McTeacher's Journal

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Now playing on Pandora: Amanda Lear - I'll Miss You (duett with Manuel Sanchez)
via FoxyTunes "TRIBUTE AND FINAL GOODBYE"
There's no way I could end this day without a tribute to my friend "Tio". At times, I have to admit, he did some pretty crazy and bazaar things and was a little unpredictable, but over all he was a great dog.

My son, Darryl, is a K9 Officer for the Tempe Police Dept. Four years ago he got his first dog. I must admit that when he introduced his dog to me, I felt inside that Tio would be able to smell my fear of him. When I walked through the door, the first thing he did was bark and lunge at me. Of course Darryl had him on a lead and pulled him back.Tio wasn't lunging to bite me, but I think to bully me since he was an alpha male, and he needed to show me that he was higher on the pecking order in that household than I. Darryl allowed him to sniff me and he licked my hand, which scared me to death. Then he jumped up and placed his two front paws on my shoulders and sniffed my face and neck. I offered no resistance, rather stood there frozen, silently praying that he wouldn't bite my face. Darryl called him back instantly and that was that.

Initially, Tio would not come near me, he would lay on the floor a considerable distance away so that he could take in the entire room instead of being in a position where he couldn't see everything and everyone. It was obvious from the get-go that Tio was entirely Darryl's dog. Darryl and Tio adored one another, which was very obvious at all times. When I would go over for cookouts and a night of DVD watching, I'd noticed that Tio never, I mean NEVER, left Darryl's side. Whenever Darryl got up or changed positions, whatever..... Tio would either get up or very carefully observe what Darryl was doing.

Darryl would tell me how aggressive Tio was at times during training and work and that he was certainly an "asshole" (excuse the term) sometimes. I think though, way deep inside, Tio's aggressive manner made Darryl feel a little more secure when he was working.

Tio had some very unusual habits that were, let's say, "very uncouth", but that was Tio.

In time, Tio became a member of Darryl's family. I gained a respectable love for him that he knew was genuine. He would always bark when I got there, but instead of jumping or sniffing me, he would come and rub right up against my hand because he knew that I would rub behind his ears whenever he wanted me to. That was one of his favorite places and he would ask for it. In time, I could even hug Tio, an act that I initially thought would NEVER EVER happen in my lifetime. ;D Darryl said that Tio had taken a real liking to me and to Chell's father. I am honored that he did.

July 3rd, I was with Darryl and I said my goodbyes to Tio. I sat on the floor next to him for awhile, scratched behind his ears and stroked his legs. I think he knew I was trying to comfort him because he licked my hand over and over again, and when I would pause, he would nudge his nose under my hand for more.

So, yesterday, when Chell sent me a text saying that Tio was now in heaven, my tears came without warning, as they are now. I believe that there is memory in every cell of our bodies, and it takes time for the senses of touch and visual memory to fade in order to make thoughts of those we love and miss more bearable to think about. Darryl and Chell came over right after leaving the vets. At my age, I have witnessed a lot and been through many experiences. When Darryl got out of his car and looked at me, the pain in his eyes when straight through me. It's difficult to see someone you love so much suffer, especially when you know it's a part of life and there is nothing that can be done to make it better at the time.

I know there were some who couldn't make it, but for those who did, I want to extend my personal thank you to you for supporting Darryl, being his friend, and helping him through this decision. Since January it has been a very difficult and haunting emotional situation for him. I want to say thank you so much for being there for him AND for Tio. I know that Chell feels the same way, and that she also felt your support. I know my son well, and I know how much he appreciated each of you for your efforts.

Today, Darryl and Jim are on their way to look at a new dog. Tio was special and will always have that place in our minds and hearts. Time now though to look forward at new possibilities. Darryl will bring home a new friend from Seattle. We will all be excited to greet this new boy and help him become a part of our families.

Tio will always remain in spirit with us. I know he will with Darryl. I loved you Tio. You left your imprint in my memory, and I will never forget you!