The Passing of a Titan

When I was about 14, my family adopted a 2 year old dog named Taz. He was amazing, and we got him from the local shelter. When he came to us, it was obvious that he had not been in a good home - he shied away from our hands like we were going to hit him, was deathly afraid of water, and was EXTREMELY skinny.

14 years later, he was a happy watermelon of a dog that absolutely adored everyone. He was so sweet and gentle and just the perfect pup - one of the most 'grateful' animals I have ever met. Taz would be content to have his hand shook for hours, and grew very adept at flipping dangling hands up over his neck to be petted.

Today, Taz passed away from kidney failure. I know exactly where he is right now - running at top speed all over the family island up in Canada, just like he did when he was younger. It's always going to be summer for him there, and there will be no end of smelly messes to investigate, squirrels to chase, water to stand in and pontificate, and daylilies to crush by lying on them. We'll be petting him with our hearts from now on - we miss you, Taz.