Tok_memory

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved boy, Tok. His
health had been getting slowly worse and we knew our time with him was coming to
a close. I took him to the Clear Channel family picnic on August 24th where he got
to visit with his radio friends on last time. I got a couple of pictures of him with our
WOOD-AM on-air personalities.

I had gone out of town for a reunion but my husband told me to head home early as Tok had "crashed".
By the time I got home Tok was in horrible pain. We knew this would be the day we dreaded. Our
neighbors helped us get Tok on a blanket so we could carry Tok to my SUV. Thankfully a new vet hospital
opened right by our house so the the drive was short. Poor Tok could no longer stand and the sparkle in
his eyes was definitely gone. He looked at us and said it was time to let him go. I held one of those huge
paws and my husband was petting Tok's back. At 3:20 pm August 30th Tok quietly made the trip to the
Rainbow Bridge where he picked up his new silver harness and became healthy once again. Ironically he
died just 4 days before the anniversary of our losing Nika. We miss him so much. Makuyi knew what was
going on and knew her nursing job with Tok was completed. Now she had to help her humans get through
their grief. Margaret from the Mal-L listserv group wrote a wonderful poem in memory of our Tok.

The house is quiet. I hear him no more.

Still, my eyes remain riveted upon the front door.

I am waiting in vain for my Tok to come home.

But through the glorious Aurora he now joyously roams.

My Tok has crossed the Rainbow Bridge, you see.

Far, far north of it is where he went to be.

I walked Life's road with a beloved, fine friend

Through good times and bad, yet it all came to an end.

How many school kids he hugged, I simply can't tell.

We did oh so much when my big boy was well.

Today, a candle of light was extinguished here on this earth.

A light that shined brightly since the day of his birth.

Now Tok's spirit sparkles and twinkles amongst the stars of the night.

Against a backdrop of black velvet, it's such a beautiful sight.

But my heart is so broken and desperately bereft

By the loss of his presence and the huge hole that he left.

Thank you, Tok for all the years and all the love.

When the Northern Lights dance, I'll know it's you up above.

Chasing fast comets, wearing your silver harness with pride.

Dashing throughout the universe, racing out to the farest sides!

I will never forget you my dearest big boy.

Forever, I will remember you with happiness and joy.