Well, the day we were dreading finally came. We had to put our dear girl, Tasha, down this last Monday, 25 Jun 2012. After almost 16 years of her being a loving, fun, and loyal part of our family, this was one of the hardest things we have ever done. This wasn’t the first time we have had to do this but that didn’t make it any easier.

She came to us as a “Shepherd mix”. Never did quite figure out what the “mix” actually was. She never reached GSD size but her beautiful sable coloring was there in all its glory. I’m sure there was disappointment in her runtiness but in the end, her calm, friendly, gentle, and smart temperament are what made her a proud, strong dog. She was a glowing testimony to the advantages, or lack of disadvantages, of just getting a mutt.

Tasha was the sweetest, most gentle, dog I have ever known. We may not have put her through the most extensive training like we did our 3 year old Mal, Bailey, and she never saw the inside of any competition rings, but she was as obedient, well behaved, and willing to please of a dog anyone would ever want. Training here was a breeze. She endured hair pulling from our kids, roughhousing from all of us, and snarls from other dogs and not once did she ever growl or come close to harming another person or dog. The only time she ever got aggressive was on one occasion where she threw herself between me and an attacking dog twice her size entering our yard years ago. She became our hero at just 40 lbs. She never needed a fence, even after moving to a second home in her life. She just quickly learned where the lot lines were and never crossed them unless we invited her to.

She was the best walking partner we ever had, over thousands of walks in all kinds of weather and couldn’t wait until the next one. Even in her last days, she dutifully would come to have me put on her leash even for just a few minutes around our street. She was always there to happily greet me coming home from work each day and would literally jump and spin with delight every time I indicated it was time for a walk or to play. She kept our feet warm every night without being a pest. She melted our hearts with every recall, running with her bounding gait, floppy ears, and smiling face. She made us laugh with her expressions and antics and loved to play fetch. Had we known as much when we first got her as we have learned about dog training and sports over the past few years from all you guys, she would have made a heck of an agility dog. We failed her in that respect, not giving her the chance to reach her potential. Somehow, she never seemed to hold that against us. Maybe this posting will serve as testimony for how much she still meant to us.

Over the past few years, it was tough watching her slow down. A dog that one could jog with was reduced to barely keeping up on a slow walk. The gray frost around her eyes and muzzle seemed to appear overnight and then slowly took over her whole face. Then her mind started to fade and the light in her spirit started to flicker. That has been the toughest part, watching dementia set in. Yet, we felt she wasn’t ready and we weren’t ready to let each other go until just recently. We were determined to allow her a quiet comfortable retirement in as much dignity as possible. Finally, we got to the point where her good days weren’t so good anymore and her bad days were just too difficult to watch. It was time.

Rest in peace, sweet girl. We were so blessed to have you be a part of our family. We will miss you and pray we’ll see you again. You were a great dog.

Such a beautiful tribute to a remarkable life. What a lucky, lucky girl she was.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope there's a little comfort in knowing that you gave her the very best life--and passing--that any dog could ever hope for.

 Quote: Greg Meyer

We failed her in that respect, not giving her the chance to reach her potential. Somehow, she never seemed to hold that against us. Maybe this posting will serve as testimony for how much she still meant to us.

I believe she got the best she could ever ask for and achieve. True and unwavering love and loyalty of her master. Nothing else matters to her or you.

My heartfelt condolences to you Sir.

Greg, I'm very sorry for the loss you and your family are going through. You have my sincere condolences.

It was very obvious from your incredible tribute to your girl that you gave her a great life. Your family was very fortunate to have her with you for so many wonderful years.

There are so many of us that share your pain in a loss of our own. The words don't really help, but knowing others out there sympathize with you can provide some small comfort.

I hope you will soon be able to focus on all of those wonderful memories she created for you and your family over all of those years.

Lee

We understand the terrible pain of your loss.


You didn't fail your beautiful girl. You blessed her life just as she blessed yours.

Isn't it an amazing gift, the love from and for a dog? All we can give in gratitude is the best life possible, and some gentle help easing her down the road when needed, and you did it all.


Rest in peace, Tasha.

One of life's saddest moments, really, the loss of the dear old dog, the family dog.
A great mutt is irreplaceable.

So very sorry for your sad loss of Tasha, she had such a sweet and kindly face, you must miss her terribly after such a long time with you.

Rest peacefully in the sun at the Bridge Tasha, you will see your family again one day.

She was such a beautiful girl, Greg. I'm so sorry for the pain you and your family are going through right now. Your beautiful tribute to her tells me she was a very lucky dog, indeed, to be so completely and unconditionally loved and cared for by her family. No dog could ask for more.

Run free at the Rainbow Bridge, sweet Tasha.

So sorry to hear of her passing, but what a beautiful homage your words about her are.

Greg, I am sorry for your loss. Tasha was a very beautiful girl. Her picture shows her boundless spirit, and I see a bit of mischief in her eyes as well.

It's never easy to lose one- no matter how long they have been with you. The best we can do is give them a peaceful and dignified passing with loved ones at their side.

You gave her the best life possible- full of love and attention. A family dog is there for the ups and the downs- no matter what happens, they are at your side. To me, there is no job harder for a dog- and no job more important. Titles are titles- just pieces of paper. A dog that helps the kids learn to walk, a dog that is there to lick away tears when they fall down, a dog that will lay quietly at your side at night while you read a book - that is what's priceless.

Your heart is breaking right now. It will hurt for a while. One day, the memories that are most painful, will make you smile. The smiles will turn to laughter as you tell others about the silly things she did. Smiles and laughter are our greatest monuments to our dogs.

Tasha is at the Bridge waiting patiently for you. When you see her, she will bounce her way to you, ears a floppin', with a giant smile on her face.

Hugs to you and your family.

--Kel