Farewell Tina - The Greatest Dog There Ever Was

Thank you for inspiring us all

Yesterday at 4.45 PM Tina gently passed away. She was in her favourite hammock wrapped in blankets in my arms and with 4 lovely woman who have helped care for her holding her paws. Her belly was full of sausages and treats, she was basking in the warm late evening sun and her favourite song was playing.

Tina was still alive in this picture but as far as she was concerned she was already very much in heaven and surrounded by pure love.

When The Time Came, Tina Left With Dignity

Tina’s test results had been really bad for a month. We did everything imaginable to prolong her life. She followed me every single day on my rounds often going on 7-8 walks with other dogs despite her illness for fear of being alone or missing out.

On Thursday for the first time ever she came on one short walk and then retreated to rest. I’d never seen that before. When I came back with my dinner and she couldn’t get up to greet me at the door I instantly knew the time had come. I didn’t need blood tests or a vet to tell me. Tina had given everything she had left to give.

Up until the very last moment she always had a fresh clean bandana on, she ate the very best food and she was genuinely happy and at ease with her world. It will please everybody to know that Tina didn’t suffer one bit.

I Was Just A Conduit To Share Tina’s Message

I get about X20 more messages about Tina compared to every other dog I share. People picked up on her innate almost spiritual qualities through a screen thousands of miles away without ever meeting her.

We loved each other deeply but literally thousands of others loved Tina in their own way too. She was a beacon of hope. A soul so pure she could change people’s entire daily outlook from afar. Tina didn’t have a bad bone in her body and her ability to inspire others who were also struggling was all down to her. She radiated purity of soul and gentle goodness.

They really broke the mould when they made Tina.

Great Things Will Happen In Tina’s Name

Her final resting place is not in Giuseppe’s memorial garden with the other dogs who have passed. She is buried beside her hammock so I can sit and tell her how the mission to save street dogs around the world is going.

Much more important though is what I spoke to her about this morning after fixing up her flowers…

• This will be the site for a new hospital for street dogs

• It will be built right on top of her in this exact spot

• It will be called the “The Tina Hospital For Dogs Who Aren’t Doing So Good”

• The entrance will have a huge smiling photo of Tina

• I’ll figure out a way to get the best staff, machines and medicines

I won’t be able to do it overnight as I need to figure out logistics, planning and funding but It’s a promise to Tina now, so that means it will be done. And it will be done fast.

I can’t think of a better thing to do than having 100s of sick and needy dogs like she once was treated there. She would love that.

187 Joyous And Life Changing Days

Tina was put on this planet for a reason. We live in times with a lot of uncertainty, doom and gloom and endless negativity. After being on a chain for years, having dozens of puppies and nearly dying alone she would have every reason to also be down on life.

In the 187 days that we all knew her, Tina was… Compassionate. Beautiful. Gentle. Loving. Friendly. Easy Going. Loyal. Positive. Supportive. Angelic. Graceful.

She lit up any room or space she was in. People gravitated towards her. She didn’t need anything fancy or expensive. A tennis ball, her humans and some tasty food was all Tina ever looked for. She taught us all to…

• Live fully in the moment

• Don’t let the past define you

• Go “all in” on loving people

• Above all else…Be kind

187 days is not a lot but it also feels like a lifetime. She’s been swimming, made new friends, gone on hikes. had adventures and loved every second. Only a dog like Tina could have an impact like she has in such a short space of time.

The sadness hasn’t hit me too hard today. I look around for my shadow and she isn’t there but I’ve been getting ready for this day for weeks. My main feeling is relief for Tina that it all ended so well. That she didn’t suffer at all. That she felt endless love and warmth from many people when she was drifting off.

Tina could easily have been a street dog in Thailand tied to a chain that died alone months ago. Instead she was a wonderful creature that will have a huge lasting legacy.

After I put the flowers on Tina’s grave this morning and went off driving around feeding the street dogs, I could feel the sun on my back warmer than I’d felt it in months. I saw a beautiful blue butterfly flying on the wind. The sea looked the most aquamarine I’ve ever seen it. That warm sun, gentle wind and beautiful sea are all Tina. She is everywhere now.

Tina never asked for anything but I think she would have one wish we could all follow in her honour. To be kind. Maybe this weekend let someone ahead of you in a line. Check in on a friend you know might need it. Send someone flowers. Drop a note into a needy hand instead of a coin. Take a friend out for a surprise brunch. Play with your dogs a little longer than normal. Maybe just be kind to yourself and go for a walk and enjoy the fresh air. The thought of nice things happening all over the world in Tina’s name would be a lovely one.

In world where you can be anything…Be more like Tina.

Broken hearted but big love to you all.

Niall

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