Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Tasha at Peace

I just received another phone call from Steve telling me that he had to let Tasha go earlier this evening. She is now at peace. This has been a very sad day for the Marcus family as it has been for all of us who have learned to care so deeply for dear Tasha. Steve asked me to thank all of you who have helped him so much over the last two months since Tasha was diagnosed with IMHA. The Monday Lime Rock race will be run for Tasha and for all the other dogs who have been lost to the disease or who are still fighting it. Please remember to keep Steve and his family in your thoughts and prayers during these most very difficult days.

Joanne MN

Just logged in to see this very sad news. My heart goes out to Steve and the Marcus family. It is so hard to make that decision, but we have to think of what is best for our dear beloved dogs and not for us. I can only imagine how devastating this is for him as it coincides with the big weekend in Connecticut and the big race on Monday. For Steve and the Marcus family -- I am so sorry to learn that your dear Tasha has lost her fight to IMHA. She joins Meisha, Salome, Truman, my dear Wiley, and so many others. Please know that you did all that you could do for her, and for so many others. And please remember that you had a wonderful life together, and those memories will comfort you. It's safe to say that a special angel in Heaven is going to be behind the Marcus Sports racecar entry in the Lime Rock Race on Monday. May the best cause win. Please take care.

Brenda VA

Steve, My deepest sympathy to you and your wife. You have fought the good fight with and for Tasha. What a gift you have been to her. You have been unselfish in your love and care for her, as well as in your desire to help all of us who have suffered the loss of our beloved furry companions. Know of my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. I know Tasha was met by Molson and all the other dogs who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Tasha, Molson and all the others are running in fields of daisies. Peace, Ann Marie

Ann Marie FL

Steve, I'm so, so sorry to hear that Tasha lost her fight with IMHA. While I know how much you and your family are hurting right now, try to take some comfort in the knowledge that you did everything you possibly could for her, and know that she is at peace now, and healthy again. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Elizabeth

Elizabeth Baltimore

Steve and Marjorie, I am so terribly saddened to read that Tasha has lost the fight. I hope that in the days ahead you can remember all the good times with her. You gave her a loving home and gave her every chance to beat this devastating disease. Hopefully with your goal to raise awareness other families will not have to experience the horrible pain I know you are feeling. I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful Tasha. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Steve, I'm so incredibly sad for you and your family. And now you are so busy with race season. I hope you can find some quiet time with your wife to weep and also to remember all the good times you had with Tasha. Please take care of yourselves. deb and Duck

Debbie BC Canada

To Steve and Your Family - I was so sorry to read about Tasha. It is heartbreaking to learn of every loss to this disease that most of us haven't heard of until it strikes our family. I am in awe of what you are doing on behalf of Tasha and all dogs to raise awareness of IMHA. Tasha's is an extraordinary story and she clearly has extraordinary owners who love her so much. I'm sure that you will be driving with a heavy heart this weekend but know that many people are with you and are so grateful of your efforts.

Bonnie Chicago

To Steve & his family: I was so sorry to hear about Tasha. I had read her story & saw her picture & thought what a beautiful animal. I've done a lot of praying since Cali got sick in April. I will keep you & your family in my thoughts & prayers. Dee & Cali

Dee Wi

Steve and family. I am so sorry to hear about Tasha. My thoughts are with you all. Tricia

Tricia UK

To Steve & his family, I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Layla & Tipsi

Layla Raleigh

Dear Steve and family, I am so very very sorry to hear of your loss. Tasha has gone to wait for you, and you must know that she is now healthy and whole. She was so lucky to have a caring family love her so much and do everything possible to beat this disease. And her legacy is the awareness campaign. I am sure she will be there inspiring and keeping you safe at the race. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Christine and Kent

Christine Fl

Steve & Family, My heart is breaking for you.... you have given so much to try to educate and wipe out this horrific disease. I admire you beyond words, and will be praying for Tasha and your family. You will have my eternal thanks for all you've done for all of us.

Betty Dallas

Many have found comfort thru the gratefulness.org candle site. I hope Steve's family will too. I will certainly be lighting a candle for Tasha on her way to the bridge and one for Steve and family, that took their tragedy and found a way to make a difference. Bless you all. http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=aiha

Betty Dallas

Steve and family, Althogh I do not post often I have kept you and Tasha in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry that Tasha lost hers and your fight against this dreadful disease. She is with many now at the Rainbow Bridge including our dear Lady. I have entered yours and your wife's name along with Tasha on the Rainbow Bridge site. You did everything possible for your baby girl and she will be with you in spirit as you race for a cure. Peace be with you, Dolores

