It’s happened again. And Ok, now I’m done.

This has been the year of of all years for saying goodbye to our dogs.

I struggle to share this on the blog. I just can’t be sad anymore. And mostly, I just don’t want to spread sadness into the blogosphere, especially since this is my third post of this kind, in the last six months. But I would be re-miss in not acknowledging Tank, because if you’ve been a follower of the blog, then you too had a chance to know him.

Over the last six years, he has made many an appearance here, acted as a muse and just made our lives more fun with the presence of his spirited little self.

A chihuahua-shih tzu mix, and about the cutest dog you’ve ever seen, Tank belonged to my ex-husband Art and his wife Chi. He came to live with them as a puppy and bonded with Jackson like no other. This made Jackson and Tank a package deal.  Wherever Jackson was, Tank was.  I don’t know if Jackson was so thrilled about this  new arrangement, but the best part about Tank ~ he didn’t care. Life just never got to him. Honestly, this tiny dog was a constant reminder to us, not to take life too seriously, but enjoy it instead. That’s why this post can’t be sad, because Tank was happy.

It’s true. Actually, happy might even be an understatement. I don’t think I’ve ever come across a sunnier personality. He was a free spirit, and a caper, who liked to escape from the yard and take himself on walks. Oh, yes he did.  A total snuggler and a lap dog, any chance he had to get love and affection~ he took it. He would chase the cats, {you know someone had to keep them  in check}, but also came to screeching halt mid-chase if we told him to stop. He always wanted to be a good dog, desperately trying to be on his best behavior, gazing at you, so you could just love him more. And honestly, look at him. I mean how could you not love him more even if he did chase the cats? So, so sweet. I know we are all going to miss him.

This loss was unexpected. Tank suddenly became extremely ill over the weekend and before Art and Chi could get him to the vet, he was gone. With his immense love for Jackson I can’t help but wonder if he just decided that he wanted to be with him again. I bet all three of them are hanging out, lounging like they used to.

I remembered this morning that Tank, along with Lulu and Jackson inspired one of my very first Podcasts, titled "Comparison". I thought I’d share it with you today, not to mourn another loss, but instead to honor and remember ~ to appreciate who we are and all that we already have in our lives right now, because I think that’s how Tank would want it to be.