This post is one I have dreaded writing and now it is a reality for me. A day after we celebrated my best buddy’s 17^th month ampuversary, I had to say good-bye to my best friend on August 19^th, 2014. This was the toughest thing I ever had to do and I will be totally honest that this has just ripped my heart and soul out of me!!   Tahoe was my world and now myself and my family are dealing with the enormous void and loss his crossing has left us.!! As tough as it was, I owed it to Tahoe, out of so much love and respect, to grant him his wings and be rid of the pain, discomfort he was faced with.

It has been only been 5 days since Tahoe’s crossing but life seems so very different without Tahoe in it. Before Tahoe became sick 17months ago, we did everything together, day in day out, as I worked from home and was around him all the time. Once he became sick, I was the one person who took total control for his care-giving, spending the first 4 weeks sleeping right beside him after his amp, to the countless hours researching cancer treatments and options. Tahoe didn’t let two different cancers deter and distract him from living life to the fullest. Up until 4 weeks ago, Tahoe was swimming with his lifejacket on and amazing everyone around him.

As a tripawd, and as pawrents, we make a connection, bond and commitment to our buddies to a level often most pet owners never see. I can honestly say, my devotion, commitment, and love for Tahoe was second to none.

During his fight with cancers and even after Tahoe’s crossing, I have been taught so many lessons from my amazing friend on how I can and should be living my life. There is not a minute that goes by each day where I do not think of Tahoe, as the pain is so intense and fresh and I am sure over time the pain intensity will subside but the longing and missing to cuddle, touch and play with my buddy will never be possible again.

I am sorry for the incoherent ramble of thoughts but I wanted to pay tribute to an amazing tripawd, best friend and dog anyone can ever call their best friend.I am attaching some photos taken of Tahoe the day of his passing, plus a few more of happier times in recent months.

As well, I am attaching the words I spoke to Tahoe as he was nearing his crossing. Tahoe passed at home, with family right beside him, will so much love surrounding him as he peacefully crossed the Rainbow Bridge. I am so thankful for this peaceful time.

I want to thank each and everyone one of you for your support over the past few months during our adventures. Two special people and angels were amazing thru supporting, guiding, crying and listening by our side thru the crossing. I cannot ever express my sincerest gratitude to Sally and Happy Hannah in assisting Tahoe and I throughout this process. You two are truly angels!!

Stirling and Guardian Tahoe

 Final words to Tahoe ...

“August 19, 2014

To My Best Friend,

You came into this world Dec. 1, 2003. We were blessed to see you and your 11 brothers and sisters at 4 weeks old. We spent many hours amongst all you and you brothers, as you finally picked us to be you new family. At 10 weeks, mom and I were so happy to welcome you into our family and home. From day one, you were so loving, energetic and fun boy calling us family.

By the time you were 1 year old, we welcomed a new addition into our family, as Devon arrived. From the time we bought Devon home, you loved her, protected her and let her crawl over you like a new toy. You just were so laid-back, enjoying everything.

From the time you were a young pup, you and I walked every day, of 2-3x./day. You just loved to fetch the tennis ball. After the land, the next best was the water, as you always loved fetching sticks and chasing us around. You always found a way to get us wet with your shaking…boy, did you ever get us wet.

Everyday you lived life to the fullest, showing and giving us unconditional love and showing us many lessons! Your lessons were shown to us and everyone else, each and every day.

When you were just over 9 yo you took a nasty tumble while playing ball. You were in a massive amount of pain, unable to get up and move. Off to the vets we went. After 4 months with no answers, we received the news I/we dreaded. You were diagnosed with an aggressive form of hystiocytic sarcoma cancer in your right front leg. I was so shocked and scared about you and what we would do. Amputation was recommended as your best option, but I fought the recommendation and researched all the available options, Finally we decided that amputation was your best chance to be pain free, with quality and quantity time ahead.   On March 18, 2013, we amp’d and you did amazingly well, as the same day you were peeing, pooing and eating. You spent 2 nights in the hospital improving until we were fortunate to pick you up with wagging tail and new tripawd.

Subsequently, I tried and researched all of the cancer treatments, supplements, and remedies. You handled 5 founds of CCNU, with a few ups and down, but typical Tahoe, you were my Trooper. Everyone at Tri Lake and Rose Valley Vets were amazed and inspired by your love. You were our Super Dog!

You showed mom, Devon and I how a tripawd can live life. You loved life on 3 legs, ran around the yard, and the house. I was/am totally inspired and amazed at you and how you lived your life.

In mid April, 2014 we received word that cancer#2 (STS) was here. Though a different cancer, it was growing quickly but I thought about not putting you through any more major treatments. Once again, you decided to live life to the fullest and continue to teach your family and others many lessons. You were such an amazing trooper, each day showing and teaching me so much!

Since April, the new cancer mass jut got so much bigger but you continued to eat everything in sight, play with your toys, and always wanted to go for car rides. In late July this year, I knew things were changing in how you felt; your appetite changed drastically, you were sleeping much more and it was so tough to get up. Coupled with how you were feeling, and a hot summer, you were panting all the time.

In early August, I started realizing that you were getting so tired, sleeping lots, and not wanting your food. In your loving way you were starting to tell me you were too tired and the time was coming to move on to your next adventure. I did not want to realize our time together would soon come to an end.

It is now time for me to not be selfish but to show you my true love, respect and admiration in allowing you to cross the Rainbow Bridge. Words cannot even describe my love for you and what you have shown and taught me as my best buddy.

Tahoe, my best friend, please know that you leave us with a HUGE void, but we will Ok knowing that you are again playing on 4 legs with your friends.

You will always be in my heart and my thoughts.

My love always, Your Dad”