Remembering Tara (Marchwind Tara Tebo)

by Tara's mom (Deb Shayer)

My beloved Tara was born on March 17, 2002 and she left me to go to the Rainbow Bridge on July 13, 2007.  My days with her were so special.  Life will never be the same without her.
 
Tara was my first dog ever and my introduction to the wonderful world of Italian greyhounds.  She was born on St. Patrick's Day, a Marchwind pup.  A few months later, Tara came to Rhode Island to live with my friend and most favored breeder, Kathleen Thibeault of Tebo IGs.  Tara was a show dog and she had one litter of 3 puppies.  She was a wonderful mother and always enjoyed trying to nurse and mother small puppies during visits to Kathy's house even long after her pups were grown.  When her puppies were weaned, Tara came to live with me.  I had no idea how head over heels in love I'd fall for her.
 
Tara had so much love to give and her favorite thing to do was snuggle in my arms or lap and be patted.  She got her Canine Good Citizen certificate and we became a certified pet therapy team.  We visited a nursing home every week and Tara was even on the news for her work there.  She also visited the school where I teach as a reward for the students.  Tara was loved by all.
 
On Friday, July 13, 2007, Tara and I were on a walk in our neighborhood.  A big, unleashed Bernese Mountain dog came bounding after Tara.  She was terrified and pulled hard on her leash.  Tara slipped her martingale and was hit by a car.  She died instantly and a piece of my soul died with her.
 
Today I wear a necklace with a bone-shaped pendant.  Some of Tara's ashes are in the pendant so I can have her close to my heart.  I try to cherish every moment with Allie and Riley (my IGs) in Tara's memory.  Tara's death taught me how fleeting life can be and I do not want to take one moment with my precious girls for granted.
 
Thank you for reading my tribute to my gorgeous girl.  I have unbounding happy memories of Tara, but there will always be a sadness that she is no longer with me.  She was so special.
 
I love you and miss you terribly, princess Tara, and I will see you again at the Bridge.