CH MA Tebessum Hami, TT "TASHA" Sire: CH Sakarya’s Aslan Kuzeyden Dam: CH Birinci’s Sheba Bred by: Barb & Gary Jakobi of Midwest Anatolians Owned & Loved by Debi Grunnah

"We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own, live within a fragile circle. Easily and often breached, we cherish memory as our only certain immortality." ... Washington Irving On April 8, 2005, the best dog in the world was taken from me by a horrible accident. She died before her time. At 10-1/2 she still acted like a puppy and was in perfect health. Everyone who knew Tasha loved her and respected her for her unbelievable ability as a livestock guardian dog. Tasha was a tough bitch, took her job seriously and never faltered from it. I can't count the times I had to doctor her from fights with the coyotes in Wisconsin. It never occurred to her not to go back out and keep protecting her horses. The mares were so trusting of her that I have many, many pictures of her nuzzling the newborn foals in the stall with the mom laying quietly beside them. She would cry if I did not let her in the barn when a mare was foaling. She loved to travel and go to horse and dog shows. She would always get so excited when I started to pack and loved to ride in the truck. I'll never forget the year she took Winners Bitch at the National Specialty. She had quite a sense of humor playing in the show ring and left many people laughing as she tried to catch her leash. Florida was a kind of retirement for her and she did begin to love her creature comforts. Many a morning I had to drag her out of my bed to go to work. Why not stay in bed when she had trained such a good team to take over her work? She loved the puppies and I know I will have a hard time finding a teacher as good as she was. Tasha was my "first" Anatolian and had earned the title of "Matriarch". Her pawprints will be very, very hard to fill. I have lost my best friend and Island Farm will never be the same again without her ever constant presence (still here in spirit).

GONE TOO SOON If tears could build a stairway And memories a lane I'd walk up to Heaven And bring you home again. But since I have to stay behind Until God calls me too Don't be afraid my little girl That he's called for only you. You know it's hard you're not around Because you're in Heaven smiling down Watching me as I pray for you Every day I pray for you.

DEAREST FRIEND I lost my dearest friend today, No finer could be found. My love for you is utmost true, It has no endless bound. So hard to say, "Good bye" to you, Forever, rusting friend, I'll keep you in my memories, I promise till the end. (unknown author)