LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

For KB, For K, For The Runner, and for R

She has severe disease of the spine and has endured many major surgeries.  Despite the constant pain, she rides her bicycle through harsh trails high in the Rockies.  She pushes herself and the spine disease does not define her life.  She has my own deep admiration.  She may be the most courageous woman I know.

She is an amazing photographer and her blog brings us unbelievable photographs of the Rocky Mountains.  She has placed trail cameras in the mountains and has shown us such wonderful photographs and videos of lions and bobcats and bears.  My personal favorite is a video of a Black Bear, coming briefly from her den, full of sleep and moving slowly, then retreating to the den for a longer sleep.  She has shown us the beauty of mountain sunrise and evening sunset.  She has shown us the wonder of Aspen groves in autumn.  She has shown us the beautiful wildflowers and birds native to the area.  She is KB and she rolls though the Rockies.

Her companion is a chocolate Labrador Retriever.  The Lab is K and K romps through the Rockies.  K is more than a companion.  She is KB's soul-mate dog.  Her heart dog.  While KB is riding, K has her back.  She romps along with KB as she rolls through areas filled with Elk, Mountain Lions, Bobcats, Bears, and Coyotes and all the other wild animals living in the Front Range in Colorado.  And at elevations above 8,000 miles, there is a lot of wildlife.  Through KB's trail cameras and mountain biking we are privy to much of it.

K has had her share of medical problems herself.  Yet her devotion to KB never wanes.  Right now K is facing the fight of her life.  She was recently diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her left front leg.  Preparing K for surgery to remove part of the bone, the veterinarian found that the cancer had already spread to another bone in her leg.  The surgery was canceled and treatment was begun with stererotactic radiation and chemotherapy.  Her next round of chemo will be on Friday.

The prognosis is questionable.  Yet KB is determined that K will not be defined by the osteosarcoma.  Just as KB lives her life well, she allows K to live her own life well.  KB does limit the duration of K's outings so she often rolls along the trails without her heart dog.


This is a photograph that will bind bloggers together to hope for strength for K.

Photo from DK and the Thundering Herd who organized this effort.  (here)



In addition to K, KB's household includes her human soul-mate (The Runner) and a beautiful and playful male black Labrador (R).  R tends to accompany the Runner just as K accompanies KB.

So why this post?  I am joining many other bloggers to ask you to pause for a minute and think about KB and her wonderful dog K.  If you have religious beliefs, please pray for them.  If you have no diety then please send positive thoughts for these brave and unbelievably courageous humans and canines.  Visit them at KB's blog (here) and let them know that we are pulling for them.  I also advise you to look at the archives to see some of the most outstanding photographs you can imagine.

So, on the Valentine's Day:

HERE'S TO KB; TO K; TO THE RUNNER; AND TO R
AND TO THE POWER OF THE PAW!

25 comments:

Berts Blog said...

This is beautiful and well put. Thank you for putting into words what we feel and think.

Bert and My Vickie

Bassetmomma said...

What a beautiful post! Our thoughts are with KB and K also! Happy Valentine's Day!

troutbirder said...

Thanks for the headsup Carolyn. A courageous blogger thats for sure. Also thanks for the wishes for Mrs. T. She is doing very well and we'll being going to a movie and dinner in Rochester tonight. :)

NanaNor's said...

Hi there, What an incredible tribute to KB and K. Like you, I love reading her posts and seeing what life up in the high places holds....we live down in the flat lands but can see the beauty of her area. KB simply amazes me and makes me thankful for every minute. I can't wait to see who else has done a tribute to her.
Hugs today.
Noreen

Jill said...

Such a sweet post...Praying for K.

D.K. Wall said...

What a terrific post. Thanks so much for joining with so many others in the Pillars of Strength.

(Though I have to say - I am only one of many co-conspirators).

How Sam Sees It said...

Beautiful post!

Sam

Rudee said...

What a lovely story! Of course I'll keep them both in my thoughts and prayers.

Mary Lee said...

What a thoughtful post! I was not familiar with her blog. Thanks for the introduction.

The power of the paw. . . how very true!

Golden Samantha said...

Such a very thoughtful post about KB, K and R. Love their blog and can't imagine anyone with more courage.
xoxoxo
Sammie, Avalon and mom

Arkansas Patti said...

What an incredible tribute. Yes, they will both be in my prayers. Some people and creatures just set the bar so high for the rest of us.

My Mind's Eye said...

Happy Valentine's Day to you Ellie and Lucy!! Have a fun day in the beautiful NC mtns.

We just learned about K today and do so have K and her mom in our purrs,
Hugs Madi and Mom

kks said...

beautiful! i have been a fan of KB's blog for years....
power of the paw!
xoxo

Vicki Lane said...

A fine post -- on my way to visit KB's blog.

Barb said...

A beautiful tribute for KB and her faithful K. I wrote a message for them on One Good Thing. I first visited her several years ago on your advise. Thanks for introducing me to such a good Blog friend!

Andrea said...

This is a very touching and beautiful piece for your loves on Valentine's Day. I am sending K, KB, The Runner and R both my prayers and positive energies. May they live life to the fullest and KB be miraculously healed. Nothing is impossible! Take care yourself and the household. The photo is really a wonderful tribute to a loyal and loving companion.

KB said...

Thank you so very much. I am stunned by this "surprise". Your words humble me and leave me very thankful that I have "met" people like you through the blogosphere.

Your words give me strength. Thanks for your friendship and for this amazing post.

Sam said...

It was through your blog that I originally started following KB's adventures back when her yellow lab, S, was ill. Thank you so much for posting back then (about three years ago, I think!), and for sharing with so many other bloggers the same thing now.

Ms. A said...

Will be adding my thoughts and prayers!

Unknown said...

I would just like to add: Don't ever underestimate God. Prayer can change things.

Anonymous said...

A beautiful post. Sending good thoughts their way.

Champion of My Heart said...

I have the pleasure of knowing K an KB in real life, and I'm so pleased that so many of our blog friend are taking part in this worldwide tribute to them.

Busy Bee Suz said...

Prayers AND good thoughts are heading their way from me. Going to check out the links, thanks for sharing.
Bless them both!

Janie said...

Thanks for the introduction to KB and K. I visited her blog, and it is awesome. I hope K's chemo works well and gives him many more years with his owner.

Cicero Sings said...

A lovely site ... thank you for directing us there.