My heart and my soul..a year later

[majicka]

As the one year anniversary of Bruno's death approaches, I find him on my mind more and more often.

Last night I was sorting photos on my computer, and it hit me hard that the folder named "Bruno" will never have a new photo added to it. Tears welled up in my eyes, and once again the memory of his unexpected passing hit me like it was just yesterday. That day came up so vivid in my memory and had me once again saying to myself..did I do the right thing? Would he still be here? My mind knows the answers, but my heart still questions them.

For those of you not familiar with Bruno's story, I will tell it again with a heavy heart and tears in my eyes as a memorial to his life, his death and my love for him.

Bruno came to me at a year old, he was adopted from a shelter.

I had never owned a rottie before, but Bruno became the love of my life very quickly. A few months after I got him, he developed parvo. Luckily he survived that and we had a long road ahead of us.

My vet was also concerned w/ his heart murmur, but I didn't have the funds to have it checked out. Once I moved down South I was able to have it checked and he was diagnosed with SAS and Cardiomyopathy. He was regulated with medications and did very well. You'd have no idea he was ill.

About a month before his passing he developed a UTI, so I took him to his vet's. He needed his bi-annual cardio work up anyhow so the vet decided to take a sono of his abdomen while he was at it. He discovered his prostate was swollen, as well as a few other medical mysteries..the dog's kidneys were in the wrong place! I had to make the decision to neuter him for his well being. I did, on July 14 2004. Thankfully, the operation went perfectly and Bruno was home with us that evening.

On Friday July 16th, his stitches started to pop so I brought him into the vets to have him checked. Bruno became enamoured with the puppy that was there. This pup was accidently crushed by a bookcase a month before and was so close to death. One second he was sniffing the puppy, the next he was on the floor in the most awful seizure I have ever personally witnessed. I know I started screaming. The vet and techs came out and wisked him to the back. They tried everything, one of the techs had his ambulance come there with a defrib. Nothing worked. His heart just gave out. This was one of the worst days in my life. My big boy was gone. No more ball playing, no more big head waking me up in the morning.

My heart and soul was gone. I felt like I was walking in a dream. I didn't know what to do with myself. This dog was my best friend. We had been thru so much together in 6 years. I didn't know how to face life without him. Somehow, someway I have. His memory makes me smile, the stories of him make me laugh. Bruno was a gentleman in every aspect of the word. He could turn someone afraid of rotties into a big pile of mush. He had this way about him. With a ball in his mouth he could turn the oldest of hearts into a child again. His tail always wagged as if he knew you..he knew your heart was good and he wanted to be your friend.

Goodbye again my Bruno..till we meet again.

[Karyn]

Seeing it in writing helps ease the pain. I am so sorry you had only six years. He is at the bridge waiting.

[Patty1231]

In any other hands he probably would not have had the six wonderful years you gave him, and shared together. No amount of time is enough. God bless.

[jas'smom]

There is just never enough time........cherish each day you had together......

[JudyP]

I so enjoyed your story about Bruno and the plumber!!!!! Brought a smile to my face... and this tribute a tear to my eye!!! Good Boy Bruno... enjoy the Bridge and all the balls while you wait for your Mom.... she loves you

j

[majicka]

Bruno was quite the character...since he's been gone I find it amazing that a human can laugh and cry at the same time.

Last night Happy kept putting his butt on my chair..and it reminded me of Bruno..he used to do the same thing...always had to have his butt on something..It's amazing how much Happy reminds me of Bruno, yet he's so different. It's almost like somehow someway Happy has a touch of Bruno in him to remind me, yet completely his own personality for me to love him for him.

[JudyP]

I don't think I have seen a picture of your boys???? hint, hint.... smile

[majicka]

Happy's on page 18 in the gallery and Bruno's on page 17. :) I also just posted 3 more of Bruno..so he's on page 1 as well.

[TagVonTitan]

Your post got my eyes all watered up. I am so sorry.

[pazzo]

Majicka,
I am so sad for you. I know what it's like to loose one suddenly. Devastating. Oct will be 2 years that my Nico is gone and I also cry at his memories. Most of the time I am crying and laughing at the same time! To have that bond as alot of us here have is AMAZING in itself. It's sad to think some people will never know what that feels like, just think how lucky we are. The problem with dogs is just that they don't live long enough. You will be in my prayers. Don't worry Bruno is your angel.

[MontanaRott]

You do a wonderful job of honoring Bruno's memory.

[StephanieandToby]

Bruno was lucky to have you...not only during his life, but after his death. Your story was touching.

[Troy]

I'm very sorry for your loss.

Thinking of you.

Troy