Taura Borealis - Taura Bora for short - came to us in 2011 when we were still very active and energetic. She was full of mischief ..but eager to work. Within weeks she was enthusiastically swimming, retrieving, learning obedience, rally and nosework...playing with our older poodle ...and bringing us endless joy.
Taura was also a very beautiful poodle - not a show poodle but endowed with striking looks that drew people to her. Taura was however complex and picky and could range from rubbing up against her favorite people to being indifferent or unfriendly to others.
In 2014 physical issues began to manifest and for about 3 years, from 2015 to 2018, she went to OSU - over 100 visits for treatment and rehab. Those were hard for her. She would sit in the waiting area and as soon as she saw the therapy team coming she would bark in protest!
After discharge she continued care with a neurologist and a rehab vet who won her cooperation with marshmallow fluff. The treatments, exercises and restrictions enabled Taura to pursue an active albeit modified life.
Taura had had fun herding, she loved field work and she really loved rally. But above all she loved nosework, and for many years we traveled and trialled in Oregon and Washington, finally earning her NACSW Elite Championship in 2023. Taura continued in the sport until mid 2024
In 2025 Taura's complex physical - and cognitive - issues began to catch up with her in a way that no amount of supplements, medications, laser and ultrasound treatments, exercise or rest could overcome or even hold at bay. Her walks decreased in distance and speed. Then, a possible jaw cancer with intermittent pain arose. This interfered visibly with her love of eating, especially begging at the table for chips and dip.
Taura's life shrank to sleeping and soft meals. But epitomizing so much of her life and the role rehab played - her last and persistent enjoyment was her evening PEMF treatment - nestled between us and snacking on soft cheese bits - bright eyed and almost well again.
On July 3rd 2026, accepting her readiness to leave her "shell" behind, we said good bye to Taura Borealis ...and we miss her every day... and wait to rejoin her at Rainbow Bridge.