Colonel TAZ 1995-2009
Like any good state secret, we are always the last to know. In keeping with his nature as a husky, I am only now finding out this missive.
It is with great sadness that I must relay the news that Colonel TAZ has passed over the Rainbow Bridge at the age of 14.
He had been living in luxurious retirement in San Diego for the last year, pampered and protected by Judy, a fellow sibernet member. He had passed away on August 8th. I’m sure he relished the fact that even his intrepid biographer continued to believe he was issuing commands until now. Colonel TAZ now commands on a higher level.
As most all of you know, TAZ was a rescue dog, covered with over 40 ticks, socked away in a corner cage at the Orange County Shelter. His piecing ice blue eyes convinced me to take him in. My life, my friend Robbi’s life was never the same. The episodes of humor, pathos, insight and learning…kissed with a touch of moral intuition, became a mainstay of this list and thousands of readers all over the globe since 1997…over 251 stories in all.
TAZ taught me many things, but possibly the most important is that every moment of life and every square inch of this planet holds something precious and special. The ordinary becomes extraordinary when it is held up and shown in light of the potential that is there. This shared experience of small, throw away moments we share with our pets, when truly examined and shared with all, was the basis of the Wellstone of shared experiences we have all enjoyed over these years. And will continue to enjoy for years to come.
Colonel TAZ was both a pain and privilege, a joy and a heartache. But most of all, he was simply my dog. No greater honor could I ever have held.
Please go now and hug your pet. Tell them how much you love them and cherish them.
Just like TAZ, you will never see their like again. They are all unique and special.
As are all of you, my readers, my fellow pet owners, my friends.
In closing, there is a favorite quote of mine that I would wish to leave you with in memory of TAZ. It is from the mythical 1930’s Chinese detective from Hawaii, Charlie Chan who sagely stated:
“Sometimes, beneath eyes that cry are teeth that laugh.”
In both joy and sorrow, Colonel TAZ now belongs to the ages.
God Speed!
Scott Ringwelski (Scott Ski)
