Taylor had messed in is crate for the 3rd day in a row, and off to the vet we went to find out what was wrong.  Almost immediatly we dicovered a bacterial infection that was causing the runs.  To be safe (and since his kidney levels weren't ideal last time) they vet wanted to run bloodwork again.  His levels, in a 4 month timeframe, had jumped drasticly.  We were left with the decision to watch him die slowly over a few months, or to let him go peacefully.  We made the decision as best for him and his life, and had him put down.

The suddenness of the drug was punctuated only the tears from both Nicole and I as our friend, no, even more, our Dog's life ended.  We had the great honor to be with him in his final moments and to look deep into his eyes and tell him we loved him.  

Its amazing how an animal with as many problems and quircks as Taylor could have lodged himself so deeply in our hearts.  As I'm writing this, I'm thinking to myself, he had moved beyond being our foster and was truly our dog.  I hold my relationship with dogs in higher regard that some people do their relationships with their friends.

If any of you know me, you know I always look for the silver lining, and this one is shining so brightly that I would smile if I weren't hurting so much.  Taylor had the chance to live the last 8 months of his life with all the care and love he could handle.  We knew so little about his past, but we do know that he was happy with us, and that we provided him a great home.

We know Taylor is now at the rainbow bridge with others like him who have passed on, and in my heart, he's not there as a foster who didn't make it, but as a family member who's time was up.

I'm sure I'm rambling, but I feel like I need to say these things to move on.  For a moment, I want to talk to Taylor. 

 Taylor bud, we love you so much, and we miss you more than you could possibly imagine.  I pray that you are happy and healthy waiting for us at the rainbow bridge, and know that we will think of you often.  You were an inspriation to both of us in how far a dog can come when given the care they deserve.  We want you to know that your short short with with us will strenthen us and help us to help so many other dogs that you can be proud of us, as we are of you.  You were a wonderfull dog, loving in your way, and as I cry writing this, I feel like a better person for having shared your company.

 Please everybody, say a prayer for the spirit of Taylor, he is free now, free of pain, free of suffering, free of fear, and free to love and be loved.  He is truly the namesake of god and truly a perfect creature now.

We love you Taylor