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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



Jim,

As I'm sure you know there is nothing but time that can take away the pain of the loss, but you and your family were truly fortunate to share in the lives of Rowdy and Crash and there memories will make your lives so much richer. As I get older and think back, I can't imagine not having all the wonderful memories of all the canine friends that I have shared my time with.

I know what you mean about the moment of death. In my younger days I worked as a animal tech for a vet and had to put my share of animals down. As much as I hated the feeling as the animal slipped away, I always had my hand on its head and made sure the last physical thing they felt was affection. With my own dogs, I have always embraced them and told them how much I loved them as they passed. I could not imagine just having a tech take them "into the back room" and never seeing them again.

If there is an afterlife, I can't imagine any heaven better than one in which I was reunited to all of my dogs at one time. What a great eternity that would be.

George

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