This is Taylor doing what he did best, laying under the computer desks right next to our feet sleeping. Always in the way. Always had to step over him. He was a vacuum cleaner in the kitchen. The greeter when we came home. Our watchdog. He love to cuddle up in the curve of your leg when you were stretched out on the couch watching TV. He wanted to be sure he was in the car when it headed to Texas or Mexico. He could sleep forever in the car as long as it was moving. He loved having a bed in the bedroom but he also loved his safe-haven crate. He put up with visiting dog guests and behaved himself when he went to see family. He didn't play with the other dogs in the family because he thought that he was more human than dog.Taylor was almost 12 years old and he was slowing down. We thought it was old age so did the Vet. But last night he wasn't just slow, he was in pain. Our Vet was out of town.....why do animals and children always get the sickest on a weekend or especially a holiday weekend. We called another Vet we had used. She met us in her office at 11:30 pm. I was afraid it was bloat which he had once before and is a major killer of dogs. She checked him out and said it wasn't bloat. She gave him some medication and painkillers and said to bring him back first thing this morning. Taylor died about 7:30 AM. She did an autopsy. He had tumors in his lungs and liver and the tumor in his liver had ruptured.
Taylor was special in lots of ways but he was also a connection with my sister who died of breast cancer. Margaret bred and showed Cocker Spaniels. Some of her friends who were connected to her breeding line gave Taylor to me. He was named Taylor in memory of Margaret and Bill Taylor who died within a few months of each other.
Taylor was an international dog.....Mexico to Texas, Texas to Mexico. We will spread his ashes on both sides of the border in some of his favorite places. RIP Taylor. You are missed.
17 comments:
Great shot. Sheer dogginess. I wish I could get Jiggs to not duck the camera. Even when asleep, he seems to sense a camera is headed his way.
So sorry about Taylor. It is so hard to lose a pet as they are such an important part of our families. Take care.
Billie,
I will miss Taylor also. I only met him formally once but I could tell right then what a nice doggie he was. I imagine this will be pretty hard on Ned. They were great walking companions. People might not even recognize Ned without Taylor. I am sure that you will see him again. Doggie Heaven can't be all that far from people Heaven. When it is time for you and Ned to cross over, Taylor will be there waiting for you to help you make the crossing. I am sure of it.
Bless his heart, and yours too. It's so hard to lose a pet, they are truly full members of the family. I lost my previous cat at 11 to lung cancer and it was heartbreaking. Will say a little prayer for you and for Taylor's journey. Maybe you can think of him as being with your sister now, comforting her and sleeping at her feet.
Leigh
Billie, I am so sorry about Taylor. I guess you know about my dog and family member Chorizo who passed on in October of 2007 and I know what you are going through. I'm with you in heart and Taylor is now with his mommy. Please accept my condolences because I know just how much a little doggie can become a real family member. Bless his heart and remember the good times and his smile when he was having fun. My thoughts are with you. Take care.
What a wonderful post about a wonderful companion. That photo is absolutely beautiful.
Amiga - So sorry. We have been blogging together for nearly five years and of course Taylor was known here in our household from following yours.
You and Ned are in our thoughts. We think Taylor was lucky to be with you two and obviously you two were lucky to have him.
I have it on good authority that dogs go to heaven.
May he rest in peace.
Billie, dogs have never had a role in my life, but I know how important they are to many people. I send sincere condolences.
what a precious photo. i'm sorry to hear of his passing away. be glad that he went naturally because it is so hard when you have to put them to sleep. we had a dog named digger, who at 7 developed cancer on his front left leg. we had the option of euthanizing him, amputating the leg or removing the cancer which would very likely come back. we took the 2nd option and he lived for 6 more years. he did great on 3legs and we were amazed at how quickly he recuperated from the surgery. sadly we had to put him down when the cancer returned, because as the vet said, we would be doing a disservice to ourselves and to digger, because he didn't have any quality of life left. i know this is a hard time for you and ned, but as someone else said, think of the happy times.
take care,
teresa in lake stevens
billie,
i am so sorry for the loss of your sister. breast cancer is such a terrible disease with so many women losing their lives to it. my best friend had it last summer and had a double mastectomy. she and i will be doing the breast cancer 3 day walk in sept. i will add margaret's name on my list of people whose memory we are walking in. God willing, a cure will be found in the not too distant future.
teresa in lake stevens
Billie -- When I made my first comment, only part of your post was there. But I sensed the reat of the post was coming. Every dog is special. And so is the relationship. I cannot possibily feel everything you are right now. But you are in my prayers.
Billie,
I know, it is painful to see our loved animals go through pain and death. They have feelings and pains. I wonder if plants have pain also. It is sad to see nature die but, live lives and goes on and we keep, wonderful memories such as your post.
Descanse en paz, Taylor.
I never understood, having 4 skin babies, how animals could become such an integral part of a family. We have had Kilo for a month and now I totally get it. I'm so very very sorry for your and Ned's loss. Take care through your grief.
Oh Billie and Ned, the fact that you were able to write such a moving tribute to Taylor so soon after his passing is testament to how much you loved him. All of your fellow animal lovers share in your grief.
There is nothing I could say or do that would help in your loss of Taylor. BUT DO KNOW that we all love ya'll and care about both of you and know that you are very very sad.
Flash's ashes went into the blanco River. I'll never forget the day.
So Taylor ashes will go to the right place also.........Happy Trails Taylor!
Billie and Ned, We're so sorry to hear of the loss of Taylor, your dear friend and companion. The love these sweet ones give us is so unconditional...such a rare gift in our world and it makes their loss all the more painful.
I echo Islagringo's sentiments, that all your fellow animal lovers share your grief.
I am so very sorry for your loss. My husband has a yellow lab guide dog, and we simply cannot bear to even think of how life will be when we lose him someday.
It's the double edged sword of loving so much.
My heart weeps.
Post a Comment