Tank “Tankers” Nehrenz crossed the Rainbow bridge at 10:15 a.m. Monday, Aug. 3 with the help of Virgin Valley Animal Hospital’s caring staff. He was surrounded by his family, Jessie, Stephen, Phillip and Teri. He peacefully released his spirit to the Lord with his head cradled lovingly in his human’s arms.
Tank is now free to run with his girls Bella, Baby and Lexi who sadly passed before him.
Tank lived with and blessed his humans with his love for 13 of his 14 years on earth. We could not have more blessed that his earlier humans knew nothing about dogs. When we got Tank from the Mesquite Animal Shelter, he had been turned in because they did not know a Great Dane/Akita mix would “get that big.”
Tank at once fit in with the other dogs and was instantly loved by all. He was a clown at a year old, still a puppy of course, and wanted to do nothing but play. His favorite game was with Bella. He would bop Bella on the butt and when she would turn to chase him, he would leap just out of her reach over and over. The day Bella finally tagged him back calmed him just until his wound healed.
Tank was never the dog that destroyed anything but he was not above snatching a favorite article of yours so you would have to chase him to get it back; he loved that game and playing tug-o-war with is girl Bella.
There was not a human who met Tank that was not caught up in the sweetness he always displayed. He was a special dog and loved everybody; even cats, feretts, pigs, tortoises, and whatever other creature his human mom brought home. Tank and Bella made the perfect foster parents for several litters of orphaned or feral kittens.
Tanks family will forever miss his flea bites on their chins (when we meet again, he’ll have to tell us what was up with that), his confidence that he’ll fit no matter how small the space is, and his constant show of love, loyalty and protection.
Tank was always the silent watcher, he only barked when absolutely necessary. Tank suffered a stroke in 2019; we thought we were going to lose him then. He recovered quickly, better than before, and ultimately found his bark, he used that bark quite often in the past year for cookies. He never really needed to bark, he was a great communicator and always put his eyes on what he wanted; anyone paying attention to him instantly knew.
Tank’s human mom will forever miss her boy jumping on the bed the minute it was vacated by his human dad so that he could lie next to, love, cuddle and protect her. When he could no longer jump on the bed, lying beside it was ok. She will also miss Tank waking her up every morning for the past 13 years with a gentle kiss on the nose; even when it was difficult to walk, he still managed his morning routine.
Tank hated water, he made that perfectly clear to his humans the first time they took him to the river and had to bath him afterward even though he never went in the water. Tank let them bath him but afterward, chewed the nozzle off the hose to let them know he disapproved of the event. It was the only time he ever chewed something that wasn’t a toy or a chin.
Tank appeared with the Virgin Valley Theatre Group in a production called “Fly Willie.” He played the town doc’s dog. After rehearsing only a few times with a leash on, when showtime came and the leash broke, Tank didn’t miss a beat and played his role like the star and good boy he always was.
Tank leaves behind a family, human, canine, feline and swine who love and will miss him until we meet again on the other side of the rainbow bridge. Until then may he run pain free and wild with the angels.
Tank’s last weekend was spent enjoying everything he loved the most; his favorite was Yardley’s triple cheeseburgers, he also enjoyed lots of organic treats and whatever his human mom cooked for him.
Until our time together comes again, rest easy and play hard. Give Bella, Baby and Lexi a big lick for us, we will always love you. You were the best dog ever!
Fran Forbes says
I met Tank once in my life, while vacationing in warm, sunny Utah…Tank stole my hat and my heart that day. He was a total cuddle guy even with a Hoomin he had just met.
I mourn this beautiful dog’s passing too. 😞 But it’s true that we meet up with those we loved in Heaven, then someday, I’m positive I’M COMING FOR MY PINK BASEBALL HAT, TANK!!💙🐾
Jerry Holloway says
That was tearfully special, thanks for sharing a beautiful love.
Randall Rocks says
The loss of a loyal and loving pet is truly like losing a member of the family. A most honest and loving obituary about a special dog. Godspeed to you and your family, Teri.
Kathyrn Goecke says
So sorry for your loss as you grieve for your beloved Tank. RIP Tank & know your humans will see you again. 🐶❤🐾
Ann Ott says
I am so sorry. What a beautiful Boy.
Glen Bjornson says
Woof, Tanker, woof!!!
Paul & Barb Benedict says
Thank you, Teri,
What wonderful memories of a Good Boy!
Tank probably got a bunch of welcoming licks from Jake, Christie, Flop, and all his new and old friends.
Have fun with no limits, pups. We’ll see you over the bridge.
Mesquite Citizen Journal says
Tank was all the more better because of his Mama.
My heart is with you Baby Bear
Linda Shannon says
Teri,
So sorry for your loss…
What a sweet, wonderful, loving story you told! I feel like I knew him after reading it. It also reminded me of Lady, our little chihuahua that we lost to the Rainbow Bridge two years ago. What personalities they had! What joy and unconditional love our fur-babies shared with us! Thanks for the memories.
YOLI Bell says
Teri, so sorry for your companion. We have 3 little ones and to think that we can loose anyone of them brings me to tears. I can see where Tank was truly a very loved family member. May time heal you and leave you with many beautiful memories.🐶 Yoli
sharon gima says
A heartfelt tribute to a special dog. Thank you to the paper for understanding that our pets are family, as real as any of the two legged members and letting this be included. He was a special friend and will be missed by many.
KAREN LOVSHIN says
this is so loving, so beautiful Teri…what a tribute, what a friend, what a baby boy! Thanks for sharing your heart and know he was as blessed as you to be in your lives.
Teri Nehrenz says
Thank you Karen,
He was a very special friend. How is Jake doing? Give him a lick of peanut butter and tell him it’s from me.