Time in a bottle - in loving memory of Tina

Tina was a special one. Special for me and for everyone who met her, and i am grateful for every single moment I spent by her side. She was abandoned on the streets at 12, in the outskirts of Athens, Greece, after spending her entire life as a guard dog, barking at the world from the inside of a fence. I rescued her in spring 2017, and fostered her for a few months, until she left for her forever home in Germany, where she spent the last year of her life. Tina had to relearn and relive everything, in an age where most people would say was impossible. But nothing was impossible for her. She had this amazing ability to adjust to every new environment, every new situation, every new thing, as if she knew. In Luisa’s home, she managed to become a puppy again. What if her legs sometimes failed her, what if her heart was too tired, what if she was carrying on her back the weight of an entire lifetime. She learned everything from scratch, and she managed to fit an entire lifetime in only thirteen months and a few days. Was she lucky? Yes she was. But we were luckier. Luckier because of all the things we learned with her, because of everything she taught us. She always knew better than we did that it is never too late, and that dogs know, even if they have never been taught. In their souls, they know who they are, and no matter how much we try to trap them in yards, and stereotypes and lies, they always find a way to prove us wrong. On September 1st, 2018, after a difficult week of many silent goodbyes, her huge heart stopped. She left behind a legacy for us to continue, and we will keep fighting for dogs like her, for the silver muzzles, for the misunderstood giants who don’t need a big enough space, just a big enough heart.
(Thank you Luisa)

Video: Valia Orfanidou

(original song: "Time in a bottle" by Jim Croce

[Noname-zxxj]

I wasn't planning on crying today. But theses tears are for another angel I hope to meet on a rainbow bridge.

[Springtime]

My fabulous Lady, thank you so very much and God bless you all ♥♥♥

[briang.]

This is one of the saddest little clips I have watched. Gentle, loving big gentle giant that was Tina. Again my dear, sweet Valia you brought me to tears with your most beautiful little song. I can only imagine your sadness at the sad news of tinas passing. You and your other angels gave Tina a chance at happiness and the feeling of being loved and cared for. Again I can only imagine the huge sadness that her forever home must be feeling right now. Farewell gentle giant Tina across the rainbow bridge.

[bahlee]

Oh ny I loved Tinas story. What a wonderful dog. I wish she had 12 years of all the kisses she deserved

[Baby-surm]

# All dogs go to heaven... Rest rest baby .... Just know I love you

[dj]

Oh Valia, thanks so much for you being you.

[lorenarossi]

One beautiful year given to her by you!
Thank you.

[ninam]

Rest in peace sweet angel...glad she was loved and felt it during her final year...hope that brought her much comfort...love to you Valia for that...Nina

[heraeg]

God bless you, sweet Tina! Play freely in the fields on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge!

[joannewilson]

She had a fun and loving 13 months and that is what count;she would tell you Valia and Luisa "thank you so much and please no more tears because i love you forever".

[JustMe-vjox]

Tina got to know what it was like to be loved, thanks to your help and her new family. She got love and gave love back.💖🐾🐾 Tina, is smiling down from heaven . 🐾🐾💖

[isisemkeb]

Thank you for saving her Valia. To have given her a chance to be loved, to be cared for. To have given her a beautiful family. Je course tears came down into my face. For sadness that once finally happy, her body was at the end of it's road. But also tears of happyness for she was finally loved.

[PACTASUNTSERVANDA]

I am so sorry she did not have much time to enjoy her wonderful life in Germany. That's so sad. It is good to know she had her forever home but she deserved much more time to enjoy life. Rest in Peace gorgeous Tina. Best regards dear Valia.

[susannau.]

What a precious soul...how very special she is.. She had a year of rest, love, and care before she departed...thank you to all who saved her. She's not far from you...she's right there...in your hearts. Rest easy big girl💖

[DDan]

Rest in peace sweet love Tina..🙏🙏🙏😥😥😥❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[theguvnor]

What a special memorial. I'm glad you met her and were the kind person who rescued her.
Clearly she loved you for it, I don't think there is any greater gift of thanks she could have returned to you.
Bless you for your work with all animals.

[pishquet]

I see love between the two of you . A most appropriate song from a wonderful Mom .. Blessings

[baumnymphe]

valia, it's really sad, i think she is fine now.... in heaven.

[miaulia]

Tina is in HEAVEN. Thank you very much, Valia !.

[BirdiePariRicoFriends]

Gosh....I wish people would stop using these animals as tools and care for their as beings... They want love and affection too.... They needs a family and a home...but most importantly they need a kind heart to be around them. If you ever see an animal neglected, abandoned, hurt please do something....before it's too late.