Early this morning my friend Brenda and I had to let go of our dog Tailor.
Jan 1999 – Nov 2012
He was a sweetheart of a dog and liked nothing better than to lay around under the table or be loved on. He was a real wiggle-butt in true Aussie fashion. He came here around, oh… I guess 2000. Everyone loved Tailor and he was what we call an “easy keeper.”
He is one of only two dogs I’ve had out of probably, I don’t know… say 10-12, that stood his ground in protection of me and I felt it go up my spine, that is to say PRIMAL. I was having siding put on the house and there was some sort of situation that put Tailor between me and the worker. It was nothing really but Tailor thought it was. He stopped probably 10-15 ft away from me in a powerful stance with a very low growl. I called him back with a bit of effort, which wasn’t like him. I never forgot that. As I said, this happened with only one other dog, my Belgian Malinois. Looking back I recall how shocked I was my fluffy lounge lizard would do that.
Around 2006 he was bred to a working Aussie (as you can see Tailor was all Show Dog) and out came Duke.
So Duke came to live with me as a puppy and Tailor went back to live with Brenda.
Tailor is related to lots of dogs in my family. My Dad’s dog and our friend Tom’s dog as well. Of course they’re all from the same good stock and everyone’s related somehow! Tailor was almost 14 and we lost him to nothing other than old age. He’d been sick for about 3 weeks on and off I guess.
***
I have to say, Tailor was a special gift to me because he came at a time when I was giving up a lot of my dogs and dog activities due to Multiple Sclerosis. He was a Show Dog (think Westminster only not like that level) and while I didn’t particularly like to show in Breed (being an Obedience/Tracking person myself) he was a great opportunity to stay engaged in the sport. Tailor and my friend Brenda of 20 years, allowed me to keep participating in some small way when I wasn’t ready to let go.
Bye buddy. Thank you for giving me the time to learn to let go and for bringing Duke in my life.
So sorry for the loss of your sweet pup. He was so handsome.
Amy
Sending hugs to you and Brenda. So sorry to hear about your loss.
Sorry to read your news. I bet he left big paw prints in all your hearts. ((Hugs))
So sorry to hear about the loss of Taylor. It does help to focus on the wonderful gift of Duke, but it is still so sad.
So sad to hear of you loss – it is always difficult I think…. Lots of hugs coming your way.
Enjoy the wonderful memories ….. sad to hear of your loss.
My own Belgian Malinois is rapidly approaching the same thing. My heart is breaking for you.
Old age is the way to go for a dog! Our Aussie is 12 and still going strong but looking more and more white-faced. He’s a red merle like your Duke. Glad you had the opportunity to stay connected to a life you loved through Brenda and Tailor–and to share in his many years.
Oh no! I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet friend is so difficult …I know as we’ve lost several wonderful dogs during our marriage. So, take your time and remember the good times with your dear friend and know that I am thinking of you.
Hugs, Karen L.
What a loving tribute — my heart goes out to you and to Brenda and to all the other families who were graced with Tailor in their lives. (love the “furry lounge lizard” phrase)
I’m so sorry for Brenda’s and your loss. A loved dog is a family member and whenever you lose someone you love, it tears at your heart. Tailor was a lucky and loved dog, good for all concerned. Remember the great memories.
I’m so sorry for you loss. Sending hugs for you.
I’m so sorry — it is hard to lose a furry friend. You are fortunate to have so many great memories of him.
I feel your pain. Hugs to you my dear friend.
http://www.kipling.org.uk/poems_dog.htm
I feel your pain…hugs to you, my dear friend.
http://www.kipling.org.uk/poems_dog.htm
Oh Karen I’m so sorry to hear of your loss…what a beauty. What wonderful memories you have.
Love to you and Brenda both. Much love.
I’m terribly sorry to hear about the loss of Tailor. He was a true champ!
Ah, Tailor is a beautiful dog. Obviously he felt a special connection to you. it is nice when dogs can live a full life and die of old age.
So sorry…he was a beautiful dog and wonderful companion.
I am so sorry to hear about your dog Tailor. So sad
Sending BIG HUGS xxx
A beautiful tribute to a noble friend. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. xx
A beautiful tribute to a magnificent animal. Four-legged love.
((HUGS)) Sorry for your loss. Sounds like your doggy had a full and happy life.
The loss of a furry friend is always deep. They love you like no one else does!
:-}pokey
Karen, I’m so sorry. Our animals are very much part of our families, and it hurts to say goodbye. Sending a hug to you and to Duke.
It is never easy to let go of one we love. Glad you had the privilege of being loved by him.
I am so sorry dear friend.
Letting go of a pet is one of the hardest things – will be thinking of you.
So sorry to hear of your loss. I have lost a few in my time and it is never easy but hang on to the wonderful memories.
So sorry to hear this….thinking of you and Brenda. Hugs.
It’s difficult to lose a loved one be it furred or non-furred. {{{huggs}}}
I am so sorry for your loss. Great you have fabulous memories to.comfort you. Sending you big hugs.