[warrior1]

Wednesday, Sept. 13th, I said good-bye to my best friend. Bear with me as I try to post. My boy was just over 10 years old and growing tired by the day. I could see he was leaving me little by little each day. Last week his breathing seemed a little shallow at times and by Tues. night he hadn't followed me to bed as he normally did. That was my fist sign we were at the beginning of the end. Wednesday morning, he couldn't stand to go outside. My best friend and I (husband was working) had to carry him, put him on his feet and his legs just gave out. He looked at me and without a thought I knew what had to be done. No hesitation, no doubt. My heart took over and not my head. Back inside, he just laid, almost with an air of peacefulness. continually licking my face raw, as to say "thank you Mommy"He was put down 30 minutes later. He vet had come to our home and he was surrounded by the people he loved most. He never picked up his head for the vet or the nurse that had come with him. He extended his leg to him, as if to say "I am ready" I embraced his body, my heart next to his, my head burried between his stoic shoulder and neck, and I felt him take his last breath...peacefully. I felt a very odd feeling of relief flow through my body as if it was him feeling it..I can't explain the feeling. My boy was now at rest. He lived up to his name until the end...he was truly a Warrior, my Warrior. I took his body to a funeral home for beloved pets and had him cremated immediatly. As I uncovered him give him one last kiss, I laid a lock of my hair with him so we would always be together. He was returned to me 24 hours later. So I say to you, my best friend, Rest in peace. You gave me 10 years of unconditional love and support. I tried to return the favor with my final act of love. You tought me responsibility, when I had none, you accepted our new family when I married daddy and when that little human came, you always made sure he was safe. Your life's transitions were astonishing and so were you. The love you had for man and creature was remarkable. I hope that the example you set rubbed off on your little Rott brother. We all miss you and Love You..you were truly an ambassador to this breed..Goodbye for now sweet boy...see you in my dreams. "Katrina's Ultimate Warrior" 6/29/96- 9/13/06