Due to Tanners deteriorating health, we made the agonizing decision to have him put to rest on April 16, 2007. We could not selfishly watch him suffer no more. He went peacefully. Brooke slept with Tanner on the floor of her room with Tanner's head resting on her chest the nght before.
Should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest, and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.
Where do you begin when you lose your beloved lab after 14 ½ years? It’s ok, but then again it’s not really – ok.
Tanner was so much more than a pet. He was a best friend, a cherished member of the family, a "listener" if you needed one, and a companion. His unconditional love and devotion was not only a fresh of breath air but such a comfort to this family. There wasn't a family member or immediate neighbor who didn't adore Tanner. He always made you feel good no matter how bad the world around you made you feel at the time.
Dee and I drove out to Palmer, Alaska when Brooke and Morgan were two years old to pick the girls out a registered “birthday lab”. Tanner was the last of a large litter and I wandered “what’s wrong with him?” As it turned out, nothing was wrong with Tanner. We ended up with a huge 110# block head lab that had the disposition of everything you would want for your kids.
He was house broken from day one, didn’t lick, never barked (except at the door bell), and never begged for food. He weathered 80 degrees as well as -30 below. Though we never utilized him as a bird dog, this guy loved the water. He spent endless hours swimming in Fire and Mirror lakes. He was always at our side through our endless walks. Tanner was amazing at opening birthday and Christmas gifts, which amazed everyone who watched. Of course, the last three years he was a constant companion at the foot of our bed, which was an upgrade from the floor beside our bed. The memories of him and the kids playing ball in our front yard, and his love of running up the playground slide stairs and sliding down with our kids comes rushing back now with a rush of emotion. Tanner was such a wonderful addition to our lives.
This is tough. Tough on Dee and I, but especially tough on Brooke, Morgan, and Tyler; who have cherished the “Old Guy” for so many years. This house seems so empty without him. We lost something that was so special.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt and maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.
Should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest, and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.
Where do you begin when you lose your beloved lab after 14 ½ years? It’s ok, but then again it’s not really – ok.
Tanner was so much more than a pet. He was a best friend, a cherished member of the family, a "listener" if you needed one, and a companion. His unconditional love and devotion was not only a fresh of breath air but such a comfort to this family. There wasn't a family member or immediate neighbor who didn't adore Tanner. He always made you feel good no matter how bad the world around you made you feel at the time.
Dee and I drove out to Palmer, Alaska when Brooke and Morgan were two years old to pick the girls out a registered “birthday lab”. Tanner was the last of a large litter and I wandered “what’s wrong with him?” As it turned out, nothing was wrong with Tanner. We ended up with a huge 110# block head lab that had the disposition of everything you would want for your kids.
He was house broken from day one, didn’t lick, never barked (except at the door bell), and never begged for food. He weathered 80 degrees as well as -30 below. Though we never utilized him as a bird dog, this guy loved the water. He spent endless hours swimming in Fire and Mirror lakes. He was always at our side through our endless walks. Tanner was amazing at opening birthday and Christmas gifts, which amazed everyone who watched. Of course, the last three years he was a constant companion at the foot of our bed, which was an upgrade from the floor beside our bed. The memories of him and the kids playing ball in our front yard, and his love of running up the playground slide stairs and sliding down with our kids comes rushing back now with a rush of emotion. Tanner was such a wonderful addition to our lives.
This is tough. Tough on Dee and I, but especially tough on Brooke, Morgan, and Tyler; who have cherished the “Old Guy” for so many years. This house seems so empty without him. We lost something that was so special.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt and maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.
