Zlata

I just can’t believe my girl is no longer with me – it’s never enough time !!!
❤️ Zlata Flew Across the World to Find Me

In January 2019, the Borzoi rescue group asked if we could foster a young Russian girl arriving on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. I was told she had a heart condition and would need daily medication.
What I didn't know was that she was about to change my life forever.
Due to travel delays, Zlata didn't arrive until Friday. When I first saw her at JFK, she was frightened and exhausted and her tail was tightly tucked, she did not have the best arrival into JFK airport.
Not long after we got home, I knew something was terribly wrong. Zlata couldn't settle. She paced relentlessly, refused to sit down, was placing herself into corners, and her gums had turned white. Fearing a cardiac emergency, we rushed her to the veterinary hospital.
Instead, we learned that the beautiful girl who had just traveled halfway around the world was suffering from bloat—a life-threatening condition.
We immediately called Mrs. Carol Backer to explain the situation. A few minutes later, she called back with words I will never forget:
"This girl traveled way too far for us to let her down."
She authorized emergency surgery without hesitation.
The surgery was successful, but Zlata remained hospitalized overnight. The next day, when I arrived to visit her with two friends, everything changed. She wrapped herself around me as if she had known me forever.
Our story began in that moment.
From that day on, Zlata chose me as her person, and I was honored to be her person until the very end.
She settled beautifully into life with my two senior Borzois, Monroe and Myka. But her world truly lit up when Uzor joined our family in March of 2019.
The two of them were inseparable.
Whether they were racing through the yard, or simply existing side by side, their bond was undeniable. Of course, Zlata always made sure Uzor remembered who was in charge.
Over the years, we shared countless walks, trips to the beach, rides to the park, and quiet evenings in the backyard. She loved treats more than anything, and somehow only Zlata knew exactly when she had finally had enough.
She filled every day with joy.
When I learned she had bone cancer, my heart shattered.
I had convinced myself she was simply slowing down with age. After all, she would have turned eleven this November. For more than three years, we had been managing her arthritis with monthly acupuncture treatments, and I believed that was all we were facing.
Then she refused to go to her last appointment.
Concerned, I arranged for a veterinarian to come to our home instead. After the treatment, she seemed worse, not better. A few days later, I brought her to the emergency veterinarian, where I received the news every dog owner dreads.
Zlata had bone cancer in her left rear knee.
I brought my girl home that Wednesday. The next day, I spoke with her veterinarian, Dr. Collins. Together, we made the hardest and most loving decision possible.
It was time.
Those final three days were a gift.
Uzor and I stayed by her side, cherishing every moment together until Dr. Collins came to the house that Saturday June 25th and helped her pass peacefully from this world.
Loving her was a privilege.
A few days before her diagnosis, I had a dream.
I saw Zlata running freely up a hill—strong, joyful, and completely carefree. There was a crowd of people around her, yet she looked only for me.
Now, when grief finds its way into my heart, I return to that dream.
I picture her running effortlessly up that hill, healthy and whole again. And I know that somewhere beyond my reach, she is free.
Zlata crossed an ocean to find me. She gave me years of unconditional love, loyalty, and friendship. Though she took a piece of my heart with her when she left, I would choose her all over again.
She was my heart dog like all the rest.
She was the best girl.
And she will be missed beyond words.
Run free, my beautiful Zlata, until we meet again. ❤️
Oh, and did I mention she was a foster failure !!!!
I love my girl and miss her every day. ❤️ Enjoy a few photos of her and Uzor. Thank you again for entrusting these precious creatures to me and for allowing them to become such an important part of my life. The love they gave so freely is a gift I will cherish forever.
My Warmest Regards

Anna Thoma