Condolences and Tribulations

I will always remember Tara for her happiness for life and passion for animals.  Tara strived for excellence both personally and professionally every day of her life.  She was so kind hearted and truly cared about the people in her life.  I have so many memories with Tara as a boss but more importantly as a friend.  She loved her work so much and it showed.  Tara will leave a memory at Country Kennels forever.  I will miss you dearly Tara... Michelle Dormady, Manager Country Kennels and Friend.

There aren't enough words to say all the good things there are to say about Tara.  She was the sweetest, funniest, most beautiful, caring and compassionate person I have ever known.  The world will not be the same without her in it.  I can't even express how much she will be missed.  Virginia Hanson, Friend.

Tara was a very special and sweet person. Tara loved life and knew how to spend it and share it as if there was no tomorrow.  I have learned that from her and I will never waste a single day.  She was a very loving individual and cared and loved for everyone and everything she encountered.  Tara will always be remembered and missed.  I will keep every memory of her and cherish them forever. We love you Tara and we will miss you! Alica Sousley, Co-Worker and Friend.

Tara's remarkable altruism was an inspiration to all of us.  She was one of the most kind-hearted person we ever had the pleasure to meet.  Her generosity and selflessness were phenomenal.  Tara had found her vocation in working with companion animals and was an angel to the pets that were lucky enough to be under her care.  Her selflessness was not limited to animals.  She was incredibly generous and thoughtful with her friends as well.  Tara's friendship was a beautiful gift that we will cherish for the rest of our life.  Rob and Veronique Chesser, Co-Worker and Friends.

We will always have Tara in our heart.  I know her memory will forever live on.  I'll miss that sparkle she had in her eyes and the love she felt for all of her friends and family, but especially for the animals.  It was a joy to know you Tara and I will miss you my friend.  Elisa Eckert, Co-Worker and Friend.

Tara you have touched so many lives, both 4 legged and 2.  You were an awesome friend.  So much fun and thoughtful.  None of us are ready to say goodbye. I miss you so much, don't worry we will take care of all your babies and continue to fill your dreams and goals. I love you and will miss you dearly... Not a day will go by that your aren't going to be on my mind.  Jessica Duval, Co-Worker and Friend.

Your smiling face will be missed very much.  In the few years I have know you, I have seen you blossom into a strong and beautiful individual.  I am so proud to have known you and will miss you so much!  Jackie, Friend.

There aren't enough kind words to describe Tara.  I remember the first time I met her and how I liked her immediately.  She was so friendly and kind.  She was dedicated and an extremely hard worker.  Tara became my friend as well as a co-worker.  I will miss her dearly.  My days at Country Kennels will never be the same.  I will do my best to carry on her dedication and enthusiasm.  Jennifer Shive, Co-Worker and Friend.

I always think of Tara with smiles and laughter.  There was no one like her and it was that uniqueness that drew myself and everyone else towards her.  I will always keep her in a happy place in my heart. David Herrington, Friend.

I will always remember Tara's smile and all the happiness she brought to the world everyday. I will always remember all the care and love she gave to her friends and the animals she cared for.  I can find no words that truly express how much Tara will be missed.  PJ Carroll, Co-Worker and Friend.

The work at Country Kennels is extremely rewarding, though never glamorous.  No one would think to compare it to a walk in the rose garden, but if you worked with Tara it was.  The beauty and smiles she brought to work everyday will never be forgotten.  I will remember and miss her forever.  Brad Wicklander, Co-Worker and Friend.

Tara was a person that I feel blessed to have known.  She always wanted to be positive and make the people around her happy which she did very easily. She gave so much of herself and asked for nothing in return. She was genuine, unique, cheerful and giving.  To be able to have a friend like that is a blessing, but to be able to work with her everyday was a joy.  Our lives will never be the same without her.  I truly cannot find the words to say how much I will miss her but I will keep her in my heart and thoughts forever. Amy Herrington, Co-Worker and Friend.

Tara was a special person to me.  I could write in lengths about what a sweet person she had become.  I'll always remember her as the person who took Benny her dog as a sick and confused dog and the two of them grew and enjoyed life together.  Dr. Steckelberg, Veterinarian and Friend.

