5.20.2015

May 20, 2015

White Dog and the rest of the White Dog Army sat respectfully. Steve and I held Taiko in our arms. Candace had her arms around us. In a moment it was done and Steve gently laid our Tender Hearted One on the blanket. White Dog walked over and sniffed. She was followed by each of the others who sniffed or nuzzled or kissed their brother.

Then White Dog started a low sorrowful keen. One by one the others joined her until the Howling Song of Passage filled the house and started tears flowing.

Taiko The Tender Heart, Oh Yes! Another White Dog, had begun his journey across the bridge.

Many of you know we have struggled the past weeks to find a balance in his meds that had suddenly all stopped working. Yesterday we spent the afternoon with Dr. Julia running xrays and doing tests to no avail. Tai was nearly comatose and not eating or drinking...this in just 24 hours. The work all showed that Taiko had no issues with his spinal cord or bones or heart, chest or lungs. His brain did not exhibit signs of trauma or tumor. Finally in frustration and in hope of finding a clue that might point us in a direction we did a complete blood panel.

None of us was prepared for the results.

Taiko was in the final stages of pancreatic cancer, insulinoma. A sneaky, nearly symptomless, mean, aggressive, painful monster. Suddenly the neurological issues and trouble walking and anxiety all came together. Too late...not that this disease has any true treatment or survival rate. Our precious boy never seemed able in his life to get a break.

So here we are, at home, where our homebody boy loved to be, with a huge chunk of our hearts ripped out, paying our last respects. I cannot bear te thought that very soon we will remove Taiko's collar and tags and return his spirit to the stars.

Always. Taiko. We will love you always.

36 comments:

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Tears flowing, we are so very sorry for your loss. The insidious C strikes again, and pancreatic cancer is among the worst. You did all you could to help Taiko's time with you be good. Soft woos and gentle hugs to all.

Woos - Ciara and Lightning

Random Felines said...

we are so very sorry and sending gentle purrs

Angel Junior, Orion and Sammy said...

We are so very sorry for your loss. ((HUGS)) to all.

meowmeowmans said...

We're so sorry that Taiko had to go to the Bridge. I am weeping along with you as I type this.

Please know that Taiko DID catch the most important break of his life. Even though his time with you was short, he found a lifetime of love and a true family there with you all.

Sending love, purrs, prayers, and all good thoughts.

Kevin, Tracey, Moosey, Gracie and Zoe

Tweedles -- that's me said...

We are sooo sorry. So much sadness in hearts right now.
You did all you could. He felt your love,
love
tweedles

TimberLove said...

Warm gentle woooooos to guide your boy on his way, respectful prayers for peace for you & yours,

NukNuk & family

The Daily Pip said...

I'm so sorry to read this news as I know how special Taiko was to the whole White Dog Army. Run free dear one ..,you were loved and will be missed

Jans Funny Farm said...

We are so sorry for the loss of another beloved White Dog. It's wonderful Taiko was surrounded by love as he passed. A warm hug, purrs and paw taps of comfort.

Brian's Home Blog said...

We are so, so sorry to hear such sad news and we send you all our love and gentle hugs. Bless you for showing Taiko the love he so cherished.

rottrover said...

We are wrapping our paws around you all with love. Run free,Taiko!

The RottRovers

Anonymous said...



I am so sorry to learn of Taiko's passing. My heart hurts for all of you and you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Take care,
Lucy (silent MOD, Troy, Ohio)

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

Oh Taiko, run fast run free, straight to the open paws of your family who await you at the Rainbow Bridge. We send you all love and hugs and sincere sympathy. Hold each other tight mates. You are in our hearts. No worries and love Stella and Rory

Uji, Angel Izzy, Ziggy, Angel Bean, Angel Hiro and Momma Tea said...

Our hearts is most heavisome fur yoo all, Run Free Taiko

haopee said...

This is just awful, Sue. My heart goes to you, Steve, and the WDA. I am sure Taiko is in a pain-free place-one where he will be prancing and dancing with unlimited treats,bones, and lots of dehydrated jerky.
Sending you all our paws of support-and even the cat paws-to heal your broken hearts.

Huggies and Cheese,
Haopee

CATachresis said...

