Tika Tribute - Highlights from the Life of a Senior German Shepherd Dog with Degenerative Myelopathy
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ม.ค. 2022
- This video is a life tribute to my baby girl Tika, who crossed the Rainbow Bridge on May 28, 2021 at the age of 14.5 years. It was her 1st birthday in Heaven on Jan 3, 2022 (the day I published this video). TIKA: 1/3/7 - 5/28/21
Please see the links below for Tika's heartwarming and informative two-part story.
Tika lived with Degenerative Myelopathy (paralysis of the spine) for 2.5 years and was fully paralyzed in her hind legs; she used a wheelchair for her last two years. Tika was such a trooper, an inspiration and a shining light! And she continues to touch the lives of many.
Tika is my soul dog and the biggest inspiration in my life. I am grateful for the profound love and bond that we have. I know that my Angel is with me forever and always, in spirit and love.
I have documented our experience together in a special TWO-PART STORY and hope that her story reaches others who have a great love for their pets or who are are experiencing similar challenges.
SEE TIKA'S HEARTWARMING TWO-PART STORY:
1. Comfort and Care for our Senior and Paralyzed German Shepherd Dog - Tika's Story -Part 1
Visit: www.tawnabrown.com/degenerati...
Part 1 shares a story of compassion, dedication, commitment and unconditional love. It provides suggestions on how to provide care and comfort for a senior/disabled pet.
2. Pet Bereavement - Moving Forward with Love and Grief - Tika’s Story - Part 2
Visit: www.tawnabrown.com/pet-bereav...
Part 2 is an inspirational story of pet bereavement. You will learn how to move forward with love and grief without having to say good-bye to your beloved companion. It covers our final weeks together, preparations for the big departure and an overview of the grief journey.
***If Tika's story touches you in anyway, I'd love to hear from you in the comments at the end of the blog post (see above links). If you liked this video (or any of Tika's videos), please leave a comment, click on the "like" button, and/or subscribe to my channel.
INSTAGRAM: @TIKATRIBUTE
FACEBOOK: #tikatribute
![อาจารย์ยอด : ลุงแว่วเล่าเรื่องผี [ผี]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Fd2Qsy4dqpM/mqdefault.jpg)
This is the treatment a treasured family member like Tika deserves. Beautiful.
Thank you. She deserved the world!
My Bruno was born in January 2007, just like Tika and also a GS. At age six, we noticed a slight wobble in his left leg. My heart sank because I knew what that could mean. He had degenerative myelopathy. Slowly his legs weakened, but he could walk pretty good on soft sand and luckily we lived close to the beach. My son made him shoes with duct tape that could protect and withstand Bruno's back feet dragging when he walked on hard surfaces. I found a pool where he could swim. At age nine he could still get around but soon would need a cart. Unfortunately, Bruno never got that opportunity. He was suddenly sick one day. He was diagnosed with a massive tumor and then he was gone. The grief we all felt was immense and still is. He was family. He was one of us. You gave Tika a great life. To have been blessed with the love of a dog is a great gift in life. ❤
Thank you very much for making this video ❤ ⭐so I got to learn more about Tika. Thank you also so much for taking good care of here once DM arrived at a late age. It was the same with my beloved Odin. Perfect in mind, hearing and vision, and at age 11.5 DM sneaks up, where just age 13 he was unable to urinate anymore. Oh the pain then that I had seeing him like this. Caring for DM is hard work, but worth it every second, because our dogs are like "hey, I know I'm handicapped but thanks so much for allowing me to still have a great life, I'm counting on you, I love you", and yet, the paralyses keeps creeping up which is unfair. But you made the best you can do for Tika, she knows this forever. I feel you and we are in this together. I am sure Odin will meet Tika, he would have loved her so much. Thank you again for this beautiful video. ❤⭐
Thank you for your kind words. I learned so many valuable life lessons as a result of this experience and throughout my grief journey; as heart wrenching, exhausting, and painful as it was, I am grateful. Tika remains with me forever and always, guiding the way, cheering me on in life. She's my teacher and constant companion. And I can imagine Odin and Tika romping around, chasing squirrels, proudly carrying sticks, swimming, and playing. They are in a beautiful place, and one day we will be there also!
What a great life Tika had!!
She was beautiful ❤
Tika reminds me of our Shepherd Lucca who passed last year at the age of 12 1/2.
Nice memorial to her ❤
They didn't tell me it was degenerative myelopathy at the vets office, they said "oh, it's arthritis, let me sell you some chondroitin pills, "which were 70 bucks. One month later my dog couldn't use his hind legs. He laid down in the garage and didn't get up again. Bitter? No, not at all. I hate them. This was Fayette veterinarian hospital in Washington C.H., OH. I know someone else they said this to also with the same results.
I'm sorry this happened to you and can understand your pain. These are some of the hardest parts of life we are faced with... and I believe that what we do with that experience (and the lessons we've learned) that determines our future path. Perhaps you can help educate others about the signs/symptoms of DM, help others from facing this kind of situation... in honor of your own dog. I'm sure he would be very proud of you to be watching out for others!
