Once in a Lifetime?

[VON KIRCHER]

I am new to this forum, and when I saw this subject area I had to write in about my past friend Bear.
As a young boy, in the mid '80s my family brought home an AKC, OFA Rottie pup, because of the new home we purchased in a really rural area. Bear and I would venture out for hours in the mountains above our house, and her protectiveness and courage was amazing. She was gentle as a lamb with my sisters and other children, but would keep strangers or deliverymen away as well.
This was a dog that could have been mistaken for a human. She would lay in our laps, know when we were happy or sad, and was a real blessing to our family.
At the age of 13, Bear was fighting arthritis, and it became quite a labor for her just to get up and enjoy the sunlight or even relieve herself. The saddest part of this was the fact that her mind and personality was still the way it was at her younger years.
My family and I have gone close to 6 years without another dog or Rott. I surprised my family at Christmas with a Male Rottweiler who is also AKC OFA, named Zeus. He is an incredibly intelligent dog, that everone has fallen in love with.
Before I got Zeus I would pray that he would bring joy as Bear did. One day on the back of our property we came across Bears resting spot, which is covered in smooth rocks. There were leaves and weeds on these rocks, so I proceeded to clean it up a bit, pulling the weeds and removing the leaves.
I was taken back when Zeus, began helping. He was gently and carefully picking up leaves and putting them to the side. At that moment it seemed like he knew who was burried there. He was about 11 weeks old at the time. Everday he brings a smile to our faces and amazes us with his intelligence. Bear would be proud.

[marianne]

Yes our Rotties understand so much more than we will ever know!lLove your pup and many many years of loving friendship with your best friend. When it is the time to leave they take a part of us with them too!

[moondog]

I glad you found us. :) Both of your Rottie's sound like such great dogs and what a fitting tribute you have written for Bear. Something you said struck me - that the saddest part is that her body failed but her spirit remained whole. It's simply wonderful that our dogs can pass on with their spirits as shiny and new as the day they were born, what a lot that says, but it's the saddest thing imaginable at the very same time. We can't hold it and we can't push it away, all we can do is experience it.

Thank you for sharing Bear's story with us. :)

[Carina43]

That is just so sweet. Bear sounds like she was an exceptional dog - and 13, wow. You must have done something right. What a nice tribute you wrote for her.

Give your Zeus a hug from me. :) I got my first Rottweiler in the mid-80s too, out in Colorado. That was when many people still didn't know what they were; I kept being asked if he was a PitbullxDobe or similar. I adored that dog.

[LORHEL]

What a special boy you had, and now continue to love just as special friend in your new pup... your story was very touching, and I wish you a lifetime of happiness with Zeus. :D

[Leahjean]

Bless his little heart,Bear sent him your way to fill your heart as he knew your were needing a little guy to enjoy....Good boy zeus,welcome to our forum Von....and Zeus..

[VON KIRCHER]

Though it may not matter a whole lot, I was unclear that Bear was a wonderful female. "Bear" was short for Barroness. She was a wonderful mother that produced a great litter. Just 2 weeks ago "Cali" my sister's Rott, and one of Bear's pups, passed away at the age of 11. Cali was almost a mirror image of Bear, and brought years of happiness to my sister, her husband, and their twins.
"Cali had to go live with Mufassa", according to the twin 5 year olds.

[pbach]

What a great Tribute to Bear. Thanks for sharing with us. Welcome and post pictures of Zeus when you can.

[KatMc]

That is indeed a great tribute to a fine lady.....It's amazing how much they bring to us in their lifetime!

You let Bear go with dignity intact and she loved you for it.

Enjoy Zues and accept all his love.

Good Luck,
Kathy