| Author | Messages | |
kitnkpoodle
Champion
Posts:65
 | | 11/05/2007 11:42 AM |
| | Those of you that know me ,have heard me talk about my rescues, fosters and the dogs I have in Sanctuary here at home. Sweet Rooney, a B IG White, Bull Terrier died. Born for the show ring, his first 4 years of life were all about becoming a champion.
After he became a champion, he was turned out into the backyard of the parents of his original owner. nearly forgotten, he was driven to the vets twice a year for treatment of flea allergies, and skin problems. He was so dirty and smelly, he was driven to the vets on a flat bed truck, so as not to soil the car.
My friends Christina and Maria worked at the vets and asked if the people wouldnt let them have the dog, he obviously loved being inside, close to people. The old man said no, he belonged to his son, now married living in another state. For many years the dog made his trip to the vets, always a gentleman. Christina left the vets and was working as a county animal control officer, when she heard that the the bull terrier had been stolen from the back yard. Christina investigated and the dog was found, he had been traded to some ghetto youth gangs for some crack cocaine.
The bull terrier was held as evidence for many months awaiting the out come, when the case disappeared. Free to go back to the yard, the people that had cared for him, again, begged for his release, so he could be loved and cared for,part of a family.
He was at Marias for a couple of years, and then Christina offered to let us live with him after a foster bull terrier that we tried to save died, When we met the old guy, he was slow, but proud and friendly, ready for anything.
we took him shopping, and discovered that he took treats so gently, never made a mess in his crate. Just a big sweetie, Lee and I named him Rooney, after the owners of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rooney was good for a laugh anytime, once we thought he had wandered off and had all hands on deck looking. I finally found him out in the storage room, sound asleep with a kids Halloween pumpkin on his head. We have pics of his head in a cat carrier and the rest of his 90 pounds sleeping on the deck.
Patient, and undemanding, Rooney learned how to lift the toilet lid and seat with his wedge shaped head, alerting me to a water shortage in the kitchen. The night he learned that, he scared me...late at night, Lee out of town, kerthunk, kerthunk. Bu I was laughing while I refilled the water bowls..
Last year there was talk of putting him down, but with soft bedding, fresh air, sunshine, and a wonderful vet, I promised not to le him suffer.
This summer was hot and Rooney rarely went out in the early morning, sleeping in a tigh ball like a pup until 11 or 12 before he would run ou to potty, see what was new and right back to his cushion. I knew that he wouldnt see the New Year.
But busy wih kids and crittersthe summer passed. I was enjoying being alone with the pack Friday. Everyone went out early, it was the first time we had a hint of fall. I fed the gang leftover cornbread, the sweet yellow kind, and Rooney had 2 pieces. I had gotten everyone treats for Halloween, and everyone had plenty. 6 or seven times I was out with them, amd Rooney was playing with pups, running in for a nap, but going out everytime I went. Lee was coming home Friday evening, I took the kids to the football game but wanted to meet my darlin' when he got home.
He was close behind me, I left the gate opened, and the dogs and I waited, for a few minutes, Lee came in shut the gate and was greeted by me and the dogs,
Lee opened the door and they rushed out, most follwed the poodles to the back, Rooney stood on the porch with Lee for a moment, watching the gang play. He ran down the steps, went into the flower bed and died.
He was gone when Lee got to him. When Lee told me, I was waiting for the tears, but I havent cried. The old man was loved by at least a few, he was clean, and fed, and as comfortable as we could make him.
It was so like him, no mess, no fuss .
I'm sorry that this is so long but Rooney deserves to be remembered.
Kharly | | | |
| LASSIE47
Best of Breed
Posts:281
| | 11/05/2007 6:49 PM |
| | kharly I was so sad when i read this. he sounded like a sweet dog. My prayers are with you and your family. HUgs Helen & Lassie | | | |
| cathyam76
Best of Breed
Posts:385
| | 11/05/2007 8:43 PM |
| | Kharly and Lee, my deepest sympathies on the loss of your sweet sweet Rooney. May you take comfort in knowing that you were able to help a proud champion live out his final years knowing love and fresh air and sunshine and play, and know that Rooney passed with grace and dignity, surrounded by his loving family.
Cathy and the Crew | | | |
| PitterPatt
Best of Breed
Posts:332
| | 11/05/2007 10:50 PM |
| | Kharly and Lee
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Rooney was a true Champion in every way, not just the superficial show ring kind ( I used to show). It is apparent the remainder of his life was spent surrounded with love and care so he lived with the dignity and intelligence that only a Champion could. You were responsible for giving him that opportunity and should take comfort in that knowledge.
I am in tears with his bittersweet story and hope I may have provided at least some small comfort with my thoughts.
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Patt | | | |
| Zig_Kat
Best in Group
Posts:656
| | 11/06/2007 4:22 PM |
| | Kitn and Lee,
Rooney found exactly what he needed in life when he found the 2 of you.
