Yvette,
we loved them both with all our hearts. But Rowdy was very special. It's hard to compare him with other dogs because he was different than other dogs -- even those in our own household. In the end, Rowdy was stronger than Crash and gave him the confidence to deal with today. Rowdy himself was ready to leave. He put his head on my thigh, looked directly into Linda's eyes and passed slowly from this earth. He and I had already had our discussions about life, death and eternal love. He knew he was loved.

Some people can't deal with the moment of death. They can't be in the room. They can't hold their dog. I can't do anything but hold them, look them in the eye and tell them I love them. It's the first thing I do when we deliver new puppies. And it's the last thing I do when we say goodbye.

I don't know if there is an afterlife. I don't know if I'll ever see these incredible boys again. But I know I'll never forget them. And I know that Rowdy has touched people all over this country who will think of him when they think of "nice" Rottweilers. That's not such a bad legacy to leave behind.

Jim