The bandage on Claire's left wrist was quite the conversation starter on our first date. A piece of chicken that had been accidentally dropped on the floor became a trip to the emergency room. Claire assured me that Tashie was a loving, gentle dog... just don't get in the way of her food. And thus began the relationship between Claire, myself and two little dachshunds named Tashie and Roxie.
The dogs weren't initially excited to see me the first time I visited Claire's house. It was as though I was the enemy invading their territory. But after several hours of playing ball and dispensing treats, I was accepted into the family. Roxie would gravitate to Claire for attention and Tashie would become a "Daddy's girl." She would spend long periods of time chasing her squeaky, orange ball, then paw at my leg when she wanted a treat. Tashie would often be the first one up in the morning, rubbing her face against mine, letting me know it was time to eat.
Tashie was also a tough little dog, going through two cancer surgeries and a back operation. After one of the surgeries, when we brought her home, she was still woozy from the medication. I let her outside to take care of business, and when I looked out the window, Tashie was standing on the back porch with a rabbit in her mouth.
Unfortunately time passes. Old age would zap her of energy and disease would take away any quality of life she had left. Tashie had trouble walking and food was no longer an interest for her. It was a difficult decision to make, but thankfully we able to spend plenty of time with her. So now, Tashie is in a better place, running and barking with Roxie, maybe even playing ball. Hopefully no one has dropped any food between the two of them.
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