Sebastian CGC TT

[RSQRottweiler]

On Saturday, September 16 my best friend lay his head on my lap and took his last breath. His huge heart stopped beating, and he wasn't in pain anymore.

I adopted Sebastian in October 2000, when he was just five months old. His previous owners had abandoned him as an eight week old puppy, dumped him in a yard during a thunderstorm.

He was my constant companion, my hiking buddy, my trail riding buddy, and my roommate. I always joked that he was the reason I'm still single -- because since I already lived with someone who belched, farted, and never cleaned up after himself, why go through all the trouble of dating and getting married?

He went through five levels of formal obedience training (just for fun, he loved it!) and he got his CGC and TT certificates. He had a passion for working and lit up when we were at the barn, working with the horses or out on a trail ride. He stayed right with me and my horse, no matter how many other horses were out on trail, no matter how many deer or wild turkey or rabbits we saw. Sebastian happily jogged beside my horse.

Everything was an adventure to him, everything was like an exciting new discovery. Hardly a day went by that he didn't do something to make me laugh out loud. And some days. . .especially in his younger years, there were days he came close to driving me insane. But I mean that in the best possible way.

People - friends, neighbors, vets, even total strangers -- loved him and commented on his excellent behavior and gentlemanlike manners. If we were hiking and another dog on trail started barking or lunging, Sebastian would just look at them like "I don't know what your problem is. I'm hiking with Mom. Chill."

He was diagnosed with osteosarcoma just a couple of weeks ago. Just six years old.

Of course there were other "options." He could be medicated to help the pain, he could start chemo or have the leg amputated. . .but that wonderful dog deserved better. It was unfair to keep him around, medicating him so he was in "less" pain, preventing him from doing so many of the things he loved to do just because it hurt him too much.

Of course it hurts. . .but he went peacefully. . .and he didn't get to the point where his life was reduced to nothing but suffering. He was just a "throwaway" dog, a too-tall, lanky Rottweiler with a half-length tail. . .but he had an amazing life and I'm glad I got to share those six years with him.

Have fun at the Bridge, buddy. . .

[Dugganmom]

i am so sorry for your loss...i cried when i read your post!

[KatMc]

Audrey,

What a great life you and your throw-away friend had! It doesn't sound like he was in all reality a throw-away, he was just put in the right place for your to come along...

It's obvious the love you two shared, what great memories were made!

I'm so sorry for his life ending so soon - enjoy the memories -

Godspeed Sebastian,

Kathy

[2rotties2luv]

I'm so sorry for your loss - my thoughts are with you.

[tilly]

i'm very sorry about your loss.
RIP Sebastian.

[debbiej]

I'm so sorry that you had to lose your wonderful friend so soon. So very sorry, and of course, we do share your sorrow.

[Ilovemypuppy]

What a great boy......I am so sorry for your loss.

[kerry]

Thank-you for giving Sebastian a wonderful life and a dignified passing...My thoughts are with you...Rest in Peace sweet boy

[tcote]

What a GREAT LIFE you gave Sabastian! My thoughts are with you--rest in peace big buddy....

[livertw]

I am sorry for your loss. You gave him a wonderful life!

[DivaDawg]

I am so so sorry for your loss. You gave him a wonderful 6years, and he knew what it was like to smell the plants along the trails and the joy itwas to work with his beloved human.

I'm so sorry he didn't have more time with you, but the quality of time made him love you so much. He misses your touch, but is watching you, forever your buddy.

Lis' Kristof

[RSQRottweiler]

Thank you to everyone for your supportive comments. . .over the last few days I've cried a lot and miss him terribly. . .but I've also laughed when remembering some of the outrageous, silly things Sebastian did over the years.

There will never be another one quite like him. . .

[TR Young]

That was simply one of the best tributes to a friend that I think I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I am sorry that it had to be read about, but the joy and passion of Sebastian's life that you wrote with leave me with as much joy as sadness. You gave a great life to some fool's discarded pup, and in return, Sabastian gave you undying loyalty and companionship, and neither of you ever looked back. That, my friend, is awesome.
Rest easy, good Sebastian, and enjoy your new friends at the Bridge.

[AngelBunny]

What a wonderful tribute to your wonderful dog. I am so sorry for your loss. Osteo has taken several of my Rottie friends--I am so sorry you had to go through the same heartbreak and sorrow.

[Helen B.]

I'm so very sorry for your loss. RIP Sebastian