Goodbye, Old Friend

Randy, Trey, and I had to say goodbye to Tango last week. He has been in a steady decline since spring break, and once he stopped eating, continued to throw up daily, and became very lethargic, we decided it was time. Trey and I left for California on Wednesday afternoon, and then Randy came home and said goodbye to Tango.

For those of you who have either a) known me for a long time and/or b) know me well, you know I'm not a dog person. However, I love Tango. I love him a lot. Before Trey was born, Tango used to sleep inbetween Randy and I in bed while I read my book (and then I kicked him off), and lately we have been bringing him up on to the bed to give him some extra cuddles. I have loved going hiking with Tango, and I loved it when Tango would race off up the trail and then come charging back to make sure Randy was still there before he would turn around and race off again.

It's funny how while I'm sitting here thinking about Tango and remembering some of his traits, even the annoying ones (i.e. begging at the table, pulling my arm out of the socket while chasing a squirrel, and the clicking of his nails on the wood floor) seem endearing now that he is gone.

Most of all, Tango was Randy's best friend. They have been together since Tango was eight weeks old, and Tango was so loyal to Randy. When we would go places, Tango would not let Randy out of his sight for very long. Tango was often by Randy's side, and he often slept closer to Randy every night. Randy has spent most of his adulthood with Tango in his life, and it has been devastating for Randy to say goodbye.

One thing I am most thankful for is how sweet Tango was to Trey. I could not ask for a better dog to have while we raise our boy. Tango has been sweet to Trey since we brought him home, and he was often right by Trey's side. Tango lost a lot of our attention when Trey arrived, but the payoff really came when Trey started to eat real food. I have a bazillion photos I could post of Tango and Trey together from the very beginning. I will just post a few, and I think the love is obvious.

The house is so quiet without Tango. I am so proud he was our dog, and I will miss him immensely.