Dolores Wi

Steve and Family, I am so incredibly sad to hear about Tasha. Tasha and my Boogie were both diagnosed in March, so I have been following your story with great interest. I feel like I have gotten to know your Tasha, and was so disheartened when I saw you had to let her go. Please know that you did everything possible for your little girl. You did actually more than most people would ever do. Thank you for your awareness/cure campaign. You are a wonderful person. Sue & Boogie

Sue Moorpark

To Steve and family-- I'm so very sorry to hear about the loss of Tasha. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through such a difficult time. Kim and Spencer

Kim NY

Steve and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of Tasha. This is a very difficult time and please know that all your family here on the board is here for you if you need anything at all. Linda

Linda Sapphire

I am so sorry to hear thus. It is such a heart breaker when we lose one of these wonderful dogs who have fought s hard.

Sandra Texas

Steve, you have really been a inspiration in the way you have attacked this disease. I am so so sorry to hear this news. You and your family will be in our prayers.

Jeanne Texas

Thank you all for your many kind messages. It has been a few very difficult days for me. First having to make the decision we all don't want to make, but I had to take myself out and do what was best for my girl Tasha. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I cried for hours and spoke with Dr. Daugherty many many times on Thursday. Tasha was just declining so rapidly I was afraid she would suffer and I could not let that happen. I read the poem that is posted and it really helped myself, Marjorie and my daughter Beth. Dr. Daugherty took Tasha back to my home on Thursday evening which my wife told me was a beautiful sunset with all the birds chirping on the farm. In the warm fresh air Tasha took her last breath and finally was at peace and no longer having to fight. I'm sure her mind wanted to fight but her body could no longer. She is now at peace and I am looking forward to the day I get to play with her again. I want to also thank everyone who has helped to put together a wonderful tribute to her by purchasing bones, paw prints, caps and t-shirts. Everyone who has stopped by the race car and asked what we were doing has donated. They just can't believe this dreadful disease really exists. We have had a tremendous response and this is helping me deal with my loss. I made a commitment to fight this disease for Tasha and all the other animals who have had to endure this disease and will contine my fight until I either win or leave this planet. I love you all and all of you dogs, please give them a big hug for me. Regards, Steve

Steve VA

Steve, I don't know what it is that makes it so much harder to lose a dog to AIHA than any other loss but it is indeed a pain like no other. I am glad Tasha got to come home. I am sure it was also very difficult for you being so far away but now you can hold her in your heart as those of us who have lost the fight have learned to do. Thank you again for all that you are doing. I will be sending another check out next week. Sharing in your sorrow Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

We are so sorry to hear about Tasha. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. We also would like to say thank you so much for all that you are doing to raise awareness for this terrible disease.

leslie ca

We are so sorry to hear about Tasha's passing as we just learned of the race on a couple of northern breed chat boards. We are hoping for continued support for the race to raise funds for Fund. I am hoping to put a bone for Dakota, Malamute AIHA 2003 and my current Mal and Sibe.

Paul California

Paul, Thanks. Can you let me know what chat board(s) you are referring to? Steve

Steve Va

Steve, Ronda had just posted in on Wildpaws Malamute board. If you put Wildpaws in Google you should find it. You can access the board but not post without being a member. Also So Cal Working Snowdogs which is a Yahoo group. Also can be accessed by going through the Urban Mushing site. I am so sorry for your lose. We who own Mals are especially aware of the danger and also know it effects Sibes. If you want to e-mail me feel free. Paul

Paul California

houghts and prayers for you and Tasha

Ed Niagara Falls

Steve, I know I am "new" to this board and have been away from it for several weeks. I am incredibly saddened to hear that Tasha is no longer with you. I'm sure with her spirit as your guide, you will continue to do wonderful things as a loving tribute to her memory. She can now run and play with other IMHA dogs at the Rainbow Bridge and be happy and free, just as all dogs are meant to be. Best wishes to you and your family, for I know you will never forget her.

Jean B. Colorado

There is a new press release at Steve's Web site that you all might want to take a look at. This release contains info about Steve & Marjorie's loss of Tasha as well as a lot of comments from Steve's vet, Dr.Daugherty. You can read this latest press release at http://www.marcusmotorsports.com/news/mgt_news_20080606.html Once again, Steve, I cannot find adequate words to thank you for all you are doing to help in the fight against AIHA/IMHA.

Joanne MN

Steve I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Tasha. You and your family are in my heart and thoughts. And thank you so much for all that you are doing to bring awareness to this horriblr disease. Your Tasha is now at the Rainbow Bridge playing happily with her friends till the time when she will be with you again. Thinking of you and sharing in your sadness. Sue

Sue UK

This thread was discussed between 23/05/2008 and 08/06/2008

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