Saturday, May 2, 2009

rest easy, old man

The Best. Dog. Ever. was laid to rest yesterday in the spot where he loved to lay in our back yard.

We'd been Rottweiler owners for more than twenty years. Ruger was our third and we saved the best for last, evidently. He really was the best dog - gentle with children, easy with other dogs and never met a stranger.

When we knew we wanted another rottie, I spent hours researching local breeders, talking on the phone, looking on the internet. I wanted to find the best breeder, to find the best dog. In the meantime, Ken took a trip up to Michigan and found an ad in the local paper - a 'backyard breeder' had rottie pups for sale. He came home that Halloween with a furry little blue-eyed football. The Best. Dog. Ever.

We were lucky enough to have this amazing creature in our lives for ten years. Two years ago we found a melanoma in his mouth and last year he got a staph infection he just couldn't seem to beat. We made the hard choice to let him go before his suffering was too much for him to bear.

There aren't even words for how much we loved him. Rest easy, Bubby. You are missed.

Ruger
1999-2009

9 comments:

Steph said...

I'm sorry to hear about Ruger. He was such a wonderful dog. He will be missed!

Stacy said...

Oh my! So sorry to hear! :(

Spinsanity said...

Awww, I'm sorry, Mel. He really was a good dog. Hugs.

Thimbleanna said...

Oh Melly, now you've made me cry. I'm so sorry to hear this -- it's SO hard to let our puppies go. ;-(

Erin said...

My heart breaks for your loss. I remember loving an animal that way once. It still brings tears to think of the day she didn't come home from that vet appointment. I'm sending big hugs your way friend. And one for the rest of your family too.
Lots of love

Unknown said...

Ruger will most defenitely be missed. He is why I fell in love with Rotties. He was a very special part of the family. I remember the look he would get on his face when someone said, "Who is it?" Too many memories from that old man.

Unknown said...

Oh Melly - I'm so sorry. Good for you for being strong enough for Ruger - it's never easy though. g

Tryllyam said...

Dang it! Now I'm crying! I'm so glad Ruger had you two for parents. He had a wonderful life.

Marigold said...

I'm sorry Melly. His stone looks perfect for such a wonderful dog.