Tidas
It is with sadness that we share with you the passing of Tidas "Tidy Bear.
Tidas joined TSBR in April 2013. Found by a good Samaritan - he had been hit by or thrown from a vehicle on highway 75 near the Texoma border and left lying there for dead.
Tidas came to us 20+ pounds underweight, severely dehydrated, with a compound comminuted fracture of the left front leg (Radius/Ulna). What we initially believed to be road rash, Xrays quickly showed (to our horror) - that his face, neck, and back were literally riddled with birdshot.
After 8+ months of care with many more to go, in December 2013, Tidas was adopted by one of his veterinary caregivers - who had been by his side advocating for him since he arrived. It was clear that Tidas, then and now, knew more love than imaginable.
Tidas thrived with his new family, and the love and joy he received and gave was unfathomable.
Tidas had made it! He had gotten that second chance we advocate for - he was living the good life making up for all the wrongs our world had dealt him.
But for Tidas, it seems he was dealt a disproportionately unfair hand and late this February, Tidas was diagnosed with cancer.
From his family:
We received news last week that our sweet, handsome Tidy Bear has a cancerous mass on his prostate called a prostatic carcinoma. I took him to get seen for what I thought was a simple UTI. I was SO very wrong. It is very likely this has spread from other regions in his body such as his lungs or bones. We are keeping him as comfortable as possible but unfortunately, his time with us is very limited. If you know me at all, you know that I adore this boy and I am just so overwhelmed with heartache. Working as a vet tech for years, I've dealt with disease, illness, and death regularly. But nothing prepares you for when your own pet is faced with these struggles.
Indeed, nothing prepared them or us to lose this shining light of hope so soon.
Tidas passed peacefully in the arms of his biggest love, and our collective hearts broke.
Tidas's rescue inspired us to step up for the "Harley's" of the world and fight for their hope. You, our TSBR Troopies, gave generously to ensure care so he could know the love that would never have forsaken him on a highway.
Together we can change the future for these sweet beloved animals.
Tidas you will forever be in our hearts!
Run FREE Tidy Bear - Run Free!
https://vimeo.com/retrieveafriend/tidas
Traveler
Honorary Ambassadog
July 2, 2010 – April 24, 2017
While Traveler was not a TSBR alum, he was an honorary Ambassadog and often a TSBR cover model. His good looks and huge personality made him the ideal Golden Retriever. He welcomed his soon-to-be best buddy, Bullwinkle from TSBR, with an open heart and lots of snuggles. The bond that developed between them was quick and strong. No car trip was complete without one laying on top of the other. They had some great adventures together from many trips to Colorado, both summer and winter, to kayak follies and lots of down time at Lazy Dog Lake House.
Traveler was blessed with the spirit of a greeter from day 1-never meeting a stranger, always certain that everyone would welcome his 90-pound exuberance. He never had a bad day, and made the outlook of those that knew him as sunny as he was. His sense of comedic timing and general orneriness brought innumerable smiles and laughs to his family. He was the goofball to straight man Bullwinkle.
His volunteer jobs for TSBR allowed him to display his strengths. At Wrapping for Rescue, he used his winning personality and golden looks to help boost donations. His mom, a professional photographer, took some great shots of him and Bullwinkle which graced the social media pages and website of TSBR, showing his handsome model qualities!
Unfortunately, a neurological condition took him quickly after only 6 and a half short years. But Traveler lived every one of his days with a zest and zeal for life and people. Those who knew him have many joyful memories of his love, affection, and silly personality.
Traveler’s absence has left a bottomless hole in the lives of those that loved him. He was the true embodiment of the chorus, which we all sang to him frequently…
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You'll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away
Traveler, we shared our lives with you for a short time. But you made the days richer, lighter, and more colorful. My hope is that I can continue to carry your joy for life in my heart. You left us too soon. There were more memories to be made, love to be shared, and adventures to be had. My prayer is that I can see you again, someday. Your love, to me, is a glimpse of the divine—God’s boundless love for us—a tangible, joyful reminder that is always present. It filled me with so much more than I gave. We will miss you forever.