So very sorry for the loss of Taiko! Sending gentle purrs! xx

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

This is so heartbreaking. My deepest sympathy on the loss of a wonderful boy. Take comfort in knowing that you made his last months on Earth the happiest ones. He is now pain-free and running at the Bridge with all who have gone before him.

Marg said...

Oh gosh, we are so sorry. It is just way to hard to lose our fur friends. We sure feel your pain and we send many huge hugs. Taiko knew all kinds of wonderful love while he was with you and that is the best part. You sure are in our thoughts and prayers.

Zoolatry said...

I am so sorry you have had to say farewell to your beautiful boy ...
may he be at peace now.

Lovable Lily said...

Oh goodness, we are truly sorry to read about your sweet Taiko. Our hearts are heavy as it's always hard to lose a furend. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Run free Taiko!

Hugs,
Lily Belle & Muffin

Pip said...

We are so sorry for Taiko's whole pack.You are all in our purrs and prayers.
I think you got one fact some what wrong- Taiko did get one amazing break, he found you, and the white dog army. A place where he could be the dog that he was, with all the love he could want. It was an amazing gift, accepted and returned.
God's speed, Taiko.

Pip said...

We are so sorry for Taiko's whole pack.You are all in our purrs and prayers.
I think you got one fact some what wrong- Taiko did get one amazing break, he found you, and the white dog army. A place where he could be the dog that he was, with all the love he could want. It was an amazing gift, accepted and returned.
God's speed, Taiko.

pilch92 said...

I am sorry for your loss, he was a beautiful dog.

NanaNor's said...

I am so very sorry for your loss; Ann of Zoolatry sent me over and so glad she did. Not that I'm glad to read this post, I've got tears brimming too, but I am your newest follower. WE've got many of the same friends and I love your devotion expressed to your beloved companion. May his memory bring you joy in the coming years. Sending hugs to you all.
Noreen & Hunter

Old Kitty said...

Sweet angel Taiko! His star will shine brightest! Run free lovely Taiko and purrs and hugs to all of you. Take care
x

Duncan said...

Sending our thoughts your way. May the comfort of bloggers worldwide feel like a warm blanket around your shouldrs at this sad time.

Samantha & Mom said...

Lots of prayers for you all!
Hugs,
Samantha & Mom

Hannah and Lucy said...

We are so sorry that Taiko has had to cross Rainbow Bridge. We know you will be heartbroken and are sending purrs and kisses to you.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx

da tabbies o trout towne said...

we did not have the honor of knowing Taiko, but wanted to offer our sincerest sympathies to everyone, during this very difficult time. ♥♥♥

Swimflyaway said...

I am crying for your loss.

But with every tear of sorrow, there is one of joy. Taiko could not have been more loved. That is worth celebrating. And he will be welcomed by the best of angels.

Many, many thoughts and prayers to you all.

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

Taiko, got a break when he got The White Dog Army for a family. Thank you so much for giving him love and care. Purrs of sympathy and paws of comfort from all of us at ATCAD

Idaho PugRanch said...

We came to leave our condolences on the loss of your boy.
Hugs and prayers
Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel

JudyMae said...

Tears in my eyes and oh so sad for you and the whole Army of White Dogs at the passing of Taiko. That awful "C" word again. But Taiko did get a wonderful break when he came to live with you two and the Army. Hugs to all of you.

bichonpawz said...

Oh Sue... I am so very sorry to read about your sweet boy. My heart aches for you, Steve and the entire WDA...the loss of one of our fur kids is so very difficult. May you find some comfort in knowing he is pain-free now and my Big Guy was there to help him. You all gave him such a special time there with you. Hugs to you all from me and the girls.

KB said...

I've been far away from the the internet recently so I missed your news until now. I want to say how very sorry I am about the loss of your sweet boy. You gave him so much love. Tears are in my eyes as I imagine how your heart aches. We are all sending you love and hugs.

Fozziemum said...

We have not met but still we send our love and hugs to you on the loss of your sweet Taiko..goodbyes are the worst..and they take such a piece of you with them.run free sweet one..gentle hugs Fozziemum xxx

Karen Jo said...

I am so very sorry. I send hugs and the kitties send comforting purrs.