Canine companions are truly remarkable creatures. They possess an infectious positivity that can brighten up any room and turn our lives around. Even those who have been subjected to unimaginable cruelty and abandonment are often quick to forgive. Dogs embody pure love, and with love as their driving force, they can achieve great feats.
Kardi is a dog that has transformed her life by embracing the love she receives. Despite her initial struggles, Kardi’s story truly began when she crossed paths with Kelsey, who gave her unconditional love and care. According to Kelsey R., Kardi’s dog mom, this was a turning point in Kardi’s life and sparked positive changes.
On the eleventh of October, 2012, I welcomed Kardi into my life. She was a rescue dog from a breeder who had no use for her anymore and had already been spayed at the age of two. Sadly, Kardi had spent most of her early years in captivity inside a cage.
Initially, Kardi was quite timid and apprehensive, but she adapted to her new environment rather swiftly. She accompanied me everywhere and since I was studying in college, she developed close relationships with numerous acquaintances. Kardi is a classic ‘merry’ French bulldog who adores amusing people and possesses an absurd personality. Her fondness for toys is immeasurable; she is hardly ever spotted without one in her possession.
When my furry friend isn’t busy having fun with her toys, she finds comfort in taking a nap. She’s very affectionate towards me, her mom, and sticks by my side wherever I go. People often call her my shadow, and she’s definitely a mommy’s girl through and through.
When Kardi was in college, she had a friend whose brother passed away unexpectedly. Her friend was going through a very tough time and was deeply affected by the loss. Kardi recognized the need for support and stepped up to be there for her friend. She spent hours sitting with him and brought him toys to try and lift his spirits. Kardi was a natural at being a therapy dog and knew how to comfort her friend during this difficult time.
In 2015, Kelsey recognized Kardi’s aptitude for therapy work, and the two became a certified therapy team. Kardi had a natural inclination towards interacting with people of all ages, but she particularly excelled in her work with Alzheimer’s patients. Her gentle nudges encouraged patients to continue petting her, bringing many smiles to those in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, classrooms, and summer camps. However, that same year brought some challenges for Kardi and Kelsey. Kardi was diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which caused her spine’s discs to age and harden prematurely, leading them to rupture into her spinal column. Despite being ineligible for surgery due to other health issues, Kardi remained joyful and optimistic despite being paralyzed in her hind legs and losing control over her bowel and urinary functions.
Amidst all the challenges that Kardi faced, she remained resilient and never pitied herself. Every day, she grew both physically and emotionally stronger. Despite being paralyzed, Kardi learned to move around using her front legs and can even outrun me. Fortunately, a group of people secretly raised funds to buy Kardi a pink Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair a few months after her paralysis. Once Kardi was strapped into the wheelchair, she ran off like a speeding bullet and has been zooming ever since. She mainly uses her wheelchair for outdoor activities and prefers to scoot around the house. Kardi has mastered going down a few steps in her wheelchair, knows how to lay down in it, turn wide corners to avoid obstacles and even back up. Kardi’s wheelchair has made her quite famous! She has been featured in Walkin’ Pets’ calendars multiple times and won a Halloween costume contest in 2019 dressed as a Budweiser Clydesdale. Another year, she and her sister Bonnie Rose pulled a cart together while wearing matching costumes.
After adjusting to her new mode of transportation, Kardi faced even more adversity. Due to poor breeding, Kardi had suffered from several inherited health issues over the years. In March 2020, an ultrasound revealed that she had transitional cell carcinoma or bladder cancer. Unfortunately, due to her other medications, treatment options were limited, and Kardi was given a bleak prognosis of only three to six months to live. This was devastating news for Kardi’s owner Kelsey, who had always dreamed of having her beloved companion by her side on her wedding day. Despite the diagnosis, Kelsey was determined to give Kardi the best quality of life possible and ensure that she was present on her big day.
Kardi’s resilience in the face of adversity was remarkable, and she never once pitied herself. She faced each day with a smile and a determination to conquer whatever challenges lay ahead. Kardi had taught Kelsey many valuable life lessons, and their bond was unbreakable. As Kardi’s health fluctuated, it was uncertain if she would live long enough to attend the wedding. However, Kelsey knew in her heart that Kardi had to be there, and her husband-to-be shared her sentiment. Kardi was not just a pet; she was a part of the family and had been with Kelsey through thick and thin.
Kardi and Kelsey proved to be a resilient duo, surpassing the specialist’s expectations. Although Kardi was only given 3-6 months to live, she defied the odds and attended her human’s wedding almost a year later. Kardi even stole the show, as she and her sister Bonnie Rose were flower girls who rode in a flower-adorned wagon down the aisle. She then followed the newlyweds in a sparkler send-off with a “just married” sign attached to her wheelchair. Kardi’s journey demonstrates that dogs should never be underestimated, having overcome a life of neglect and mistreatment to become a beloved family member with adoring fans. For Kelsey, Kardi and Bonnie Rose are like her children, accompanying her and her husband on their honeymoon and being a huge part of their lives.
Don’t forget to follow Kardi on Facebook and Instagram and show her some love and encouragement as she continues her courageous battle! Update as of March 2022: Kardi’s presence at her human’s wedding was already a miracle, considering how she exceeded expectations by surviving much longer than anticipated after receiving a devastating diagnosis. Recently, Kelsey informed iHeartDogs that Kardi has passed away, almost two years after being given a grim prognosis of having only 3-6 months left to live. Thanks to the unwavering love and support of her family and friends, Kardi fought valiantly and has lived a life that will continue to inspire and uplift dog aficionados for many years to come. Kelsey shared on Facebook that Kardi had bid farewell to all those who loved and supported her.
