Anyone who's been to Flyin' Miata or has joined us at a show knows TurboDog. He's been our mascot for over a decade, and has chased countless tennis balls. But we have some sad news.

TurboDog's facebook page

Turbo passed away on Wednesday, December 8, 2010. We appreciate your kind words and thoughts more than you can realize.

Here's what we had to say before he left.

TurboDog is old. Cataracts mar his vision. He no longer hears other than loud sounds which frighten him. His body is riddled with arthritis and he is on three different pain medications. He no longer holds his tail up because it's too painful so it hangs down like a fox or coyote tail. Bill and I have to carry him up and down steps/stairs and he cannot get into or out of a Miata without assistance. He has frequent panic attacks and no longer enjoys riding in a car or truck. TurboDog is old.

Bill and I have made the painful, but humane, decision to let Turbo go. It's time for him to leave this world and move to the next one. We believe the next world consists of an endless field where he can run, jump and leap at an ever present supply of Frisbees and tennis balls. And, of course, there is also a constant supply of dog treats, carrots, apples, red bell peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, cheese and deli meats. He won't be in pain, he'll be able to see and hear and his tail will be held high with the curl we saw for so many years.

Turbo is more than just our pet. He has been Flyin' Miata's mascot since he was a pup. We didn't intend for that to happen. We didn't plan it. It just evolved over the years. Turbo has many friends in the Miata community, both human and canine. We know of a number of people, both Miata and non-Miata owners, who were initially not dog-friendly people, but came to like/love Turbo. We've heard many people tell us if they could be guaranteed a dog who was just like Turbo, they would get one. Customers have brought toys and treats to Turbo over the years and we like that. It makes us feel good that he is loved by so many people.

Turbo has touched many lives over the years. We have shared his life with you so we feel it is only right to share the end of his life with you too. We want a grand send off for Turbo. We believe he deserves it. What can you do? Send us photos of him and share any stories about him with all of us. We're creating a special Memorial page for Turbo and we would like to post photos and stories encompassing his life. Turbo was born January 9, 1997.

Please share your photos and/or stories of Turbo on Turbo's Facebook page. Thank you for your support, not only for Flyin' Miata, but for our beloved TurboDog too.

Bill & Teri Cardell
TurboDog's parents