Dear all,

I have been quietly reading all of Margene's updates througout the months. Thank you Margene for keeping us close with Tammy's journey. You are a good friend.

I just wanted to say that with the recent updates, I have a such heavy heart. Tammy is truly a beautiful and unique soul. I feel so honored to have crossed paths with her. She is a soul that you do not come across everyday.

Tammy was there for my family through times we had to make a tough decision about letting our dog(s) go due to illness, meeting our new additions, welcoming them with open arms and just asking how we were doing today.

I think she was just as excited as we were bringing home a new stray!

While having to let one of your pets pass on is never easy, she made us all feel as ease. I really felt she understood what we were going through...not with words so much but more so with her resting her hand on the backs of my children, and a knowing nod to me and my husband.

Another beautiful thing about Tammy is you can just feel the positive vibe coming from her.

More than a few times she was brought up in conversations and there were always people who would chime in on how they knew her and how much they love her.

There were also many times that my friend Tammy Shuman and myself brought in injured animals (they find us somehow) and Tammy never batted an eye. She just took them in and fixed them....no questions asked.

I hope to share with Tammy and the rest of you (I know you all have many wonderful "Tammy" stories of your own, please share!) how truly blessed I feel to have met her.

Thank you Tammy for your wonderful heart and soul. You have made a difference in so many of our lives. You make this world a better place.

xx Monique Adams

Woodstock, GA

I have been very grateful for your updates regarding Tammy . She has been and will continue to be my favorite vet. Dr. Tammy is a genuine one of a kind person. It was when I first brought my springer, Maddie, to Sweet Apple that I felt she was a different kind of vet. Her compassion , caring, and enthusiasm for animals truly showed through and I instantly liked her. It wasn't until I l was checking out at the front desk that I saw her diploma on the wall and knew that I liked her even more. We both had graduated from the same Auburn University. I pray every night that she finds peace and comfort and yes, that a miracle occurs. I will continue to pray for her.

Cathy Cheatwood

Tammy is one of a kind. The world is definitely a better place because of her. She has always gone above and beyond for our pets and family. She is truly one of the kindest, most compassionate not to mention beautiful individuals I've ever met. Personally I love hearing all of the Tammy stories!

And Rowena I agree, let's keep praying and thinking positive thoughts.

Pamela Puglisi

Dear All,

Tammy is the most wonderful vet I have ever had. Our golden, Bailey, has had several major issues and Tammy was there for us. The first time was when something happened to her tail--maybe a snake or bug bite. Her tail got so infected that the infection was about to creep into her body. Tammy was keeping her at Sweetapple trying to fix it. After a night there, Tammy called us with some "bad news." She was in tears and we were certain that she was going to tell us she had to put her down. Much to our relief--she told us she had to amputate her tail and that she would be okay. We joke that Bailey looks like an overgrown cocker spaniel and her little stump wags all the time.

Then about a year ago Bailey became ill and we couldn't figure it out. Tammy ran all kinds of tests, xrays, etc. I know she never really charged me all that she should have. Eventually, she recommended we go to UGA for extensive testing and it would be more economical. Turns out she has an auto-immune disease. After treatments at UGA, we moved her back into Tammy's care, which is still ongoing. One day when Bailey was having a relapse, she asked me to come right over because she was going to be leaving by noon. Turns out she was going to the hospital and I didn't know about her illness yet. She told them at the hospital that she couldn't stay overnight because she had to get back to check on Bailey! With all she was dealing with, she was thinking of her animal patients before herself.

I am praying for Tammy and know that no other vet could ever replace her. She is such a beautiful person.

Dear All,

I have been with Sweetapple for eight years, but loved it when Dr. Tammy came on board. She guided me through the tough loss of our twelve year old Schnauzer. Jasmine had a series of small strokes and was on her final journey. Tammy was there to treat Jasmine and eventually took her from my arms. I am forever grateful.

About two months later, we adopted a rescue puppy. Sophie, unfortunately came with a bad virus and was very sick. I was in everyday for a week getting fluids. It was terrible. Again, Tammy was there. Sophie expired. Two loved animals gone within months... Tammy and the staff were the best. Without speaking you can feel their compassion.

Third dog later, I was still kind of nervous, but Tammy and staff were very helpful. Even though Sydney got a little FAT, they were always kind and helpful. Sydney is back to her desired weight, Tammy would be proud.

Patty

Hi Margne.

Thank you so mouch for keeping me in touch with Dr. tammy Pendergrass. She is so sweet lady. She was allways great with my dogs. She is a wonderfuly lady. Thank you again.

Ditto, Margene, on keeping us updated on precious Tammy! We all want her to

be pain free from this fight that she has fought so courageously for so long.

