We bought Tia when she was a pup. I was only a baby, so I
don't remember a time when we didn't have her. Like most goldens, Tia was
extremley affectionate. When we brought her on summer vacations to the
lake, she would follow whoever took the rowboat out, dogpaddeling behind
the boat until it the water was too deep or she got too tired. She greeted
all six kids when we got off the bus from school. In the summer of 1988,
my best friend moved away. Two months later, Tia, who was about 12 years
old and had developed debilitating arthritis, collapsed on the front lawn.
My brothers tucked two towels under her belly and carried her down the
walkway to the car. I still remember how, even though her legs never
touched the ground, she moved them as though she was walking. At the vet
hospital, her breathing had become labored and her heartbeat was faint.
Dr. Brown told us that it was time. We each kissed her goodbye, and Tia
left peacefully.
Two months later, ! the house still felt empty without her. Even my father, who has no patience for animals, looked at my mother and said, "Go get another dog." I was only 8, and I thought no dog would be better than Tia Maria. My mom took one of my brothers and bought another golden retriever. We've had
Amber since then, and we also have a Samoyed that was given to my sister as
a birthday present. The last few months, Amber has gotten sicker, she has
bad arthritis and an unoperable tumor on her belly. She's still playful
and affectionate though. I know that when Amber leaves, it will be even
more difficult than losing Tia. But for all the grief, Amber has led a
good life, and she has added so much to mine and my families. And I
wouldn't give her up for the world.
