I felt that it was very important to include details about the aftermath of cancer and dealing with the empty firsts all alone in this thread as this is my reality right now and it comes up so often in this forum.
Cancer is not only a physical battle but a powerful mental one. However, it is time to start to draw this thread to a close for now as Tia does not have cancer any more and It is time for me to 'golden up' and be the boss of my own thoughts and honor her the right way
full time.
I feel her getting a bit frustrated at me for not fully appreciating the fact that she is now able to jump on the bed, dance, roll over, beg and visit freely. Just like Patrick Swayze in the movie Ghost. I imagine her trying to get my attention and barking at me and telling me she's fine. Some people have kindly told me that they have told their pups that have gone before to show Tia the ropes of heaven. I love imagining that Tia is chasing squirrels with Charlie and Sabrina along with a gaggle of our other goldens getting up to chaotic mischief. I selfishly want her here with me but I cannot deny her of this.
In the spirit of appreciation and gratefulness of what Tia used to get up to and what she is still probably doing I was inspired by a recent thread "What quirks does your golden have?" I began to collect photos that made Tia so 'Tia' and made a few notes but then I realised that as they say "You just had to be there" and that "Photos do not do her justice." Nevertheless I'll reveal them anyway and hopefully you will feel the sweetness behind each photo. Hopefully they spark sweet memories of your own charming goldens. Christa I also included some photos of Hudsie for you.
On the note of getting another dog (which also comes up so often on forums) I fully support it and it is never too soon. Goldens are great healers. I would only hesitate if you already have an elderly dog in your home as you may need to but it on hold for the sake, peace and respect for the existing dog. Golden pups are a handful and can be unrelenting. I do believe that dogs find you. You can hear them tapping on your heart and will not give up until you make that call. Ssacres and 4Goldens do you have this feeling? I have not felt that pull yet, probably because Hudson is already here but yes I am inspired by Danny's and Princess Di's fairytale rescue stories so this
might be on the cards ... one day.
It is hard to do justice to Tia but hopefully through these photos you can see
Tia's strength and confidence in any situation
the way Tia's hair blew in the wind.
her furry feet.
her love of swimming despite how cold it may have been.
the way she was always ready to catch a flying nugget from the dinner table.
that we took her everywhere. People would allow her in their shop and we even took her inside a wine tasting room once.
her side ways look checking up on us.
the way she hated to miss out on any action.
her fuzzy head, especially the mane behind her ears.
the way that she loved ducks and hated seeing bread go to waste on them.
her love of the car.
the way she would carry toys in her mouth and squeal when we got home.
the fact that she could roll over.
the way she would beam when being lavished with attention.
the way she would suck on toys in her basket like a tiny kitten and
the way she would flag her fuzzy ears if she wanted something on our plate.
Check out her second website link underlined here:
Tia&Hudson
Life is about doing your best to built and create your own joy while seizing the day with what you have. You are already one step ahead of the rest by sharing your life with a golden. My life is much richer from having known Tia.
May you continue to have the most wonderful time with your fur buddies right up til the very end. Even on the last day Tia continued to warm my heart and make me proud. Thank you for being such amazing people and for restoring my faith in the human kind
Once again your thoughts and candles have amazed me