Four years ago today, my dog Miko passed away peacefully in his sleep. I’ve mentioned him here before — his adventures at the dog park, how he picked me out at the shelter, and our last days together. He was a great dog, full of personality and so very smart. He dazzled the family with tricks from the first night he was home.
But if he had one flaw, it was in his digestive tract.
When Miko was nervous… man that dog could pass gas! We first noticed it in his first few months with us. Miko could clear a room. I remember one night when my grandmother, aunt and uncle, and I were sitting together in the den. Miko let one loose and we started to gag. Before our faces melted from the stench, we made a break for it and escaped to another room. Miko followed us and let another bomb fly.
I’m laughing just remembering the reactions to the stink.
As he settled in and started to feel like part of the family, Miko’s gas problem went away. What made me realize that it was nervous gas was a visit to the vet’s office.
We were in for a regular check up and toenail clipping. As soon as we were closed into the exam room with the veterinarian, Miko let one rip. It was so bad that the doctor had to open a window! We were both gagging at the smell. Eventually, I put two and two (or toot and toot) together and realized that my big strong dog was farting when he was afraid.
I guess it’s akin to an octopus inking? Miko would drop a stink bomb and hope for an opportunity to escape while we were all gagging.
I miss you, my Miko… gas and all. Thank you for the special time we had together, even if it was too short.