She knows I am a BullDawg, but my Labo and Wolfetta have been pulling for her

beloved Auburn all season because they know that brings her great joy and they love

her so!!

Colleen Welch

Labo and Wolfetta

Hello fellow Tammy & animal lovers ~

We too have been reading and praying, and now reading everyone’s "Tammy" stories makes us believe that miracles can and do happen. Tammy is our miracle. Like all of you, we are passionate about our animals and no-one loves our pets as much as we do, except Tammy. We "found" Brady, our first dog through Tammy and when we adopted our second rescue, Biscuit, his first visit was to Dr. Tammy. After the all clear from her, she came out and said "no charge for the Mullin’s today". She was so pleased that we had given a good home to another orphan! Anyone we meet who has experienced Tammy’s kindness, gentleness and generosity of spirit knows what we all mean. There is no-one we would trust more with our 2 beloved dogs and 3 wonderful kitties. But besides being a wonderful vet, Tammy is a wonderful person. She has touched all our lives and hopefully we can all reach out and touch her with our love and appreciation and our prayers. We join all of you in praying for a miracle.

Margene,
Our prayers are with Tammy and David and you all. If this is her time to
go, she will be met with another neighbor and friend of ours who is lying
now in her home ready to meet Jesus. Her name is Miko Bumpas, a neighbor of
ours in Bradshaw and has been battling cancer since May.

Our lives have been blessed by these two ladies. May we remember that God
is comforting them now and that He promises us peace on earth.

Margene, thank you for all that you have done.
The Herd Family

Tammy,

If you're reading this or having someone read it to you I must tell you that Abbey really missed you when we came in for her first year visit. Because you had to help us get her through some intestinal issues and she had seen you several time in a short period Abbey really came to know that when I pulled into the parking lot at Sweet Apple she would get to see her new friend and she would really get super exited and drag me into the door of your clinic. If Abbey could say something in this email I know it would be, "Tammy, I love you and thank you for taking such good care of me". We added a middle name for her it is Abbey Faith Wade. I think that Abbey is looking forward to seeing you again so you are going to get well because Abbey has Faith and so do we.

I believe that God will heal you. That is my prayer for you every night. And when God heals you he will also be use you to Glorify His name because that is the purpose that he has for us all.

To all,

The stories that you have graciously shared with us tonight (I know there are even more to come) have tremendously helped me. We really should gather these stories and write a book in Tammy’s honor. I find such comfort in knowing how Tammy has touched your lives and the lives of your pets. She is so worth that!

Thank you for having the courage yourself to share your private moments with all of us!

I will also continue to pray for our girl and the gifts she has bestowed upon us so many times over. Pay it forward.

Xx Monique Adams

P.S. Margene – thanks again for helping us with the updates. I imagine that it is not easy for you to re-cap all that you see.

Tammy for our family is more than an Auburn fan, she is a Horse
Person.............I knew I had found the perfect Vet. She keeps on top of
the welfare of all my equine pets though they have never come to Sweetapple.

My dogs insist on ALL going for EVERY visit to the vet together even if only
one has to have their nails clipped, all of them have to go see Tammy. She
even managed to win over 'BB' the standoffish Chihuahua.
Tammy's selflessness and compassion for me was very apparent when she first
met Dr.Horowitz. She was thrilled with his bedside manner and outlook and
the two of us shared many talks about their relationship. However when they
first met his daughter was going through the illness and eventual death of
her "Best Friend", her horse. Tammy agonized trying to decide how to help
his daughter cope with her loss despite her impending surgeries. She had so
much love and concern for the girl and her horse that she had never met,
that was Tammy!
All the love and prayers she has shared for so many years will continue to
surround her and bring her comfort..........

Susan Church

Ok. Love you. Hang in there.

Debbie House

The following reply is from Carol:

My daughter, Lisa Lawson, forwarded this Email to me. I never had the privilege to meet Tammy, but I felt like I knew her through all the times my daughter spoke so fondly of her. She was the Vet for my two grand dogs, Tank and Misty. She was like an angel to those dogs time and time again. Lisa just sang her praises on how she would help her through some difficult times with them. Tammy was always there for her and her babies. Tammy definitely is one in a million. Always had time to take Lisa's phone calls no matter what time of the day or how busy she was helping others. Lisa's dad passed away from Cancer and hearing of Tammy being sick really hit her hard. I know Tammy has touched so many lives. She touched mine just by knowing how loving and concerned she always was. They must need an awesome Vet up there in animal heaven, because that can be the ONLY reason for this. I know my baby, Katie, will meet her there someday. Thank you Tammy for being so gentle and loving. You have made such a difference in this world. Rest quietly and peacefully!

Thank you!