@@coldinyk - Thank you for your kind words.
I am brought to tears. So many captured moments….
Thank you! As a photographer, I can' help myself... I capture almost everything! Lol! So grateful to have that content to work with and put these tributes together and share little stories!
You can read (and watch) more about Tika and our story at Part 1: www.tawnabrown.com/degenerative-myelopathy-senior-dog/ AND Part 2: www.tawnabrown.com/pet-bereavement-grief/. You can also find more of Tika on IG and FB by searching #tikatribute (and my new dog, Hiccup, #hiccupadventures; here is her adoption story:) th-cam.com/video/4aMwbOtvgPI/w-d-xo.html)
This is the most Touching Tribute Video for a Beloved Pet that I have ever seen. There is no doubt that Tika felt Loved her whole Life, even up to the very end. Thank you so much for sharing Tika’s Beautiful Life with all of us!
Thank you for your very kind words and thank you for taking the time to watch through Tika's tribute. I continue to share her on Facebook and instagram with the hashtag #tikatribute. And she remains with me each and every day, in love and spirit! (And I have a new dog also...my love is meant to be continually given, and by loving Hiccup, I feel that my love is being channeled right to my baby girl Tika! Here is Hiccup's adoption story: th-cam.com/video/4aMwbOtvgPI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=tHm1KUs5-FA5Zi5h
I wrote a 2-part story, full of photos, videos and a lot of helpful information for pet owners who may be facing similar situations, including preparing for the big departure. You may have seen it, but I'll share just in case, as this is a big part of Tika's legacy!
PART 1: www.tawnabrown.com/degenerative-myelopathy-senior-dog/
PART 2: www.tawnabrown.com/pet-bereavement-grief/
❤
What a beautiful❤touching tribute Tawna!
Rest in peace Tika.
That was one of the most beautiful videos I have ever seen. I can tell you both loved her very much. I lost my GSD Maddy when she turned 14. It's one of the hardest things I've gone through but I wouldn't change anything. ❤
Thank you so much! I wouldn’t change a thing either. It was life changing in the best possible way- the experience and bond we created has taught me so many important life lessons and I am so grateful for what I’ve learned. It has shown me how grief can be a beautiful experience - if you are open to it. I’m grateful for those lessons, for Tika and for the never ending love we share. Your Maddy is always with you in spirit and love ❤️ (I wrote about this in Tika’s Part 2 story). www.tawnabrown.com/pet-bereavement-grief/
She was beautiful. I'm so sorry you lost her.
Thank you. She is a beautiful soul... I don't feel I experienced "loss", as her spirit is forever and always; it never dies and she remains with me at my side, each and every day. I wrote about this in her "part 2" story: www.tawnabrown.com/pet-bereavement-grief/.
What a beautiful girl I'm so sorry for your loss thank you for taking such good care of her ❤️ RIP beautiful soul Tika 💜
Thank you for your kind words. My Angel is with me forever and always... since her "departure" from the physical life, I've actually never felt her absence. I am comforted each and every day by Tika's loving and ever-present spirit.
www.tawnabrown.com/pet-bereavement-grief/
Such a beatiful tribute
God bless Tika, you will be reunited!
Great for You and great for her. You both will be once more together, beyond the Rainbow.
Hello Tawna! Tika is a blessed dog! I'm sure she is resting in peace now. My GSD is 13 years old. She is lately having limping and potty problem. I love her so much, but It is tough physically and I feel sad watching her age. I was searching how to take care of senior dogs and found your youtube. I got a lot of energy and love. Thank you for all this beautiful life moments.
Hi Nari, I'm so sorry I'm just seeing this message now (I don't get notifications sent to me). I hope you've found ways to assist your love bug; it's not an easy time to go through, but life isn't easy. And you will learn so many valuable lessons through this experience, which will be with you always... part of your dog's legacy:) In case you haven't seen Tika's 2-part story, you will find much more helpful info there here: www.tawnabrown.com/blog (both parts are there on the site). Best wishes to you and yours.
lovely and the music is so tender
RIP Tika you will be remembered forever by your family. You will be missed dearly. They will see you soon over the rainbow bridge.
Thank you so much. Tika is an ever-present aspect of my everyday life. She remains with me now as much as she did when her physical being was here, and I am so grateful of our connection. When my time comes, it will be such an incredible reunion! Until then, I am comforted knowing she lives in my heart and is with me always.
www.tawnabrown.com/pet-bereavement-grief/
Beautiful dog. You gave her an amazing life
She gave me an amazing 14.5 years, and our relationship has never ended; she continues to guide, teach and comfort me. The spiritual bond is forever.
www.tawnabrown.com/pet-bereavement-grief/
She was loved by you and she was happy❤
A love like no other!! My soul dog! You can read more about Tika and our story at Part 1: www.tawnabrown.com/degenerative-myelopathy-senior-dog/ AND Part 2: www.tawnabrown.com/pet-bereavement-grief/
Poor baby x
Beautiful dog🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Looks like my gal
Beautiful and touching! 😢
Thank you. She is my soul dog...
