I've been at a total loss of words for the last week on this post...how do you put into words the feeling of loss and sadness when you lose a best friend? And Tanner was far more than a best friend to Scott and I. He was our family, a perfect little addition that not only fit in from the moment we brought him home, but made our lives so much fuller and better for him being there. I keep hearing that we gave him an amazing life and a wonderful home, and did far more for him than most ever would. But he gave us so much more...more than a few words could ever do justice to. He gave us unconditional love, companionship, protection, laughter, and I could go on and on. He was a good dog, the best I could have ever asked for.
From the day we brought this little guy home, I knew I was hooked. How can you not look at a puppy and not just melt, but this was the dog I had been begging Scott for for years. Far better than the robot dog he got me in college so I wouldn't want "my puppy" anymore...We brought him home on Valentines day 2004 in a blizzard. But he was so worth the trip.
He grew up too fast though, and before we knew it, he was ready to join us on our camping trips, and that became one of our greatest pleasures with him. He LOVED to camp, be outside, off leash and just run. Even if his legs didn't always cooperate!
And he was always available for a good laugh...a goof ball at heart.
And we spoiled him rotten, he may have loved to camp, but he was definitely a city dog, so when it was time to relax while we were camping, he had to have the best seat around...
Just like any Lab, his other love was eating!!!! He would have eaten himself until he popped if we ever gave him the chance. And though he always seemed to have some new medical issue, his nose never, ever failed him. He was always able to find the only food in the place. Including these cupcakes at the first birthday party he was ever invited to. He took it upon himself to guard them...
He also definitely loved his family and his girls...
Never the best swimmer, but never to be outdone either!
Never afraid to get his paws a little dirty, especially if it meant spending time at the lake, and even better with Scott.
And he loved his Cole as much as Cole loved his Tanner...
There is so much I will miss about our little white dog. His enthusiasm for life, especially around meal time and walk time. The way he treated us like we were the greatest things on earth. He was my little shadow, following me everywhere I would go. Even if I was just headed to take a shower he would take his spot on our bed waiting for me to finish. The way he would come sit between my legs and the sink as I would get ready for work in the morning. How he would walk me to the door each day before leaving for work for one extra kiss and pet. He could always tell if I needed something to cry on and he always lent his ears, he had the softest ears. How he would jump in bed between Scott and I, roll on his back and expect to rough house. The way he loved his ears being rubbed and the noises he would make in appreciation. His bark, he was such a loud mouth. His big brown eyes....
And he was always available for a good laugh...a goof ball at heart.And we spoiled him rotten, he may have loved to camp, but he was definitely a city dog, so when it was time to relax while we were camping, he had to have the best seat around...Just like any Lab, his other love was eating!!!! He would have eaten himself until he popped if we ever gave him the chance. And though he always seemed to have some new medical issue, his nose never, ever failed him. He was always able to find the only food in the place. Including these cupcakes at the first birthday party he was ever invited to. He took it upon himself to guard them...He also definitely loved his family and his girls...Never the best swimmer, but never to be outdone either!Never afraid to get his paws a little dirty, especially if it meant spending time at the lake, and even better with Scott.And he loved his Cole as much as Cole loved his Tanner...There is so much I will miss about our little white dog. His enthusiasm for life, especially around meal time and walk time. The way he treated us like we were the greatest things on earth. He was my little shadow, following me everywhere I would go. Even if I was just headed to take a shower he would take his spot on our bed waiting for me to finish. The way he would come sit between my legs and the sink as I would get ready for work in the morning. How he would walk me to the door each day before leaving for work for one extra kiss and pet. He could always tell if I needed something to cry on and he always lent his ears, he had the softest ears. How he would jump in bed between Scott and I, roll on his back and expect to rough house. The way he loved his ears being rubbed and the noises he would make in appreciation. His bark, he was such a loud mouth. His big brown eyes....It has been difficult how quickly he was taken from us. But I wouldn't trade that for the last six years. And thanks to an amazing veterinary office we had the support and help we needed. They were able to drain his abdomen to help him feel a little more comfortable for a few days so we could take him fishing one more time. And he knew we were going. His paws hit that lake, his tail went straight up and he began hunting for those fish, just ready for one to hit the line. I used to think I would never miss his crazy antics when someone caught a fish, but I know now he was only doing what he loved best...And I will definitely miss that.
I will miss him for the rest of my life, but I will forever be thankful for choosing us to be his family. For giving us all the love he possibly could and so much more...
I will miss him for the rest of my life, but I will forever be thankful for choosing us to be his family. For giving us all the love he possibly could and so much more...And my wish is that these brown eyes are no longer sad, and that he is catching all the fish his heart desires and completely pain free...We love you bubs, thank you for everything.
Good dog, Tanner, Good dog...
Good dog, Tanner, Good dog...Tanner Casselman: 12/14/2003-05/07/10
And don't worry, we will take care of your bear...
And don't worry, we will take care of your bear...
Once settled in we took off for dinner. The food was delicious and it was perfect for catching up!
Saturday we took our time getting up before heading off for our massages. After we were all fully relaxed and pampered it was off for some shopping and lunch!
Thankfully the weather cleared up enough on Saturday that we were able to enjoy our outing! We closed our last night out by ordering in and watching a movie. It was such an amazing weekend and I'm so glad everyone was able to make it! Mom definitely deserved a great time! We are lucky to have such an amazing mom and friend, so I'm so thankful we were able to pay her back at least a little for all the love she has always given us!!
Sunday it was time to head back to Denver for Sara's part of the surprise. Robin and I had put together a shower for her since we will most likely not be able to travel to FL for any of her showers there. It turned out beautiful and she was definitely hooked up with all sorts of girly goodies! 
Overall the weekend was a huge success!! So glad it all worked out as well as it did!! Happy Birthday mom!!
.JPG)
