Today we had to say goodbye to our little friend Tia. She was in her 14th year and she had been with my husband David and me for 12 of those years. I always felt she was very happy to have a family of her own.
She had been intermittently unwell for the past couple of months. Our vet, Dr.Zinderman, had prescribed medication that we hoped would help. Sadly it did not. Last week she took a dramatic turn for the worst. Her blood work showed that things were not good. Dr. Z recommended an ultrasound and x-ray to see what was wrong.
When we got the call to come in and discuss the results of the diagnostic imaging yesterday, we knew it would not be good. David and I had already decided that at the age of 14 any kind of serious surgery would not be what we would choose. Dr. Z told us there was a large tumor in her adrenal gland and that surgery to remove it would be very difficult.
We said no. We told Dr. Z we would not put her though that. From there we arranged to take her home for a last night together and then bring her in today to send her on.
It is not easy to say goodbye. Now when I see other people out walking their dogs in the neighborhood it will be hard. But harder for David. Tia went everywhere with him. He will look at the passenger seat in his truck and it will be empty. He will not have his little companion to take naps with at the horse shows. All the other dog owners who he got to know in the neighborhood will still be out walking and talking to each other. They will still be in that country of dog owners and dog walkers. David has lost his passport to that country. His Tia has gone on.
When we told Dr. Z we did not want to put her through surgery he smiled and said: “That is the gift you can give her.”
That is the gift of goodbye.
HorseAddict 
❤
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I’m so sorry you had to go through that. 😥
I feel an echo of your pain, because I had to watch my 2 dogs die years ago.
The only small comfort I can offer you is this: it may take a long time, but for me, eventually the sad memories faded and the happy memories grew stronger.
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Thank you Gayle. It will take some time to let go of the sadness but I am sure we will get another little dog. It is up to my husband to decide when as he is the main dog person and was closest to Tia. I appreciate your comment and sympathy.
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It was hard to hit like. I feel your pain. We have two fourteen-year-old Blue Heelers who are beginning to slow down greatly due to age-related issues. There will be decisions to make sooner than we would wish. My thoughts and love.
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thank you so much for this sympathetic comment. I still expect to see little Tia when I come to the door. My husband has been hit harder than me as they were inseparable. But…when we were at the horse show on the weekend he befriended a little Jack Russell and I think we will be getting another dog once we get home to Canada. Perhaps in the summer. They do not live long enough and we get our hearts broken but I think it is worth it. thanks again for your comment.
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I’m sorry for your loss, this is a lovely tribute post.
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I am so sorry for you and David. I know this feeling too well. Hugs to you both.
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I am sorry to hear of your sadness. Your friend had a lovely life with you all. You gave her a loving goodbye. Her spirit will live on in your memory. Take care.
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Oh Anne, deepest condolences to you and David. Tia was a beautiful girl.—Julie
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Sorry for your loss.
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Sorry for your loss, Anne. You are an animal lover, but even more so, a lover of your family! May both your animal and people family be comforted.
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Thank you Jeff.
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So sorry for you! I lost ‘The Best Dog Ever’in April. Its never easy. I already have 3 more cuties, but no one could ever replace Jagger. I still miss him everyday. Hugs to you and David.
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We are so sorry for your loss dear Anne and under the circumstances the gift of goodbye is the greatest gift of love. David hasn’t lost his passport to the country of dogwalkers. I know many people who’ll still join the dog walk to stay fit, enjoy the conversations and get their ‘doggy fix’ by patting their dog’s pals after their own dog has passed away. It’s a loving community and everyone understands. I hope David will join them again for a walk when he is ready. A big hug and much love to you both from all of us here 💞💜💞 xxx
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Thank you Xenia
He has already said he will be put walking even without Tia.
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So sorry for your loss. God bless you all!
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This is so tough to endure..Prayers for you and your Husband. We all know the dog had the best life ever seeing how you treat Biasini xo
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So sorry for your loss. They really do become an important family member. It was a selfless gift to do what was best for her. She was lucky to have you to love her. Take care 🤗
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So sorry for your loss, Anne. That is extremely difficult but you made the right decision for her.
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A beautiful story of love and compassion, Anne.
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I’m so sorry! Words cannot describe the loss of such a beautiful soul 🐶 💕
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I’m so sorry, Anne. Thinking of you
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I’m so sorry for your loss. Wishing you and your family peace
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So sorry for the loss of your special family companion, Anne. Hugs to you.
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So sorry to hear about your loss. Losing a companion is heartbreaking.
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My heart goes out to you ❤🙏
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❤
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So sorry for your loss… it’s so heart breaking when a pet passes❤️❤️❤️
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I am very sorry for your loss. May Tia Rest In Peace x
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I am so sorry. That loss is one of the hardest. You have my sympathy
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It’s a kindness not to put a beloved older pet through major surgery imo. Tears and hugs for your loss. 😢💖
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Awe, brings tears to my eyes as I have loved and lost many furry friends over the years. You both gave her the greatest gift goodbye. Sending hugs to you and your hubby, a great loss for sure and what a beautiful gal. ❤️
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Oh, Anne, I am so sorry to read this… I’m sending warm hugs to you and David from Freezingland!! Although Dr Z is absolutely right, it is a terribly hard thing to take a decision like this, no matter how old our furry friends are… And after 12 years around the two of you, I can only imagine the loss you’ll feel in all of your everyday activities… Especially if she followed David everywhere. *big hugs*
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Sending you love and hugs at this very difficult time. You did the kindest thing for your darling little Tia x x x x
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There is nothing harder….she was gorgeous! What a special tribute to her. Run In Peace sweet girl!
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Anne – I’ve known a couple of miniature schnauzers, and both were full of vim and curiosity, and were smart as a whip. I am very sorry for your loss, RPT
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I am so sorry for your loss Anne. We lost our dog last year, and I still find it hard seeing other people walking their doggies. 😦 He obviously had such as amazing life with you though, and that is the greatest gift you could ever give. 🙂 xxx
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We had to say good by to our sweet kitty yesterday. It was sudden. He had hidden his cancer from us until it aggressively took his eyes. It was, and still is, a hard thing to do, but he knew he was loved.
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So sorry to hear about your pretty Ti. It’s always hard to say goodbye to a beloved dog.
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