Tia        

Tia was a tiny 11-year-old matriarch of a large family of ragged orphans. She and her family of 26 dogs were living in squalor under one roof, when they were confiscated by animal control in Syracuse, NY. Some of the dogs were deaf. All the dogs were unsocialized and terrified of people. Their owner was a dog collector or hoarder.

Tia came to Massachusetts to be fostered, but unfortunately got away from her foster home on her first day there. For two weeks she wandered the woods around Plainville, Massachusetts, while rescue people, trackers, animal empaths, and hoards of other volunteers combed the woods for her. She remained illusive, the only sign of her the occasional glimpse, her tracks, the fact that she took food from near the live trap that volunteers set for her. She apparently weathered two big snowstorms. Then, 2 days ago, ironically around the first day of Spring, when all should be well with the world, she disappeared completely.

Today (3/22/01) Tia is home now......she hasn't gone to the home that we made for her or to the life that we so looked forward to showing her. Tia was found today, in a pool of frozen water between two hills. The lives that she touched while she was on her own journey will never be the same. Most of us only knew her by her picture and even from a computer screen her face has changed lives and opened hearts.

Tia, See Me Flying

It's been said that death is not an end, but a beginning to a new adventure
where the spirit learns to soar and flourish in warmth, freedom and love.

I believe that Tia began that adventure 7 weeks ago when her soul was
unleashed from the 10 years of hell she knew, and brought to Plainville to
begin her new journey.

Most souls have to wait for death to learn freedom and love.  Tia was one of
the lucky, one of the chosen few, who begin that journey during life.

The 4 weeks or so she spent with Patty and the 45 minutes with Karen were
her beginning of warmth and love.

Her freedom came in her last 3 weeks.  What may seem as a harsh and cold
environment to most, was her beginning to soar, to feel herself.   To be able to run with the
wind and become one with nature is an ability seldom experienced in life.

Tia began her experience in life, and now, in death, has no boundaries or
limitations as to what she can do.

I believe that stars are the eyes of souls, looking threw the window of
heaven, checking up on those left behind.  It's nice to know that there is
now a very special pair of eyes shinning in every night sky, watching over
the people who started her on her journey.
When you look up at night, and see the sparkling eyes shinning down on
you...be still, listen to the wind...listen for the faint yet heart felt
thank you that Tia is whispering in your ear.  Then, smile and say...
Your Welcome Tia...You're Welcome.