With grateful and heavy hearts, we said goodbye to Ty on Saturday. Wherever his next adventure takes him, part of us goes too.
His passing came quickly. Thursday night he hardly slept. He seemed uncomfortable, and perhaps even painful. But he’s bounced back from so many things, I thought he’d be fine in a day or two.
Friday was his 15th birthday and, other than enjoying some ice cream, he spent most of the day resting. He seemed a little better. We went to bed like usual on Friday night, but at about 2:30am Ty woke up and again seemed unsettled and a little disoriented. It was time for us to make a decision – take him to the vet for tests, or let him go.
We felt the right thing for Ty was to see him off on his next adventure. His transition was easy, lying in his bed in the back of our car surrounded by Rod, Buster, and me.
Ty’s Legacy
We’re missing Ty, of course. But we’re also reflecting on how lucky we were to spend so many years together. Ty inspired other people to travel with their pets – even those with some challenges. And he completed his mission (between naps) with snark and a complete disregard for what anyone thought of him. For that, people loved him. Just knowing that he touched so many lives is helping to ease our pain.
No matter how long our pets are with us, it’s never long enough. But Ty left us with a million memories of the wonderful times we shared. Wherever he’s off to now, part of our hearts goes with him.
People have asked if there’s anything they can do to honor Ty’s memory. Our wish is that you all make a memory with your pets. Go for ice cream. (Ty would love that!) Hit the beach. Have a picnic in the park. Hike a new trail. Rent a canoe and go for a paddle. Take off on a road trip. Whatever it is, enjoy your time together.
And then let us know in the comments, or share a photo on Instagram or Facebook with the #gopetfriendly hash tag. Keep Ty’s memory alive by carrying on his legacy with your pets.
Ty, my sweet boy, thank you for everything. We were lucky to be along for the ride. Now fly … until we meet again.
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Sweet boy fly’s with the angels. Peace and love to you all.
Thanks so much, Elizabeth. It’s been an adjustment, but we know Ty’s watching over us. We were so lucky to have shared his extraordinary life.
What a sweet heartfelt tribute to your fur baby Ty. I share your love of your pets and your pain as I recently and unexpectedly lost my little 12 year old Westie, Barney, on Sept 27th. I miss him terribly. It is because of your wonderful encouraging travel stories on line and in your book that we have traveled many many places with each other and with my 7 year old Westie. I even got the idea of buying them a stroller for our trips from your photos when I knew there would be a lot of walking. At this point in time, it will be just the two of us for now. Time heals and memories are forever and our pets will always be in our hearts.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Marlene, and thank you for your note. Knowing that our adventures with Ty and Buster helped inspire you and others to gather those precious memories with your pets is such a comfort. Ty was a special boy and he touched a lot of lives. I’m so grateful that we were lucky enough to share his adventure. Much love to you.
What a wonderful tribute to Ty! And I know you all will miss him. We will miss him too. Hugs to you all and to Buster.
Thank you, Linda. Who would have thought that a little Shar-pei would touch so many people, right? He was truly special, and we were lucky to have had him for so long.
I am so sorry for your loss. But you said it very well because he lived better than most people and other dogs. He was loved and had a full life beyond the average dog. We lost a dog at 14 months and I still feel the loss of what might have been. All my others lived a full and happy life until, like you, they said it’s time for me to rest and be free of pain. Treasure your memories and smile when you think of Ty.
Thank you, Judy. I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s always hard when they go, but the pain of losing them so young is almost unbearable. We’ll definitely look back over Ty’s life and be grateful for all the happy times we shared.
Sorry to hear of your loss. I still miss 3 boys that passed away in the mid to late 80’s. I have 2 more pups now, but you will always remember each one until you are re-united.
Thank you, Charmain. And you’re absolutely right – each pet is unique. And the relationship you have with each of them is special in its own way. It’s the best part of having pets.
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. We lost 2 of ours within 2 months of each other 2 years ago. It never gets easy. Our sincere condolences. We went to see Trenton Thunder on dog day with you.
Oh my goodness, Barbara – the Trenton Thunder game was right in the beginning! Thank you for following our adventures all these years. I can’t imagine losing two so close together. We’re hoping Buster loves being an only dog and decided to stick around for a long time.
Just received your book. Only on page 7 so noticed the age of Ty. It’s true, they are never with us long enough. Sorry for your loss.
Thank you, Roy. I hope you enjoy the book and that you get to see those places with your furry travel buddies!
So sorry to hear this. It was so obvious how much he was loved. He lived a lucky life with his humans and Buster.
Thank you, Heather. He was a character! And we were so lucky to have shared his extraordinary life.
so sorry – please hug Buster extra extra extra / thank you for sharing him with all of us carol
Thank you, Carol. It’s a big adjustment, but we were so lucky to have him as long as we did.
Oh no, I’m so sorry about Ty’s passing! I know he will always be at your side in spirit.
Thanks so much. He lived an extraordinary live, and we’re grateful to have shared it.
So sorry to see this, it is always so hard. But some day you will smile over all the happy memories you shared and he will always be with you, in your heart.
So sorry for your loss. May you find solace in all your treasured memories together.
So sorry.