The time has come. I have scheduled the vet to come to the house tomorrow night and relieve Tai from her pain so that she can run and jump and play once again. She began to be lame on her left back leg a few days ago but, as it wasn't improving, I took her in today for xrays. She has a new tumor, or a metastisis of the original. I can't do anything else except relieve her of the pain and end her journey. She still seems so happy it makes it hard but in an odd way I prefer the lack of choice that I now have over having the responsibility of judging her quality of life. We will spend tomorrow going for a car ride, eating cheeseburgers, looking for mice, and generally having "together time". I know I am doing the right thing despite the tremendous loss I know I will feel. I was writing to a friend and caught myself wanting to write that I wished she wasn't still wagging her tail, looking bright eyed, ears perked, happy to see me…then I thought to myself "no, that's exactly how she should be going out. If she wasn't those things she would be sad and I would have waited too long." Tomorrow will SUCK but I will always remember her with a smile and love her forever. Thanks for everything and everyones support along the way.

Laura and Tai

P.S. If I knew how to post a picture here I would.

Laura and Tai,

I have stared through the tears, struggling to find words, and not wanting to believe what I thought that I saw. Every one of this community hurts when one of our great warrior's journey comes to an end, and I find you now going down the exact same path that I traveled last December. I too treated my little girls to a long ride, showed her with the few treats that she would take (pumpkin pie ice cream for us), and spent the day telling her just how much I loved her. We all had so hoped that Tai would be able to celebrate the 11 month ampuversary, but the battle you waged with her was galliant, strong, and filled with love. All we can really ask is that we gave the the best life possible and in your case there is a clear and distinct YES YOU DID. The love and devotion that you shared has come through so very strong during this journey and you should always take comfort that the love you shared is very special. I always remind ones at this time, that you will never totally be without Tai for the gifts that Tai gave you will live with you forever.

As with Charlie and with your permission, we will lift a toast for the life that Tai lived, for the love she gave, and for the devotion you shared. I know that you feel blessed that she passed through YOUR life.

Spirit Cherry's Dad

Laura,

I'm so sorry for you and Tai.  But you said it so well when you said she's going out happy still.  I think you're doing soooo good for your pup.  Have a wonderful day tomorrow with her….it will surely SUCK for sure but you are doing her 'good'.

Gonna go give Mags and extra hug now…

Tracy & Maggie

Laura,

I am so sorry. Know in your heart that you've done all that you can and Tai knows it too.

Like you said, soon your sweetie will be free of pain and running running running….playing happily.

Our pup kids are with us always. In our hearts.

Big hugs and tears,

Denise

I am so sorry to hear about Tai – I had followed some of her updates through the blog and the forums.  You gave her such a beautiful life.  You will be in our thoughts today.