Remembering Dear Tanner
Oh my! What a weekend it was–saying farewell to my daughter Erin’s beautiful chocolate labrador, Tanner (my grand-dog). He was a faithful companion, playmate, and all-around cuddler, brightening our family’s homes for eleven years. He turned 13 (a teenager) on Monday, September 25 and died on Friday, September 29.
He was a ‘rescue’ dog when we met him,
but in the end I’m wondering who did the rescuing?
Each of us has been forever changed and blessed because of Tanner who gave so much and asked for so little.
Tanner, we will not soon forget you. Your presence in our family was a true gift. We hope you knew how much we loved you. We knew, without a doubt, how much you loved us.
“… who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth and makes us wiser than the birds in the sky?” (Job: 35:11)
RIP
TANNER
September 25, 2004 – September 29, 2017
thank you, mom. your love for tanner was and is such a huge gift to all of us. you loved him well, even when he was at his most anxious, keeping you up ’til all hours because of fireworks. you guys were the best of friends. thank you for this tribute. love you! ❤️🐶
Thanks, Erin. He was one of my best friends. I can still feel his warm furry body next to mine when I stayed over with him. You and your family were generous in sharing him with me over the years.
Karen, I read this through big tears. What a gift our furry angels are to us, as you said. I was praying for you, Erin and the family during your send off of your precious Tanner on Saturday. God bless your family in this sad time. I pray that memories of his tail wags at the sight of you all, nuzzles, and face licks will be etched forever in all of your hearts and minds. love, Heidi
Thanks so much, Heidi. As a dog-owner and dog-lover I know you can feel the loss with us. But we do have wonderful memories and we’re so glad we were there to ‘pet’ him into heaven. He was not alone for even one second. Praise God.
Some people don’t understand how we can love animals and consider them part of our families, but those people have no idea what they’re missing. Sending condolences to you and your family.
Thanks so much, Janet, for your dear and comforting words.
It is so sad to lose a dog or any pet!! I had to take my “Lady” whom we had for over ten years to the vet to give her relief from her cancer. I still miss her even tho it has been over 40 years since she died. My daughter and son-in-law have lost two special dogs and now they say “no more”! It is so hard to give them up but we are grateful for all the love we received from our loved dogs and other pets we may have!
I am sorry for your lose.
love, Margaret
Thank you, Margaret. I know you understand and I appreciate it.
Thanks for blessing us with such a lovely tribute of Tanner. I know how much you and your family loved him. You are so right that dogs give so much and ask for so little. Like others who have already commented, I’ve certainly had my share of goodbyes and tears over the years when it comes to dogs. Riley, Bentley, & Toby will forever be in my heart.
Sending love, hugs and condolences across the miles to you and the Torr family.
Thanks, dear Glenda, a true dog lover, for sure. You know our sorrow You’ve had so much of your own with your wonderful dogs.
So sorry about Tanner. Losing a dog leaves a big void. Hugs for all…Helen
Thanks for sharing our feelings, Helen. I know you’ve lost some of your precious dogs over the years. I remember them well.
What a wonderful tribute to your sweet granddog, Karen. I too was praying for you and your family as you said your goodbyes to this dear friend and companion of many years. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for understanding, Carol, since you too, have lost a dear dog in your life, little Kelly. I remember her well.
We have had 5 dogs and 2 cats cross over the Rainbow Bridge. Wonderful, loving animals. We have repeated the process of bringing one home, loving them and saying goodby over a span of 50 years. There are so many memories of all of them. We now have a beautiful White Golden but there is sadness in knowing that he will be the last pet in our home because of my age and my daughter’s future plans. We give him so much love but there can never be enough kisses and pets. Tell Erin that we grieve with her, you, too. Carol Sue
Thanks so much, Carol Sue. You have been through the grieving period multiple times so I know you understand our grief. We appreciate your kind words.
So hard…. we so love our pets! God’s gift to us!
Yes, Patti, God’s gifts to us, our pets.
What a lovely tribute to a beautiful creature. I am sure that empty place will soon be filled by another fortunate dog who needs to be rescued. With that much love to share, you need one.
I don’t think Erin will be getting another dog, though that could change. Full time careers, college, high school and other new roads in the family make it unlikely. That’s why Tanner was very special. But thank you for your kind thoughts.
Sorry for your loss. I remember my dog “champ” who was hit by a car and I found him by an irrigation ditch that ran through town. This has been about six decades ago and I still remember the loyalty of that animal. He was a boxer with papers. Normal boxers weigh about 70#. Champ tipped the scales at 105 and was the strongest dog I’ve ever seen. I could tell you stories. But back to “Tanner,” I understand how attached we can get to our pets. They are like kids in a way and are definitely part of the family. Tanner was a handsome creature. I am sorry about your loss.
Thanks for your kind words, Jim, and for your story about Champ. I know you understand how we feel as your dog meant so much to you. I’m sorry Champ had such a tragic ending.