R.I.P. Tigger Tu

"Tigger Tu MacKenzie Mills"

1997 - 2010

a.k.a - Tu Tu

a.k.a - Tig or Tig-Tig

a.k.a - Tu Tu Face

a.k.a. - Tu Tu Faith

a.k.a. - Toot

Yesterday we lost a very dear member of our family. Tigger Tu MacKenzie Mills was laid to rest on June 28, 2010 after succumbing to the many ailments accompanied by a long and full life. Tigger was a wonderful friend and companion to all those who met her.

Tigger was born in Salt Lake City, UT in the spring of 1997. She met her new family on a sunny July afternoon in Liberty Park when Mama (Niki), Daddy, (Josh), Grandpa (Jim) and Grandma (Debbie) adopted her. We will always remember her looking out the back window of the car as we drove away as to say goodbye to her birth mama one last time. Although it was somewhat sad for her, we all knew that she was with people who would give her a lifetime of love and happiness.

Tigger spent the first 2 years of her life with Niki and I as we began to build a new life together. During that time we moved to Wisconsin where Tigger was joined by a companion; a crazy, sweet, clumsy, ball of love named Taz. Tigger wasn't sure what to do with her new friend at first, displaying a bit of jealousy. All that ended when she probably realized Taz was about as smart as a rock, as harmless as a fly, and as fun as any friend you'd ever want. The pair served as great preparation for the big event that came on May 1st of 2000, Lawson James Mills. Although Lawson is our only child, we actually feel as if Tigger was our first.

As most new parents, Niki and I were a little paranoid at the thought of two vicious dogs (sarcasm) running around on the floor with our precious baby. After much consideration we felt the best choice was to send Tigger and Taz to live with Grandma and Grandpa MacKenzie in Texas. As a parent, the guilt of sending your children (yes, they were our children) away, even to relatives, can get to you. However, in the end you know they are in a home where they will get a lifetime of spoiling any dog deserves; and that they did.

Although Niki and I raised Tigger and, later, Taz those first few years, Jim and Debbie were their real parents. Grandma and Grandpa cared for the two like we knew they would. Giving them all the love they deserved. Their new life included endless treats and special dinners accompanied by hours upon hours of lap-time, car rides, and belly rubs. It was later discovered that little Taz was born with some medical problems that Grandma and Grandpa did their very best to address. Unfortunately after enjoying only a few years of his new life in Texas, Taz was defeated by that which ailed him.

Tigger lived out the rest of her days under the warm San Antonio, Texas sun. Jim and Debbie were the best parents any dog could want. Anyone that visited the MacKenzie household could see that Tigger was an important part of their family. Niki and I are very grateful she was taken in by such great people.

Some of our favorite memories of Tigger....

Sticking her head out the sunroof of Niki's Honda Prelude to achieve that "windblown" hair do.

Sleeping under our covers all night and coming out in the morning with very messy hair.

Her little red and white striped sweater.

Eating ice cream with Taz. They'd each take a few licks of their own and then they'd trade bowls.

Sitting on our porch at Pinnacle Reserve in Draper, watching thunderstorms with Tigger in our lap.

Being rubbed by any foot that would give it to her.

Hopping through the tall grass with Taz at our first home in Wisconsin.

Seeing Tigger each time we'd come to San Antonio to visit the MacKenzie's.

Getting her all excited by saying, "Tigger Tu-Tigger Tu-Tigger Tu-Tu-Tu".

Riding in the boat with her at the lake.

Riding on the tube behind the boat.

Her favorite places:

On Jim's lap or belly in the big chair, in bed with Debbie, under some piece of furniture, on the back of the couch, standing on a lap looking out the window on a car ride, and in any sunny spot she could find.

We know Tigger is playing with Taz right now. Eating ice cream, jumping through the tall grass and chillin' in the sun.

We love you Tig, you will be missed.