Memorials of TADSAW Service Dogs

Jersey was part of a MSPCA seizure case from a back yard breeder in Ct. He was saved within hours of death as he was starved and locked in a crate for many months. Jersey had been in rescue for several months by the time Robert met him. He was still thin but so full of love and life Robert was instantly in love with Jersey. Jersey did present some challenges in training along the way but Robert wanted to keep going forward. The end result was about 6 years of a strong team. He will be missed by all. Rest in peace Jersey.

TODAY August 9th 2017, TADSAW lost the inspirational canine founder of the ‘Train a Dog – Save a Warrior’ program. KELSIE, a 12-year old yellow Lab-Retriever.

TADSAW and all of the Veterans, beginning in July 2010 and lasting into the future, will forever be indebted to KELSIE, as she was the true inspiration of the ‘Train a Dog – Save a Warrior’ (TADSAW) program. Kelsie was there from the start!!!

KELSIE was also the inspiration of the TADSAW Ambassador Therapy Dog program serving the Veterans and patients as Ambassador Therapy Dog Team ATD0002.

KELSIE’s legacy reminds us what a Dog’s Purpose is “True dedication to serving the needs of the human species – unconditionally and nonjudgmental”

Rest in Peace … you have served us all well!!!!

TADSAW SENDS ITS MOST SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO ED FLANDERS AND FAMILY, on the loss of Tosca (TADSAW SERVICE DOG) and her sister BELLE. Following are words from Tosca’s veteran and best friend, Ed Flanders.

She will be watching over Ed from afar. God bless you Ed and you family. You were truly blessed with most special girl (s).

From Ed Flanders:

“Saying goodbye is never easy…

Tosca gave a great fight but in the end, the cancer spread to her abdomen. It was a tough decision but the right one to make.

Tosca’s life started the same as any other housepet. Her days were full of laying on the couch or recliner(both no-no’s), sleeping until her heart was content and just waiting for us to return home from work. That all changed when she became my Service Dog in 2013.

Tosca did things that most animals don’t even know exist. She’s been to high school reunions, she’s been to Spurs games, hockey games, movies… even attended a movie premiere with the red carpet treatment. She partied in the French Quarter and received some beads… of course, she earned them!

She traveled all over the U.S. She comforted a Gold Star Family at Arlington National Cemetery, she shared love and wet kisses with wounded veterans in Florida and Texas. She proudly represented Train a Dog Save a Warrior in my home state of Louisiana to support legislation for service dogs. She mentored new service dogs in training and aided in their final assessment.

She literally saved my life! She restored my ability to trust people and allowed me to live again! Without her help, I would still be staring at the stranger in the mirror. My brain will never forget what my eyes have seen but thanks to her I am a little less jaded!

In the grand scheme of things, timing is everything!

Her sister, Belle, had been battling diabetes, thyroid imbalances and mastitis. Recently, she became completely blind. After consulting with our veterinarian, we decided she wasn’t a good candidate for cataract surgery due to her age and other diagnoses.

We decided to let them go the same way that they spent the last 9.5 years… together!

Our lives will never be the same!

I will love and miss you two, everyday. Until we meet again, rest easy… you definitely deserve it!”

FROM ED FLANDERS & FAMILY

It is with great sadness TADSAW INC. announces the passing on Monday April 17, 2017 of one of the ‘legendary Mothers’ of the Penny’s From Heaven Foundation Therapy Dog Program, GRACIE, a small, blind Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (PBGV)- who shared many experiences and snuggles with the Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, while at BAMC and RIOSA in San Antonio. She always had room for one more Veteran when visiting. That was GRACIE – a Therapy Dog who helped blaze the way for the ‘Train a Dog – Save a Warrior’ program.

PENNY & GRACIE are the Matron Saints of all the TADSAW Service Dogs and their handlers, and are remembered by the copper penny that is awarded when the Team graduates.

God Bless You GRACIE and may you be at peace with Penny by your side once again.

Donations may be made in Gracie’s honor at www.tadsaw.org.

“Ann was loved by so many people. from day one of that tail wag. But she had a place by my side. that love I gave her was no comparison to the love she had in her. the day she became a real service dog and got her TADSAW certificate on 11/26/2013 – TSD0186. she knew that she was a gift of pure unconditional love with out restrictions. when we get a gift it is to be shared. So it can reach the hearts it needs to touch. Our cross country trip to be there for a awesome brother and his awesome wife’s day. When we go to the VA hospitals she meet and touched the life’s of so many veterans every time we go. ones that know that is a lot. Too our quiet rides in my truck. now she runs with the hearts of all that keep her there forever free as she was meant to be ringing them doorbells of heaven “my sweetest prayer” 10/25/07-10/10/16″

For Ann…service dog deceased for Chris Dayton.

WHEN WE REMEMBER THEM

At the rising of the sun and at its going down;
We remember them.

At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter;
We remember them.

At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring;
We remember them.

At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer;
We remember them.

At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn;
We remember them.

At the beginning of the year and when it ends;
We remember them.

AS LONG AS WE LIVE, THEY TOO WILL LIVE – FOR THEY ARE A PART OF US, AS WE REMEMBER THEM.

When we are weary and in need of strength;
We remember them.

When we are lost and sick at heart;
We remember them

When we have joy we crave to share;
We remember them.

When we have decisions that are difficult to make;
We remember them

When we have achievements that are based on theirs;
We remember them.

AS LONG AS WE LIVE, THEY TOO WILL LIVE – FOR THEY ARE A PART OF US, AS WE REMEMBER THEM.

By Sylvan Kamens and Rabbi Jack Riemer