05/17/2025
About time for another beautiful happy tail. At about this time in our rescue so many of them are angels.
Tank is definitely one of those! Fly free Tank!
Hi Racquel, I hope it’s okay I’m reaching out here — I couldn’t find a message option on your ACPR page. I’m not sure if you remember me, but we met in late 2012 when my ex and I adopted a Pit/Lab mix pup named Willie, who we renamed Tank. He had a twin sister named Rosie and came from North Carolina. I sent an update shortly after we brought him home, but life moved quickly in different directions and I haven’t written in years. Still, I felt drawn to reach out now, because if it were me, I’d want to know things turned out okay.
Just after the New Year in 2013, Tank went to live with my parents and became a constant companion for my dad, who was very sick at the time. They were inseparable — wherever my father went, Tank followed. During that difficult chapter filled with surgeries and emotional strain, Tank gave my dad a reason to smile and keep going. He brought light back into his life and, honestly, I believe he helped keep him here longer. I was lucky to share two more precious years with my father before he passed in 2015. After that, Tank continued his healing work — supporting my mom, my niece, and me.
At first, I thought we adopted Tank for ourselves, but over time it became clear he had a deeper purpose. He found you and saved his own life. Then he saved mine, and then my father’s. After Dad passed, he stayed for my mom — and when she had healed, it was like he knew his mission had been fulfilled. He accomplished more in his short life than many ever do.
Sadly, over Easter weekend, Tank passed away from complications related to epilepsy, likely caused by a brain tumor. Though we managed it with medication for a while, his seizures became too frequent and severe, and he stopped responding to treatment. His neurologist didn’t believe he had more than a month or two left, and rather than risk a traumatic seizure or him being alone, we made the incredibly hard choice to help him pass peacefully. His last days were filled with all the love, treats, walks, and car rides he could dream of. When the time came, he was surrounded by his favorite people — my mom, my niece, and me — in a calm, serene setting. He was at peace. If anything, he seemed ready to see my dad again.
Tank was always himself, despite bumps and health scares. He was clumsy, not the best at fetch, and probably would’ve helped a burglar carry the TV out if they stopped to pet him. But he loved tug-of-war, snow, car rides, sunbathing, and destroying squeaky toys with unmatched joy. He snuggled like a pro and never stopped “talking.” His time was short, but his impact was immeasurable. I wasn’t even a dog person when I saw his picture — that permanently concerned little face — but something told me to click “contact poster.” It changed my life.
Thank you, Racquel, for all that you do for these dogs and for the families they touch. Without your love and determination bringing that sweet boy up the coast to my inbox, so many lives would’ve been different. It was an honor to be part of Tank’s story and to be one of his people.
