Tango in the Turnbull N.W.R. near Spokane, WA.

It is with profound sadness that I report the death of my beautiful dog and beloved companion Tango. He was 13 years old and diagnosed in July 2019 with cognitive dysfunction — doggie dementia — followed just a few weeks later with the discovery of a fast growing cancer on the roof of his mouth. Surgery was possible but would have radically deformed his mouth. The vet assured me that dogs adjust but it seemed a cruel step for a 13 year-old with dementia. I said no and started medications which made things worse for a while. I thought we would lose him in September but we were able to sort things out and with CBD and gabapentin he was relatively comfortable. The dementia robbed him of some skills but it never took his loving spirit and gentle ways. On January 3rd a vet from Lap of Love came to the house and put Tango to sleep. (Lap of Love has euthanasia and hospice services for pets in the home. Highly recommended.)

In trying to decide where to perform this final act of love I decided on the Chrysler van that had taken us cross country twice, back and forth to North Carolina many times, and on countless adventures together. Tango was always ready for a car ride but he would often climb into the van when it was parked at home and have a comfortable spot from which he could watch me do yard work. About twenty minutes before the veterinarian was scheduled to arrive I let Tango out to pee and then opened the door to the van. He needed no coaxing to jump in and, thankfully, he was able to make the jump on his own (there had been many times recently when he couldn’t make the jump). It was a perfect place and there was no fear or apprehension when Dr. Megan approached, just the usual curiosity and gentleness.  Very soon he was at peace.