Wednesday, July 14, 2010

A Beautiful End

I take a break from my regular blog topics to say a few words in memory of our dear, sweet golden retriever Tasha who left this world yesterday in the arms of her second family in Colorado.

This was not a surprise, she was almost 14 years old and was having more and more physical problems. One of the hardest things we had to do when we came to Italy was leave her behind, knowing that she might not be there when we got back. We were all so very blessed that Patrick's sister and her family wanted her to come live with them and be part of their family in Colorado.

Let me tell you a little bit about Tasha... Everyone loved Tasha. She was the most gentle soul you would ever meet. Always happy to be there for love and support, never demanding. Never once hurt or threatened another creature, even when annoyed by a toddler or a kitten or an alpha dog. She would just look at us with those big brown eyes that seemed to say "Seriously?" and stoically bear whatever life threw at her. Tasha patiently taught me to like dogs, and she was the first dog I ever truly loved. She was our first baby, coming to us as a 6 weeks old puppy in 1996, 5 years before our son Brandon was born.

Sometimes we might think that we are doing a favor to the animals in our life, by taking them in and loving and caring for them. That we are giving them a home. But really, they are the ones who are doing us the favor. They become part of our hearts, they make our home a home. Our animal companions are the ones who show us what unconditional love truly is. They teach us compassion. And they teach us how to grieve when they go, since their lives are so much shorter than ours.

So, Tasha I just want to thank you. For all that you gave to me, all that you taught me.

And Heather, Rob and Dylan, thank you so much for bringing Tasha into your home and loving her as much as we did for the last year and a half. For so amazingly dealing with the difficult end of her days when we weren't there. You got the hardest part. Tasha was so lucky to have had two families in her life that loved her so much. We will be forever grateful to you.

Today I created this photo story to honor Tasha's life. I wish I had her puppy photos, our canoe dog photos, more photos from her time in Colorado... but this is what I have today and now is when I need to do this. For me. For her. For anyone who knew her.

"It's a beautiful end to a beautiful life..."

13 comments:

  1. I am so sorry for your loss... We get so attached to our animals. I had given a golden puppy to my husband before we had kids and she lived to the same age. They are wonderful dogs. I know how are it is to lose you pet as they love you so unconditionally and you love them.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm so sorry, Kat. She is beautiful. I'm glad she was part of your family and brought to you joy. I believe that every soul finds the right place to grow... Thanks for sharing this touchy story with us.

    ReplyDelete
  3. A beautiful video for a beautiful dog who had a beautiful family - more than one - who loved her. I'm sorry for your loss and glad Tasha was there for so many years to enrich your lives.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Made me cry and I never met her. I learned about unconditional love from my dog when I was a kid. She taught me much. Tasha was well loved and will be missed. Sorry for your loss.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Beautiful video. I'm really going to miss her.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh, Katrina - I'm so sad for you, Brandon and Patrick. Wonderful video - she was a lucky girl to have a family like you guys!

    ReplyDelete
  7. So sorry for your lost! :( This is truely such a wonderful sweet tribute to your lovely sweet dog Tasha! Thank you so much for sharing. Love to you and yours!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sad for you, but what wonderful years she lived. Dogs are such a happy part of a family

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks everyone for your wonderful sentiments! I am glad I could share just a little bit about her with you all. Go hug your puppies! :) (OK, and your human family too...)

    ReplyDelete
  10. oh no! it's so sad and i'm sorry...i'm a dog person and always feel the injustice that their lifespans are so short...i mean...why!?! :(

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm so sorry for your loss. I agree with all you say about animals. I have often thought my golden retriever is an angel in a very thin disguise! Our animal family members can teach us so much and are such a big part of our families. It must have been hard to leave Tasha behind, but she was lucky to have two loving families.

    ReplyDelete
  12. oh, so that's tasha! what a sweet, sweet girl. i am so sorry for your loss. what a sweet video montage you made in her honor...

    ReplyDelete
  13. I felt sad when you emailed me she had died, but I bawled when I watched this. She was a part of our lives, my first grand-dog and she will be missed. I know it was hard not being there, but Rob and Heather, we all thank you for being there for all of us.
    Thanks,
    Mom/Carolyn

    ReplyDelete

What's your view of the world? I love to hear yours too!

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.