Savannah

Savannah “Vannah Black” Taylor

Savannah was the best family dog we've owned over nearly 38 years of marriage and family life. She loved every family member and shared herself and her time with everyone. Although Mom (Linda) was her favorite, she spent time with everyone and if she was with you, she would make you feel that you were her favorite in that moment. She got along with everyone, both people and other pets. Dad (John) cannot remember a single time when she growled at any person or another family pet. She was simply a woman of the people.

John fondly recalls that Savannah was a talker. Linda actually nicknamed her "The Mouth of the South" because she always had something to say. Her barks were never mean or meant as a warning, but she frequently communicated with them. When she was young, she was incredibly physically capable. John called her the "fastest dog in the neighborhood"— because she was. When she was outside, she was often seen zooming around, a jet-black flash drenched in sunshine, blazing past everyone and everything across the yard. She was also an important part of so many milestones in the family—elementary school, middle school, high school, college, graduate and law school and Ph.d programs. She was a part of middle and high school sports, college sports, and everything that happened during her almost 15 years with the Taylors. She was there through proms and boyfriends and girlfriends and fiancés and weddings and grandchildren. John will continue to miss her for many reasons, the most significant being that she remains a permanent part of so much of the Taylor’s family history. Seeing and interacting with her during her later years was like a memory window on so many of our best family memories. He will always miss Savannah and think of her frequently. She was a good girl and we were fortunate to be able to share our life with her.

It is very difficult for the Taylor children to imagine going home to their parents’ house without Vannah Black. For almost 15 years she has been a constant presence. In every phase of Vannah’s life, she was adored by each member of the Taylor family. From her devilish, heel nipping puppy days to her more contemplative and regal seniority, she was appreciated. Savannah Taylor was universally loved by the family and each family member had a special connection with her. In Vannah’s life, she saw each of the Taylor family children’s graduations from high school on, was there for every prom, every new hobby, every job, every loss, and every win. The Taylor family is especially appreciative of Vannah’s steadfast companionship to their mother when she was very ill and throughout her recovery.

Katie fondly remembers the joy Vannah took in car rides around the neighborhood throughout her life and misses the silly way Vannah would squeeze her leg with her paw and claws when naughtily begging for treats at the dinner table. Vannah was never shy about what she wanted. Katie would always say of Savannah, “She knows what she wants and I respect that about her.”

Jennifer will always remember Savannah as a bright-eyed, energetic puppy with a shiny coat of the deepest midnight black, so dark you could never see her face in photographs unless her little pink tongue was out. For fifteen years, Vannah remained a steadfast companion and quiet friend supporting Jennifer and her siblings as they navigated the great joys and difficulties of growing up. Jennifer will forever appreciate the opportunity to play with Vannah in the rare snowfall of January 2025, watching the old girl’s age fade away with her wonderment, as if she was a puppy once more.

Each member of the Taylor family enjoyed a unique connection to Savannah and her consistent and comforting presence will be greatly missed by all. Bless you, Savannah, for choosing us as your pack, and for the many years of human-like love and companionship you gave us.

John, Linda, Jen, Katie, Stephanie, and Chris