It is with a heavy and aching heart that I write this, the final chapter on the life of my beloved companion Tahr (Bracken). Sadly, he had to be euthanased on Tuesday 27 October following complications with an enlarged heart (dilated cardiomyopathy).
So, to an end came the life of an exceptional, incredible dog, a dog which touched so many hearts and lives. His amazing rescue, against all odds, from the mountains above Simon's Town where he survived in the wild for five years, from a four week old puppy captured the imagination of thousands of animal lovers.
Our precious boy closed his eyes for the last time in the comforting presence of his two special friends, Luke his captor and Marilyn his caregiver. My last moments with Tahr were so special. He allowed me to stroke his face, to kiss him on his soft, furry head, to put my face against his something I desperately wanted to do all the years he was with me, but had been unable to do because I respected his reserve, his space, the element of wildness in his character and never wanted to distress him. It was as if, in his last moments, he wanted me to be close. As he slipped away I reflected on the relationship we had shared for over 3½ years; it was something so special and unique.
His passing has left a huge void in my life and in the lives of his friends and it is going to take a long time to come to terms with my loss. We shared a very special bond and I will always cherish the joy of our special relationship. Rest in peace my beloved boy. The journey with you, sharing your life, has been an experience I will always treasure. You will forever be with me in spirit and I will hold you close in my heart for the rest of my life.
My grateful thanks are extended to the rescue team Luke Kruyt, Danielle Johnston-Kowen, Brian Currin, Natalie Barker and Jared Barker. Without your heroic capture of Tahr, this incredible journey would never have happened and Tahr's fate would have been sealed on the mountain. His spirit is now free to roam once again, perhaps on the mountains above Simon's Town, where his journey of life began.
