Taz
Tracy Weaver and Taz
In 1999, my service dog, Taz and I became partners. I suffered from a neuro-muscular disease that left me unable to walk or talk and I required a tracheostomy to help me breathe. My prognosis was grim and my life consisted of medical appointments and little else-until Taz arrived that is!
Taz became my loyal companion and as my love for him grew, my health began to improve. My physicians were amazed at my progress and attributed it to Taz. They believed he was actually healing me! I was only able to communicate with a computer at that time, and Taz was the first service dog at Susquehanna Service Dogs to learn to respond to an artificial speech. He won an award form Temple for accomplishing this.
After many years, I was able to get my trach removed and with that my speech returned. Taz raced around our home when he heard my voice for the first time. He was so happy for me.
About that time, I decided to adopt a special needs infant. Taz wasn't so sure he liked the crying, but within a short time, he became my son's "protector". He would gently position himself between anyone approaching us and the stroller. Over the years, I adopted a total of 5 disabled children, and Taz loved each one of them.
One day a group of stray dogs approached us menacingly, and Taz came to our rescue. It was a very traumatic experience and Taz never again trusted other dogs, but I always felt safe when he was with me and the children.
After working together for 10 years, I regained my ability to walk and Taz started to slow down. I was never really sure if he just got tired, or if somehow he knew I no longer needed his help. Taz got cancer last April, and very sadly passed away at the age of 12. My 5 year old son often tells people that Taz is in heaven with God now. I like to think God had another job for him there and he is happy once again. Taz will always be a part of me. He truly healed me and my family.