Tara will no longer be seen walking on a leash through the hallways. After weeks of seeming lethargic and sickly, the canine passed away unexpectedly. Cause of death is unknown.

“She was just lying around and she didn’t seem like herself,” FALS assistant Karen Johnson said.

Tara will be remembered through her ability to help special education children learn. Children who normally didn’t talk and used nonverbal communication were taught to talk with Tara and give her commands such as “speak and sit.”

“Tara changed the environment in my classroom for six years. She was used as a pillow, an exercise buddy, a soothing tool and a friend. She helped teach responsibility and patience. The kids loved her,” FALS teacher Michell Lutes said.

Although the death of the dog upset the class, the FALS students have helped each other cope.

“Mrs. Lutz was real upset and one of the students didn’t want to go to Ben Barber because they wanted to stay and comfort her,” Johnson said.

Senior John Darmody will never forget Tara and thinks she played a big part in his life.

“I liked taking care of her in the class and everywhere. She was precious to me,” Darmody said.