I think it is wonderful how he and Lee looked over the Kingdom one last time and he went out of the way to finish his earthy business.
Kitn, you are a wonderful person, you don't even have to be told, you get a hundred licks a day for your efforts. Now imagine what is will be like when you cross the colored bridge. Take a towel.
I believe St Francis has a new sidekick by his side, Rooney keep em in line, you wonderful dog.
your all in my prayers...
Love you guys
Ziggi | | | |
| kitnkpoodle
Champion
Posts:65
| | 11/06/2007 6:29 PM |
| | Thank you everyone, your kindness, and thoughtfulness humble me.
Thank you again,
Kharly | | | |
| studmuffinmomma
Best in Group
Posts:521
| | 11/06/2007 7:56 PM |
| | Rooney's love for you and Lee is evident in that he waited to say good-bye. I had a cat like that when I was young. He was very sick and my dad had gone to Boston to get my sister at college. He waited for them to get home (a two hour drive there and back) and then five minutes after they got home, he was gone. It was bittersweet, but something I always will remember. Writing this through tears, thank you for sharing and thank you for giving Rooney the love that all of our furbabies in this world deserve.
God bless,
Soos and the Zoo | | | |
| PedigreeChallenged
Best in Group
Posts:1001
| | 11/07/2007 7:18 PM |
| | Kitn & Lee,
So sorry to hear about Rooney going to the Bridge. I'm sure the love you both gave him will never make up for his horrible past, but he knew he was loved, and I'm sure he loved both of you back with everything he had.
Hugs & puppy kisses
Ped, Molly & Zorro | | | |
| Newfs
Posts:0
| | 11/07/2007 9:20 PM |
| Kit, I am so sorry to hear about Rooney  It is always so hard when we lose the pets we love so much. The time Rooney spent living in your home was the best and happiest years of his life, thanks to you and your family. Rooney will always have a place in your heart | | | |
| elesimp
Champion
Posts:106
| | 11/08/2007 12:18 AM |
| | Kit my deepest sympathies to you. I know Rooney was a special pup and he was so blessed to have you in his life. I am sure he is just going to be in heaven playing and waiting for the time you will be together again.
Blessings to you and your family.
EL | | | |
| rodo
Best of Breed
Posts:298
| | 11/08/2007 11:30 AM |
| | Dear Kit n Lee,
God bless you two for the wonderful care you gave to Rooney, and to all your fur babies. My Mindy is at the Bridge showing Rooney around
Love n hugs,
rodo | | | |
| Riosmom
Champion
Posts:123
| | 11/08/2007 10:40 PM |
| | Dear Kit n Lee,
I am crying as I write this. The first years of Rooney's life make my heart ache. The time that he had with ya'll was filled with love & happiness. When you remember him please remember how happy ya'll made him & how much he loved you. God bless you both. Janet | | | |
| rotlover
Champion
Posts:47
| | 11/23/2007 12:40 PM |
| | Hugs, woofs and meows
from
Rotlover, Yetta and Pywackett | | | |
| DonnaCast
Best of Breed
Posts:286
| | 11/25/2007 7:26 PM |
| | I am continually humbled at the compassion and sensitivity of AA humans. Kit, your story is beautiful, sad, and uplifting. | | | |
| Brennan
Best of Breed
Posts:492
| | 12/03/2007 12:51 AM |
| Sounds like a good dog this Rooney. The kind of dog I would like to have. | | | |
| rachel34
Champion
Posts:28
| | 12/13/2007 1:03 PM |
| | im crying while writing this too..you will see him again i am sure of it | | | |
| campdog
Best of Breed
Posts:237
| | 12/15/2007 12:35 PM |
| | I have all of the post on the Rainbow bridge and I even posted when my Molly died. This post is so moving it's hatd not to feel so sad for u Kit. My heart goes out to u and Lee. I pray that Rooney and Molly are playing across that bridge waiting on us. Sending u a huge HUG. JOE | | | |
| tehani
Champion
Posts:184
| | kandinsky
Champion
Posts:104
| | 11/05/2008 8:03 AM |
| | Kharly, It broke my heart to read your story of Rooney. What a wonderful little guy he was. Bless you for taking such good care of him. Barbara | | | |
| mustvbinadog1ce
Champion
Posts:80
| | 11/05/2008 8:24 PM |
| Kharley and Lee-I am actually sobbing after reading your story of your precious Rooney. I just don't understand how he was handed such a raw deal by thse people! I'm still shocked by the heartless! But,wow-what a wonderful way for him to live out the rest of his life -with you! You've got a friend waiting for you Heaven! He had to be so thankful for the wonderful life you gave him and was able to pass over the rainbow bridge a happy,well-loved dog. I know he's your angel but, don't forget,you are his. I will light my candle tonight for such a great dog and for you,as well. God bless you for what you did for him.
Priscilla | | | |
|
|