Which wheelchair do you think worked best? Thank you!!!
So sorry for my late reply; I'm only seeing this message now. I hadn't tried any other wheelchair than the one she had. It is from Handicapped pets Canada. (WalkinPets in the US).
How long did she use the wheels ?
About 2 years, the final 6 months were tough, but so is our bitter Canadian winter, so that didn't help! (She had skis also!) I could have used a wagon of some sort during those final months, but we still took Tika out a couple of times a day, even if it was just to get fresh air and new scenery so she'd have more stimulation and things to dream about!! Here is her story: www.tawnabrown.com/degenerative-myelopathy-senior-dog/
How did you know it was time to help her cross the rainbow bridge. We have a 13 year old dog that has a suspected case of this. We can't do the tests because he does not do well with meds to calm him down. He won't sit still to do the tests. One day is really rough and the next day is better...so up and down...Our hearts are broken. He walks very wobbly and falls onto his bottom and needs help getting up. We have been trained in Response 5 and are hoping this will help. If you have any advice please feel free to share.
hi Christy. I am sorry to hear of your boy suffering like this. There are all kinds of things that can help him. Have you had a read through Tika's part 1 and 2? They both answer in detail your questions re. when/how we made the decision (the 1-year anniversary of making that determination is coming very soon:(..... I encourage you to read through the story, and you'll learn much more.... Tika was never tested, she had early signs and we brought her to the vet, and he said it was likely DM, and of course, it did progress just as expected. We read and learned about it on our own, but for the most part, we figured things out on our own... there is very very little support (really none) for this sort of disability where I live, and no where that would have such services (like water therapy, acupuncture) within a 12+ hour driving distance! I do hope you learn something helpful in Tika's story. Her story is being shared and connected through a number of research hospitals in the US, and they doing studies on DM. I'm very happy to share Tika's story and help wherever I can.
In your boy's case, depending upon how quickly the disease progresses, with the right tools, diet, attention and care (we gave Tika nearly 24/7 for almost a year!) and the right medication, you can very likely give him a much more comfortable and happy life, however long that may be. Sending you and your boy lots of love and strength. Feel free to reach out on the blog post also, and let me know how he's doing.
Tawna (and Tika in spirit)
www.tawnabrown.com/degenerative-myelopathy-senior-dog/
www.tawnabrown.com/pet-bereavement-grief/
@@coldinyk Hi Tawna, Thank you so much for your help. We helped our boy cross the rainbow bridge Mother's Day night. His legs had been failing and we had done the wheelchair and everything we could think of from accupuncture to laser therapy. We loved him so much. He had a terrible seizure and we knew it was time. It took his vision. It has been so hard to handle but we know we did the right thing. I wanted to thank you for taking the time to give us some information and advice. It was appreciated.
@@christyw5350I'm sorry to hear that he had a seizure and lost his vision. You gave him a beautiful life together on earth, and now you will remain connected through love and spirit - the relationship never ends. I find it very comforting to know Tika is with me - always. She never left, only graduated to a higher plane - and we will always remain connected. So too will you and your boy. (Sorry, I don't know his name).
I hope you can find a way to connect with him and acknowledge his presence in your everyday life; keep talking to him, and including him. This has brought me great comfort, and has resulted in a beautiful grief journey together.... Tika is right at my side, guiding the way. So too is your boy. Wishing you peace and clarity in the journey ahead.
@@coldinyk Thank you so much. I got an amazing sign.Ii would love to send it in a picture if you have an email. I found it on my daughter's field trip.
@@christyw5350 I would love to know more! If you go to my video, click on the link in the caption of the video (which takes you to my website); you'll find my contact info there:) I just don't want to openly include it here in case there are robots out there that scoop up email address! Looking forward to hearing your story.
So beautiful life, and so much happiness!, to have had a great love like that ...
Yes it is... Our experience together has been life changing. I write in the present tense, as our relationship never ended with Tika's departure from the physical world; it continues on and brings me such comfort knowing that we will always be connected by our unbreakable bond. Tika is my soul dog.
@@coldinyk you have been blessed.
No more to say.
@@fernandopintos1718 , Yes I have been! I'm so grateful for Tika to have come into my life and for the opportunity to be her Mom!
Damn my boy, I got make much more memories. Glad to know I'm not alone in this. Still it sucks!
You'll cherish them always! I wrote about all the different things I did in preparation for her departure... artwork, fur collection, etc.... www.tawnabrown.com/blog (Tika's 2 stories are there). I hope you find ways to capture meaningful things that will bring you comfort in the future. (favorite stick, fur, paw prints, pebbles (i.e. your dog has a habit of picking them up!), etc.... so many ideas!) Best wishes.
❤