Giving THANKS for the Life of Tali

How can we put into words the gratitude that we have for the life of Tali?

This precious dog was often the first to welcome anyone who arrived at the Mount of Oaks over the last 12 years. She would run to meet a car, bike or walker – sometimes jump up (naughty Tali!!) and offer her famous kiss – sometimes with the surprise tongue heading for an open mouth!!! Yes, she was a profound welcomer.

Tali and her brother Goofy came to Mount of Oaks in 2012. They were born at the home of Amandine and Mark in a litter of 7. As pups they were often heading on adventures around the land and beyond in search of companions and fun. They could equally be found together resting blissfully in the sun.

For those who visited, Tali in particular, could be relied upon to accompany a walk. She would often seem like she was leading the walk, but quickly check on any person’s whereabouts. Adventures were her speciality.

When we went to the lake, which was very often since they were tiny pups, (one of Goofy and Tali’s favourite spots) she would try and follow a canoe, boat or paddlebaord into the water, such were her protective and shepherding instincts!!

Dearest Tali, as most of you will know, developed a horrible disease in 2020, Leishmaniasis which severly affected her kidneys. Several times over the last years she pulled through moments when we thought we would loose her. She bounced back, literally with the help of a change of diet and some medication. However, over the last couple of months she began to loose weight, her kidneys had stopped processing the protiens and her great tiredness began to be more evident.

Sooooo many people were praying for Tali in the finals weeks and in the end she passed peacefully with the aid of Dr. Judith on October 17th. In the morning before the vet arrived she had neighbours visit, and in the days before several friends came to give her love, and surround her with light for her passing. She was ready to be relieved of her tired body.

We buried her body as a rain cloud appeared from no where and showered us with blessings from above – a rainbow appeared, and we cried.

Barbara preformed a sacred act as I (emma) was digging her grave. She carefully removed her pelt, so while her body was buried, her skin has remained with us.

For all who knew Tali, she lives on in our memories. It is with gratitude we give thanks for her precious life and the JOY and amusement she brought!