“The Tate Years” drew to a peaceful conclusion today. After Friday’s Celebration, he declined quickly. The diuretics were no longer working. This morning he made it clear he was ready and refused any more meds.
Tate was truly a blessing in our lives. If I could think of one negative thing about him, one shred, I would latch onto it and say, “Well, at least I don’t have to put up with that anymore!” But I can’t, he was perfect. He was always obedient, whether he wanted to obey or not. He was always happy, his tail always wagging. He made everything better. He made all our cabin trips more fun. He brought so much joy to my mom when she was too incapacitated to enjoy much. He taught us the importance of “Now” and so much more. He was always, always there for us.
God’s gentle plan is evident all over Tate’s passing, starting with a sunny 57o on Friday for Tate’s Farewell Celebration, which was followed by a drizzly weekend in the 30’s. He played a little with Sam on Saturday. He slept most of Sunday. Very early this morning, he cried for the first time. He would take 2 Tram but no more. He was able to make it outside and then hid under the low boughs of the spruce tree. He refused to eat. Rick was able to coax him inside, and we just spent time with him until the vet’s office opened. We knew the clock was ticking, but we were able to get him in to the vet before the pain meds wore off and everything went okay. So he went quickly and did not suffer.
Thanks to all of you for being with us on this journey. Please don’t be sad, be happy that Tate came into our lives and changed us for the better. He was our irreplaceable, good, smart boy.
“In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn’t merely try to train him to be semi-human. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog.”- Edward Hoagland
