RIP, Tank

We said goodbye to our angel yesterday.

One last smile for his daddy.

Tank took a turn for the worse yesterday morning. I knew it was his time. He probably would've died on his own the next day but we didn't want him to suffer. He meant too much to us for that.

We adopted him ten and half years ago from a rescue group. He was a lanky two-year old with a head too big for his body. Oh, but how we grew to love him. You couldn't help but fall in love with him.

Although his very appearance could scare the bejeebers out of you when you first encounter him, he was the sweetest, kindest, and most compassionate soul you could ever meet.

He was first and always Greg's boy. I'm so glad he hung on until Greg retired. They had many plans for midday naps and raiding the pantry for snacks. I wish they could've done more of that.

It's eerily quiet at my house. Tank was the quiet one but for some reason all the other dogs have suddenly gone silent. No one is barking or rabble-rousing. Each of them have taken turns sleeping on Tank's bed, even Nana, who prefers to nap from the high perch of the couch. 

It's as if they're grieving too, or maybe they're sensing our immense sadness. It's hard for me to even grasp the words to describe our heartache.  

Tank was the best of dogs and he's left a giant hole in our hearts. He lived far longer than anyone expected despite being riddled by tumors and severe arthritis. A trooper to the end. Happy until the end.

Rest now, my baby, and wait for us.


Everyone is keeping vigil with Tank until it's time for us to go to the vet.


Comments

I'm so sorry!! I understand the pain and know there are really no words. He had an amazing life and blessed all of you. (((( hugs ))))

(And an apology for commenting from my biz acct -- this popped up on Twitter and I didn't want to not let you know I was thinking of you).

M~
Mike Keyton said…
On reflection it's better to have memories than not to have known Tank at all. Even so you must be going through some kind of Hell. I'm sorry.
I'm sorry for your loss, Maria.
B.E. Sanderson said…
Oh no, I'm so sorry for your loss. :hugs:
LD Masterson said…
Oh, Maria, I'm so sorry. He was such a sweetheart. Hugs and tears for you.
Sarah Ahiers said…
Oh Maria, I'm crying so hard right now. So often the best walks in life are also the shortest.There really are no words to ease the pain, but this poem always seems to help me some (even though it makes me cry):

I am standing on the seashore-

A ship spreads her white sails in the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean-

She is an object of beauty and I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky meet to mingle with each other-

Then someone at my side says, "There! She's Gone!"

Gone where? Gone from my sight that's all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my sight, and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of her destination-

Her diminished size is in me-
not her-

And just at that moment when someone at my side says, "There! She's Gone!" there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices take up the glad shout, "There she comes!"

And that is dying.


I wish I had met him. I know he was spectacular. I'll be keeping all of you in my thoughts
oooooooooooooooh

Lucy, Gracie and Molly send you love.

There are no words

:(

God bless
Mason Canyon said…
Maria, my heart breaks for you and Greg. So very sorry for your loss. Tank was a doll and I know he was loved very much. He put up a great fight. May your memories give you comfort in this difficult time. Keeping y'all in my thoughts and prayers.
Angela Brown said…
Maria, the title of this post halted me mid step while I was getting breakfast tacos for work.

Having had a chance to experience Tank's awesomeness first-hand, I am saddened by the news of his passing. Tank was a brawny beauty with a heart of gold. He will be missed.
Unknown said…
So very sorry, Maria. There are no words. It's heartbreaking. He'll be in good company while he waits for you at the Rainbow Bridge.

RIP, Tank. Run free, big fella. x
Stacy McKitrick said…
So sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you. (((HUG)))
Anonymous said…
I'm so sorry, Maria. It is never easy to send them off. You keep looking for that happy face to greet you in the morning, or listening for a bark. It's good you've got the other dogs - all of you can lean on each other as you grieve.
DRC said…
Aww bless...Things like this are never easy. Huge hugs from across the pond :(
I cried for you but I'm sure Tank is doing great in doggy heaven. I still miss my dog over two years later.
Anonymous said…
My heart is crying but I know he had an amazing life with you.

((Hugs))

May the good, and many, memories comfort you all.
Jenny Schwartz said…
Maria, I'm so sorry. Bit teary here. Will hug my Toby and know that your other dogs are being spoilt rotten as you all grieve.
Rebekah Loper said…
*hugs* I am so very sorry for your heartache.
Unknown said…
Oh sweetie... *hugs* :(
Maria Zannini said…
Thank you all for your comments, messages, texts, and emails.

As you can imagine, we're still struggling to cope.
Shelley Munro said…
Oh, Maria. I'm so sorry. A big hug winging your way.
Rula Sinara said…
Oh, Maria. Sending hugs. I'm so sorry for your loss, but take comfort in the fact that you gave him a wonderful life. I have no doubt he loved and appreciated you for that.
Unknown said…
Aw, so sad! We lost our male English bulldog the summer before last. :(
Anne Gallagher said…
Maria and Greg,
I am so very sorry for your loss.
As we know, all dogs go to Heaven because dog spelled backwards is God, and there he will be free to run with the other dogs and chase rabbits and balls and run along the beach and always have cool spring water to drink and lovely fluffy clouds to sleep on. His love for you and your love for him will never die.

I never met him, but I know he was a wonderful dog.
So sorry to hear this. I was away all week and didn't see it originally. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Mark K said…
Reading this brought tears to my eyes.
All I can say is be strong, Tank will never be far from you both. Always x