a new begining...

[kyser]

I'm as green as they come when it comes to Rottie's... after discovering this forum I felt the need for some "closure". I wrote the insert the day after my best friend Kyser passed on... he was a chocolate lab that gave me and my family four years of pure joy.
Now, in his honor... we move on to the challenges of our first Rottweiler - Kobi... Kyser's Princess... We look forward to eveloping all your knowledge and respect on this site...

About four years ago our lives were changed forever... .

I turned forty last year and as I approached this milestone in age I found myself analyzing all that has happened around me in the years past. Occasionally, thoughts about your life, family, job can bring on the blues. Some say it is helpful to talk to someone about all the things in life that make us feel so helpless, as we make the journey through life... I made a friend awhile back and found myself doing just that. Long walks in the bush had me pondering about my life and thinking out loud in front of my friend. He did not mind. He listened... I talked. I walked... He followed. I became sad... He made me smile. I laughed... He did also, in is own way. A close friend who became my personal therapist! What more could one ask for.

Now and then I wished I was like him. So strong... so gentle. So care-free... so focused. Always happy... unconditionally and patiently waiting for a chance to make me happy. Always by my side not matter what the mood or setting. Sometimes we take our friends for granted. I know I did with him. He did not mind. Being my friend was unconditional.

Happiness and contentment came my way when ever I stood back and watched him do his own thing and be himself . I often wished I could be more like him. Strong and bold, humble and forgiving... like a king. It gave me strength and courage the more I watched him. It must be satisfying to know that you could make someone feel this way. These are quality's of a king. My king.

It is with great sadness to announce the passing of my best friend, my confidant, my mentor, my play and exercise partner, my therapist, my home protector.... my king.
Meet you at the Bridge... someday, my friend.

Kyser passed away August 24, 2002. Myself, Jody, Shcimin and Nicholas will miss him so dearly.

Kyser -> king, great one, leader.... translation from another language..

[KatMc]

Kyser,

That was a very moving tribute to a great friend. There is always sadness when they leave us.

Sharing your life with a Rottie will bring all the same joys, sorrows, and tragedies. Your new Rottie will never replace Kyser, they aren't meant too, they make their own place in your heart.

Here's understanding your pain.

Kathy

[Birdie'sMom]

I am so sorry for your loss. Rest in peace, Kyser.\

Let Kobi help you through this. They are very good at that! Keep your head up!

[LORHEL]

Rest in peace Kyser. I am very sorry for his passing. Your tribute was very moving. They are such great friends to us and fill our lives in so many different ways.

[marianne]

Beautiful tribute for your best friend! Your words of love just pop out from your posting. Your new baby will help fill the void...and your Kyser will always be in your heart with great memories.

[Rottlva]

What a beautiful tribute. Kyser sounds like he was the perfect gentleman and companion. He is looking over you and Kobi now. With his gentle paws and great spirit he will keep watch over. God's speed Kyser.

[kyser]

Thank you, all, for the responses. It's comforting to know that there are other's out there that understand what our canine friends mean to us and the relationships we develop. So many people (including relatives) "just don't get it". But that's ok, as we all know that some people were meant to enjoy the company of pets and others should be so lucky...

Here's to canine friendships !!!

[honeybunny22199]

What a beautiful tribute.
We lost our Rottie Levi on Aug. 25th. I'm glad he had Kyser to keep him company on their way to the bridge. Levi always loved meeting new friends. He and Kyser sound so much alike. Levi was always there for our family as we found our way through one medical crisis or another, never asking for more than just our love in return. When he became sick, I was convinced just my love could pull him through.. just as his had pulled us through so many times before. If love could have saved him, he would never have had to leave us. But it was not to be. I still miss him terribly. We too have a new addition to our family.. a cute little bundle of energy in the form of a hound/rottie rescued pound puppy named Hunter. He was born about the time we were finding out we were about to lose our precious boy, and has just an astonishing resemblence to Levi marking wise. He will never replace Levi in our hearts, but he is just a joy. Enjoy your new baby, and know that Kyser is smiling down on the two of you, as I know Levi is smiling down on us now.

[chivas]

That tribute was beautiful. I too lost the life of my life on Aug 29, 2002. I have yet to be able to write about her - she was such an exceptional dog. Too painful to put words down about her still. Even today as i took my 14 yr old mutt to the vet because of vomiting when she (not my usual vet) asked me if anything out of the ordinary has happened to upset my old dog, I broke down in tears - it is extremely hard to talk about her still.
They say it gets easier with time, sometimes I even wonder if that is true.

Kim

[roadweed]

Kyser will always be with you in your heart and in all that you learned from him. He sounds like a wonderful boy with a lot to give and a lot to teach. I am very sorry for your loss. :(

[Carolina]

That was a beautiful tribute.. from a friend to a friend..

They are not truly gone if we keep them in our mind and heart..

I'm so sorry for your loss.. and as you say, not everyone is blessed with that deep understanding and loving bond betweeen human and dog.. it truly hurts sometimes to remember fur-friends long gone, but that is just the price we pay for having the priviledge of feeling and experimenting that special bond that not time, space nor distance can ever brake..

Rest in peace dear Kyser

Carolina

[kyser]

It's been a while since I've been able to return, here. My work schedule prevents me from been able to reply the to thread when needed.
It hurts to come back and see new posts and reread the other's.
Kim, I found that I "needed" to write something the day after Kyser's death. Actually,it just kind of happened... messaging freinds turned into a tribute and although I cried a river while doing it , it felt good to write something. I too, find myself smiling when I think of him... just to keep from feeling so down... then my thoughts turn to our new baby, and the day we drive four hours to pick her up ( first week of Dec. ) I'm determined to make Kyser proud by showering her with the most attention and love I can muster.
Chistmas will be hard... my Dad is making Kyser's urn ( a nice hardwood) and will give it to me when he travels to our house for the holiday. I'm trying to think of a way not to break down in front of a house full of family.... Then I have to go through placing his ashes and favorite ball into the urn and sealing it. Whoa, this is going to be tough. Hopefully Kobi will require my immediate attention so I can mentally "bail out" !:)

[kyser]

Hey ya, Kyser-pup!! Hope you are happy and well. We brought Kobi home last weekend. She is really beautifull and has quite the personality. I know you will laugh at me when I get all flustered trying to train her... I pray she turns out to be the gentle neighbourhood dog that you were. She will never take your place...
I miss you Brown Dog.... please watch over Kobi... see you in my dreams, my friend.

[Birdie'sMom]

Congrats on your new rottie pup! You are in for a lot of fun! Just remember that you get out of it what you put into it! Kyser will help you in spirit and I'm sure he is so proud of you for letting another dog into your life to share all the love that you have for this great species!!! Good luck - you're going to do great!:)