05/15/2020
We are heartbroken to tell you we have lost our sweetest little corgi. We are tremendously sad but trying to focus on tremendous joy as we reflect on a short life well lived. Tater was a rescue, and we met her on New Year’s Day 2015 in Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park. Off leash, she bounded straight to us like she knew we were about to become partners for life. Since that moment, beyond what we could have possibly dreamt, she enriched our lives, the lives of our family & friends, and the lives of people around the world who followed her adventures. Our constant companion, Tater experienced the best sights & smells America has to offer. She rolled in soft sand on beaches from Maine to Maryland, plowed through snow in the mountains of Colorado & Utah, ran through endless green fields in Indiana & New York, scrambled up mountains in national parks & the steps of grand memorials in our city, Washington, DC, and trotted all over Capitol Hill. Not bad for a pup who was once advertised for free on Craigslist. She loved belly rubs, ping pong balls, chasing squirrels, laying on piles of laundry, and meeting everyone we passed on our walks. She perfected the art of nudging your hand with her nose if you weren’t scratching her enough. She was an expert at positioning herself to hoover up dropped food (or food she inevitably convinced us to share). She gave the best kisses. She was less fond of bikes, animals on television, fire truck sirens, baths, vacuums, and hair dryers. Above all, though, she was happiest when she was close to one of us, snuggled between Kathy’s legs on the couch or in bed (right next to John), smiling ear to ear, looking at us with those endlessly expressive, loving eyes. She was there when John got down on one knee and proposed to Kathy. She was there to walk us down the aisle when we got married. She was there when we bought our first home. She was there when we found out we were having a baby. We are heartbroken that our son will not get to meet her. But we know that he will one day look through all of the incredible memories we have collected during five wonderful years, and that we will all remember together. Sleep well, sweet nugget, we love you.
