Today, we said goodbye to Rowdy. His 3-month long battle with lung cancer had finally gotten to the point where he had accepted the fact that it was time to go. Last week, he weakened to the point where he had to be picked up in order to stand. His appetite -- amazing during this span -- dwindled and our ability to find anything that he would eat was strained. Although a Rib Eye Steak with Vanilla Ice Cream for dessert worked for 3 straight nights! On Saturday, Linda and I finally came to the same conclusion: it was time to say goodbye. We scheduled him for this morning.

Then, on Sunday, our Golden Retriever, Crash, collapsed in the back yard. After 4 1/2 hours at the Emergency Vet Clinic and lots of tests, we learned that Crash had a large inoperable mass in his abdomen which had also compromised his lungs. So, we decided to take him with Rowdy to our regular vet for a second opinion.

This morning, both boys managed to wolf down SnickerDoodles and Milk Bones. Both managed to do their business without being held up. Both climbed into the van and rode the hour to the vet with their butts against each other's.

Crash was checked out first and our vet confirmed that he had a very aggressive and very advanced form of cancer. So, reluctantly, we decided to euthanize both Crash and Rowdy. There is some irony in the fact that Rowdy and Crash are heading off to the Rainbow Bridge together. During their 9 years together here on earth, they were both best of friends and occasionally worst of enemies. Rowdy had a hole in his left ear courtesy of Crash. So we think that Rowdy is going to lead the pair over the bridge just to warn all the other Rotties there that the fluffy dog is no pushover.

Here are my favorite pictures of each of the boys.





And, please, when you think of these boys, don't be sad. Smile. Because each day they were in our lives, they made us smile -- including today. There is a large hole in our household and in our hearts.

Jim

Having just let our beloved bullmastiff, Juba, go on Saturday, I know exactly what you are going through. But it must have been very difficult to let both of them go at the same time. But then again, how wonderful that they could go together. My thoughts are with you and your family.

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

Yvette and Jim, you both have my deepest condolences. Anyone that has made that diffiult decision on behalf of their beloved companion knows how hard it is. Juba, Rowdy and Crash all had wonderful lives with loving owners, for which we can all be happy and thankful for.

Diana

Oh Jim I'm so sorry. I've been dreading hearing this news and now I'm shocked that you lost two at once. I'd be a complete basket case.

I'm so sorry for your losses, Jim.

Ribeyes and Ice Cream...that part made me smile. Treasure the memories and the legacy.

Jim,

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of Rowdy and Crash. What an incredibly difficult double whammy you've been struck with.

Jim

Oh my Jim, this is awful news and I am so sorry for you. Cruel with no real understanding as to why we have to feel this pain. May the memories soon shine through the unhappy time.

Hi Jim,

I have attempted to write (and re-write) this message a bunch of times, and I cannot find a way of offering anything more than, "I am sorry for your losses."

Thank you for sharing your updates about Rowdy since his diagnosis. I almost feel like I have met as you have made him part of our lives. I wish you did not have to go through the double whammy of both him and Crash at the same time.

James