Rosie 1995-2011
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Folks, I was planning a video blog on 2x12 combinations with the new Invader and Liberator models for this week. I promise that will be posted soon ... it’s already "in the can", so to speak. But today I write with a heavy heart. My best pal of the last 16 or so years, Rosie, is gone. As much as I love speakers, guitar tone, and all that jazz, my poor little heart just ain’t in it right now; I miss Rosie too much. She was a really good dog, and a great friend. Humor me if you will and read on as I tell Rosie’s story.
I found Rosie in a busy intersection near the Radio Station where I was working at the time. She was tiny, scared to death, and terribly lonely looking. I coaxed her out of the road and into my arms, then I took her home; what else could I do? My daughter Ashley was just a tiny little gal then (she’s 19 now). Ashley named the little pup Rose Bud. When I took little Rose Bud to the vet the next day, he informed me that she was very young, too young to be weaned, and possibly too young to survive. But she not only survived, she thrived!
Rosie was an amazing athlete as a young dog. She excelled at Frisbee and tennis ball catching. She liked to show off and would leap into the air, catch the Frisbee upside down, and continue to rotate until she landed perfectly back on terra firma on all fours. She especially liked to perform this little stunt when there were new people around that she was trying to impress. It was a real crowd pleaser.
Her stamina was insane. You would throw your arm out long before Rosie tired of catching and returning balls and Frisbees. When I went out on my dirt bike, she would chase beside me. She could maintain a constant 30-35 mph.
Rosie was the textbook definition of a true friend. Even when I was a total selfish jerk, she loved me and stuck by me. My wife may put up with me when I’m a jerk, but Rosie loved me. And I loved Rosie. Still do.
At many years beyond the life expectancy for her breed, Rosie’s heart was still beating strong, and her eyes were still bright this morning, but over the last several years she had slowly lost the ability to digest food. Her coat was still luxurious with hardly a hint of grey, but Rosie had withered to just skin and bones. She was starving to death. It had been long and cruel. Today I stepped into God’s shoes, and I gotta tell you that I hope to never have to make another life and death decision for as long as I live. The x-rays told the story very plainly: an esophagus so enlarged that it engulfed her entire throat and half her stomach. There is no treatment, just more decline and eventual death from starvation and/or pneumonia. So I did the right thing, or so I’m told.
I buried Rosie in the back yard with a tennis ball; I hope she’s chasing it somewhere right now.
- VAUGHN SKOW's blog
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Words can't really convey my sympathy....
Nor can they heal your heart.
It's not broken, just empty. Rosie's memories will fill it again with joy, in time.
You have my deepest sympathy in your loss! Only someone who has lost their best friend (canine) can understand the depth of the pain and loss you feel. I burried my Teal last month, the sweetest Pointer ever born. I have other dogs, including one, my Rosie, that is doing her best to fill Teal's dog prints, and she will be special in her own way, but no dog will ever be the same as Teal, just as you will certainly have another special dog when you are ready, but they will never replace your Rosie. She will always be there in your heart in that special place.
When I was younger, I had to make the same decision for my cat that was dying of feline leukimia. Even after watching him suffer for almost a year and being brought to the point where he would no longer eat, it was a tough decision to make. My heart is with you, friend.
Rosie was lucky to be found and loved by a great guy. And likewise, Rosie returned everything you gave her and more. Dogs are more than pets; they are a family member. My deepest sympathy goes out to you.
Rosie was lucky to be found and loved by a great guy. And likewise, Rosie returned everything you gave her and more. Dogs are more than pets; they are a family member. My deepest sympathy goes out to you.
Time heals open wounds, but memories are forever .
Trust me on that one .
Be blessed, we will be here when you get back form the journy.
They become a part of the family and it is as difficult to lose a pet as any other part of the family. My condolences go out to you brother.
Sorry for your loss. I had to make the same decision with "Sugar Dog" when she was 19 years old. It hurts me still.
Vaughn,
My deepest condolences. I understand where you are right now. My wife and I had a wonderful black lab (Katie) and we had to make that decision almost 2 months ago. Katie was 12.5 years old and had been with my wife since college (Katie was 4 weeks old). She was an amazing friend and we had a terrible time making the decision and saying goodbye. I can tell you now as the emotional cloud is (slowly) lifting, I can see that it was absolutely the right thing. Rosie and Katie loved us and depended on us for their well being. They were lucky dogs to have been part of our families, because they were loved so much, but WE were luckier still to have our girls. I know its tough, but try to have some comfort knowing she is no longer in pain. She fell asleep comfortably and peacefully knowing she was loved beyond belief. Its going to be tough but time will help turn the painful tears into happy memories.
Hi Vaughn,
Sorry to be writing under such circumstances, but I wanted to share two things with you. First, you absolutely did the right thing. When you can't make them better, and you can't make the pain go away, the kindest thing you can do for one who gave their whole heart and soul to you is to end their suffering. I went through this 2 years ago with both my cat of 14 years, and my dog of 12 years. Both were shelter adoptees and family members. While your heart may hurt right now, never, ever doubt that you did the only humane, compassionate thing that you could. That's the last kind thing that we can do for our loved ones for all that they brought into our lives.
Second, a short poem by an anonymous author. Be in peace.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.
His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.
The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...