Tara Dickinson

MY GORGEOUS GIRL IS WITH THE ANGELS

Joy says “My beautiful Tara is now with the angels. For sure, her great friend, Fable, and some of the foster dogs she befriended, will have all been waiting to welcome her.

She was a gorgeous, sweet girl who will always be in my heart and will never be forgotten. Sleep in peace, darling Tara. You will be loved forever xxx”.

Tara had suddenly become very ill and it was a total shock as she had never had a day’s illness in her life. For that I am thankful. I am still in shock as she had always been so well and her deterioration was quick and unexpected.

I had thought that it was just her legs getting weak and there was no sign of something more sinister. I guess, at her age, I should have been prepared but, as she had never been ill, I was convinced I had her for another 2 years at least.

MY BEAUTIFUL BABY WHO GREW INTO A MARVELLOUS MUM

Tara came to me as a baby guide dog puppy needing puppy walking and, as she grew up, she was tested for becoming part of GDBA’s breeding stock. She was accepted which meant she could stay with me and I became a brood bitch holder rather than a puppy walker.

She was a loving mummy to 44 puppies. Over the years, until she retired, she had four large litters (12, 10, 12, 11) and she was a brilliant, caring, hard working mummy to her puppies who, mostly, went on to excellent guide dogs. What wonderful memories we have had
together.

In between her own litters, she was a great help when I took on foster dogs for IRR. Tara was only 5 months old when Kelly arrived here with her two puppies, Rory and Kerry (later named Bouncer and baby Kelly). They both sported distinctive Mohican hairdos.

THE MOHICAN TWINS REUNITED AT THE 2007 REUNION

Joy, recently, spoke to Rosa (Baby Kelly’s Mum) who told Joy that Kelly’s legs are getting worse but she is still ok. They have ordered a dog pram for her to help her. Fourteen years on, it was marvellous to think a pup from such a horrendous puppy farm would go on to do so well. Much of that has to be thanks to Joy and, of course, to Tara.

The mum, Kelly, was very scared of humans and, initially, kept herself and her pups away from everyone but that all changed when she met Tara. She actually jumped up and down on the spot. Over the weeks, Tara gave her confidence and Kelly learnt to trust humans.

Other foster dogs gained from Tara’s friendliness and confidence, too. She made them all very welcome and they learnt a lot from her.

One of the most notable was Jack who totally stole Joy’s heart.

Then, of course, there was Kaleigh together with her puppies. Joy was midwife whilst Tara was a doting Aunty to the babies and a very wise mentor to Kaleigh.

TARA BEING AUNTY

A FAMILY REUNION AT JOY’S

TARA WAS ALWAYS A HAPPY GIRL

Tara was really good and gentle with the grandchildren and very welcoming to any dog who came for holidays or foster.

She was always happy, always energetic, always kind and loving. We shared many happy moments especially raising her puppies together and playing ball on beaches and in the fields.

In March 2017, Joy adopted Teddy when he was 9 weeks old. He regarded Tara as his Mum, of course, a role she slipped into easily.

Tara loved the seaside and going on the beach and she came on many lovely holidays. This photo of her on the beach at Weston super mare was taken just one month before she became ill. Teddy loves the seaside too.

LONELY TEDDY

Teddy was missing Tara so, when Joy felt ready, she gave a loving retirement home to an almost 13 year old Springer called Jessie who had belonged to a friend. She had been in need of a quieter life with lots of cuddles which she wasn’t getting.

Jessie is really loving and sweet and she was already well known to Teddy as she had visited their house a lot so Teddy already loved her.

It’s not quite the same as having Tara there, of course, but adopting Jessie has helped Teddy and Joy no end.