Carol Palko

Dearest Tammy and all who surround you -

I hope you are able to hear these stories, Tammy. And David - I hope you find strength and support through these words, too. No doubt this has been a tough battle for you as well. Please know, David, you are included in all the prayers.

We've only been going to Sweet Apple for around 5 yrs. I was not impressed with the first Dr. I met there - and I only returned because it was close to the house. I am so glad I did - Ms. Tammy walked in and just adored my precious Lina .... a 96lb Rottweiler. Lina was loved by all who met her - and Tammy just gushed over Lina. It was awesome to see. Shortly after introducing Sweet Apple to Lina, we rescued two puppies - Wilbur & Cherokee. And, just like Lina, Tammy and the entire Sweet Apple staff welcomed our newest family members with open arms.

Lina was a senior dog when Tammy met her - she had hip dysplasia and a bad back knee. And, we learned shortly after meeting Tammy, that Lina's kidney's were in the very early stages of failing. Still, Tammy encouraged us to fight the good fight. She worked with us and stayed in touch with us. Every time we stepped foot into Sweet Apple - w/pets or no pets - she'd ask about Lina. As things progressed, I asked her about putting Lina down. Lina was my pride and joy - my first true love. Tammy assured me that I would know when it was time, and she most certainly was not going to give up on Lina. She also told me that when the time did come to let Lina go - she would do all she could to make it peaceful. Time continue to pass, and Lina had gotten to the point where IVs were needed to keep her kidneys flushed. With Tammy's full support and encouragement, I gave Lina IVs at home at least twice a day for several weeks. When it On the morning of Saturday - Memorial Day weekend in 2004, I woke up to find Lina clearly ready to let go. Tammy was right - I would know when it was time. I called Sweet Apple, and Tammy said she would come out to our house to put Lina to sleep. Tammy, one of the vet techs, myself and my husband sat on the kitchen floor and said our final goodbyes to Lina. It was so evident to me that Lina met just about as much to Tammy as she meant to me.

Finding a vet is a fact of life for all animal owners. Finding a vet that is truly compassionate - incredibly selfless - gentle - supportive - etc - well, that is a blessing. Dr. Tammy - YOU are a blessing.

Love and prayers,

Lenore, Rob, Joseph & Charlie Meeks

along with our four legged children - Cherokee, Wilbur & Sydney

Amen, Susan! When Tammy came to our house to put our beloved dog to sleep - I was certain that we were Tammy's only patients. I never dreamed she gave that service to any one else. Did she even have other patients? We always felt like Tammy was our own personal support network. She makes us feel like we are her sole patient.... I don't mean that in a selfish way at all, either.

Tammy you have a gift of undivided attention - you make everyone feel as if they are the only one. What a blessed gift!

Lenore Meeks

Please don’t grieve for Tammy. She will soon be at peace. Grieve for the animals. They are losing the best friend they’ll ever have. Grieve for the little girls who are losing an amazing role model: the intelligent, kind and beautiful vet in the white coat. She was the female version of Steve Irwin in the pet world.

The animals on Earth are crying, and the ones in heaven are rejoicing and gathering at the rainbow bridge to greet her.

St. Francis has some competition.

Nicole Parks

Dear Friends,

I have lost count of how many tissues I have gone through reading these emails. Thank you all for sharing your stories, and thank you Margene for keeping us all informed...the joys and the sorrows. A theme runs through the "Tammy Stories"...how caring and compassionate she has been to ALL of us, pets and people, and made us all feel special and loved.

I moved to Georgia a few years back with my three dogs. My beagle "Abbott" was my working partner, a detector dog with the USDA Beagle Brigade. When he retired he came home to live and had some wonderful retirement years. When he became ill at 13 years, Dr. Tammy helped us through his final days, and I will never forget how much that has meant to me. And when "Annie", my senior yellow lab and I had to be in Pennsylvania for 3 months this spring, Dr. Tammy made sure we had all our IV supplies etc. to take with us so I could care for her. When "Annie" was hospitalized in Pa. Dr. Tammy and Sweetapple were in contact with me to help us make the hard decisions. I remember one specific call from Dr. Tammy that helped me be at peace with what I feared.

So now "Lily" is part of the family, a little beagle that Tammy says "Abbott" sent to us (and I believe it is true!), and when I brought newly adopted "Nanna " (ylw lab) in to meet everyone at Sweetapple, Tammy was on the scene, as hard as I know it must have been for her to even be in the office.

I don't remember who said it in a previous email, but to repeat the sentiment...no one cares for our pets as much as we do (accept Tammy). Thank you Dr. Tammy for always being there for us , we love you.

Suki Crane, Lily, Janie, Nanna, Annie and Abbott