in being out. Paul placed him back in his bed, Marianne covered him with blankets to keep his arthritic body warm, and we hoped for the best.

Marianne was able to stay with him, as she was working from home this day. She called Paul home from his office when Muki became less responsive, and we made our final somber cab ride to the vet. We hoped for a miracle: maybe an IV or pain relieving injection? But we understood this might be the end. Muki lay still on Paul's lap throughout the ride, breathing slowly, with only a slight head rise when bright sun hit the window. Paul carried him directly into the clinic, and up to a familiar exam room.

Dr. Fong examined him thoroughly. Muki's heart was strong, but his neurological system was almost completely unresponsive. Dr. Fong recommended euthanasia, and through our tears we agreed. It seemed pointless and cruel to hospitalize him for testing, and the prognosis wasn't good. Whatever minimal time Muki might have had managed he wouldn't enjoy. The procedure was calm and painless. Both of us assured Muki how much he was loved and how much he would be missed.

In future posts, we will offer happier images. Muki lived long, he lived well, and he was much cherished. He loved adventure, wherever it was, city, forest, mountain or beach, and he had many outings throughout Northern California. He died in his 15th year of life--an indication of how loved and well-treated he was--with both his parents present. We were very fortunate to share his life. He was a sweet, beautiful soul. And he will be greatly missed.

Muki enjoys breakfast

2006-12-20T22:14:00.001-08:00

This is from August, when Muki was 13 years, 10 months old. He's always loved his breakfasts.

Muki on the Mendocino Coast

2006-12-12T17:22:00.000-08:00

Here's a vintage image of Muki in his prime, circa 1998, overlooking the surf from a cliff near Mendocino, California. He loves the beach, like any California native.

Rain soaked Muki recovering after walk

2006-12-12T10:29:00.000-08:00

A damp Muki resting after a walk this morning in a soaking winter rain in San Francisco. He's actually much more of a snow dog. Flakey Lake Tahoe powder is his preferred precipitation.

Muki gets a bath

2006-12-03T13:13:00.000-08:00

Muki gets a bath at Pet Food Express in San Francisco on December 2. This self-service pet wash is much better than bathing him in the tub in our apartment. The store is located only about four blocks away, on Market Street at Dolores. We walk most of the way, and use Muki's cart when he gets tired.

Muki keeping an eye on Duboce Park

2006-11-23T17:37:00.000-08:00

Muki on top of the hill in Duboce Park, keeping an eye on the neigborhood.

Duboce Park with cousin Stormy

2006-11-17T13:34:00.000-08:00

Here's Muki with Uncle Richard and cousin Stormy the dalmation, at San Francisco's Duboce Park.

C'mon Mom, put the camera away and let's go!

2006-11-17T13:29:00.000-08:00

This is a vintage picture, of Muki on a snowshoeing trip near Echo Summit at Lake Tahoe in February, 1998. He's part husky, and the arctic breed's enthusiasm for snow has always prevailed.

Muki goes to the vet

2006-11-16T12:51:00.000-08:00

Here's Muki at the vet, San Francisco Veterinary Specialists. He's waiting, not happily, for his acupuncture treatment from Dr. David Fong. We attribute his long age--Huskys rarely get past 12 years old--to holistic treatment, good diet, abundant exercise, and lots of love. And if if works for dogs, it might just work for people...

Muki "runs" to catch a train

2006-11-12T11:50:00.000-08:00

Muki in Duboce Park, watching a MUNI train go by. Dogs are allowed onboard San Francisco's public transit system as paying customers. These days, most of Muki's travel within the city is by taxi.

Muki rides in comfort

2006-11-11T21:46:00.000-08:00

Another image of Muki in his Cycletote trailer. When a dog gets to be 14+ years old, they're grateful for a comfortable ride.

Chariots of fur-er

2006-11-11T08:05:00.000-08:00

At age 14, Muki isn't able to do the three mile hikes. So he gets to ride in this cart from Cycletote.

Muki at lunch at Duboce Park Cafe

2006-11-11T08:02:00.000-08:00

Muki and mom at lunch in the Duboce Park Cafe, a welcome addition to the neighborhood. Note Uncle Richard with Cousin Stormy on left edge.

Muki yawns in Duboce Park

2006-11-11T07:56:00.000-08:00

Muki demanding food

2006-11-11T07:53:00.000-08:00

Muki and mom in Davis back yard

2006-11-11T07:50:00.000-08:00

Muki has returned to San Francisco. He misses his back yard in Davis, with a shady juniper tree to sleep under, just like Seabiscuit.

Mukioween 2006

2006-11-11T06:56:00.000-08:00

Muki in Halloween regalia, on his way to the San Francisco Department of Animal Care and Control's Pet Pride Day 2006.

Muki contemplating a walk

2006-11-10T18:33:00.000-08:00