All who knew and loved Tara have experienced a loss that cannot be put into words. I wish I'd had the opportunity to get to know her better, but I will always remember her spirit and her laughter and her kindness. She had a way of making people feel truly welcome, and gave love and compassion to so many, animals and humans alike, some of whom may have never known it before. She is an example to all of us and will be greatly missed. Cherie Cathlina, Friend

It was your ever present smile. And your happy outlook on life. Also your friendly and pleasant personality. And finally it was your character; the way you treated people and animals with courtesy and respect; and the more needy animals with love, appreciation, and compassion. Because I was not as perceptive as I should have been, you struck me as somewhat modest and unassuming. I now realize that you are one of the most remarkable, extraordinary, and special persons that I have ever known. Thank you Tara. Tom Hull, Friend

Thank You Tara

(What the Wizard Said to the Tin Man)  

Hello friends,

I want to tell you about someone most of you probably did not know. I did have the privilege of knowing her. I want to tell you about her because she was in our line of work and her contributions and caring were considerable.

I am talking about 25 year old Tara Nagel. She was the kennel supervisor at Country Kennels. That came to a tragic end in the early minutes of November 10 on southbound I-35 near Cambridge Circle . It was one of those senseless accidents that aren't supposed to happen to someone you know, respect, appreciate, and care about.

To the eye, the most impressive (to me) feature about Tara was that beautiful and ever present smile. To the ear, it was her genuinely pleasant and friendly voice that stood out. And to the soul, the most obvious feature about her was her happy outlook on life. She was also very considerate and respectful. I got to know Tara from the days when I volunteered at Country Kennels on a regular basis. One thing I could always count on when I went out there was being greeted by that genuinely friendly hello and beautiful smile. As both our jobs involved caring for the animals, our paths crossed several times during the day. She always had that smile on her face; especially when talking about the animals. She was always pleasant and friendly. But most of all she was happy. My friends, there is something extra special about being around such a person.

When talking about the animals, I could detect a loving maternal instinct in her choice of words; her enthusiasm; and the tone in her voice. It was quite clear that she cared very much about all the animals at Country Kennels; and all animals everywhere.

I was a regular volunteer at Country Kennels through 12/04. For reasons that are unimportant, I have been only an occasional volunteer since. I saw Tara only three times since 12/04. Yet her passing has caused me considerable pain. That indicates the power of her character and personality. So think what it must be like for the employees at Country Kennels; and Arrowhead Vet. Services. They had her for 40 hours a week since she started working there in the summer of 2003. Then they were suddenly and brutally deprived of this priceless gift; this sparkling light. Their pain must be incomprehensible. So, if I may be so bold, please give them a “pat on the back” the next time you talk to them.

I will naturally let the people at Country Kennels tell you in detail how they felt about Tara . I can tell you that the recurring theme in their comments has been that they loved her very much. Speaking for myself I want to say: “Thank you Tara , for giving me a ‘dose of sunshine' every time I came out to Country Kennels”. And I am sure the animals are saying: “ Tara , where are you? Please hurry back. We need you, miss you, and love you”.

This tragedy has reminded me of the scene in “The Wizard of Oz” in which the Wizard gives the Tin Man his heart. The Wizard says: “Remember, my friend, a heart is measured not by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others ”. This is the type of person Tara Nagel was.

A memorial service was held for Tara on November 12 in Grain Valley . It was a late morning service with lunch provided afterward. At one point the minister said that he had consulted with the family re: estimating the number of people who would show up, so that they would know how much food to make available. He said they came up with an estimate of 50. I scanned the room and counted approximatly 150 people. Some were from Iowa and Minnesota . True, they were all probably relatives, but you just don't make a short notice trip all the way from Minnesota to Kansas City unless you want to.

Country Kennels' web site contains an official, yet heartfelt, announcement of Tara 's passing. Next comes the beautiful essay “The Rainbow Bridge – Rescuer's Version”. It is very obvious why that was put in there; Tara is the person they had in mind regarding the rescuer mentioned toward the end of the essay. Finally, it also contains a great picture of Tara . She is showing that wonderful smile I mentioned earlier. Look at that picture and I am sure you will see the happy outlook I mentioned.

There is another website, http://tara-nagel.memory-of.com/About.aspx. This is a very nice site memorializing Tara 's legacy. Among other things, it contains beautiful tributes to Tara ; written by co-workers and others who knew her better than I did. If you read them, you will understand what a beautiful young woman she was. You will also find several photographs, some of which show that Tara could be very fun loving when the day's work was done. They show Tara and her co-workers enjoying each other's company. They show why Tara 's co-workers loved her so much.

Our rescue community, and Country Kennels in particular, has suffered a tremendous loss. People like Tara simply do not come along very often. Country Kennels was very fortunate to have had her.

In closing, let it always be remembered that Tara Nagel once walked this earth, and the animals and people she met were happier and better off because of it.  

Tom Hull

Tara left us one month ago.... I still spend my days with her, asking her for guidance and support and it helps me a lot. Tara was an amazing person and the goodness and freshness she brought to work with her everyday is still in the air. I think we all feel it and it feels very good...

Veronique