Max…. (Oct 17, 1999 – May 21, 2006)

[Jantea]

Just before his 2nd birthday in 2001, we took a 150 lb. Rottie we renamed Max into our home. Seems he was above the weight limit of his owner’s new condo assoc. so she was giving him away. I think back on that now knowing I would have sold my house before I could have given him away… I had never been around a Rottweiler or any dog that size. All I could say was, “I don’t know Roger, that’s a lot of dog”. Well, let me tell you, he sure was!!


For the next 4 years and 7 months, Max was our everything. Every vacation included him. He loved the weekend and week long trips to our place at the bay. Three hours each way, but he loved it…loved being with us. He’d go out on the boat with us fishing when it wasn’t too hot. He’d bark at the fish when we’d catch them. He once put his head underwater grabbing a huge rockfish out of the boats live well. The trip we made on May 26th of this year was not a pleasant one, the first in over 4 years without him. We sat in the truck for the longest time before going in, sobbing our hearts out.

Max loved us, vanilla ice cream, his rubber tire, long walks and being rubbed and scratched. He sat on our feet, gave us kisses and unconditional love. He would sit at my husband’s feet, sit up on his hind end and just fall back into his arms. All it took was being with us to make him happy….and it was our pleasure to make him happy.

We spent 4 months taking him to the vet for diarrhea, trying different foods and meds. He showed NO other symptoms of illness. He was diagnosed with cancer on May 11th. Large masses showed in the intestines and other organs in the sonogram. We were devastated to be told he had a matter of days or weeks. He seemed so healthy but went downhill so fast. He would fall down outside and we had to urge and help him up. He had so much trouble breathing the night of May 10th that he had to stand to breath. I called the vet the next morning. We could not let him suffer. Max walked into the vet’s office with me and I held him tight giving him kisses and telling him how very much I loved him as he went to the Rainbow Bridge. No one could ever have told me I’d have the constant unbearable hurt that ripped my heart out. It could not have been worse if it had been one of my human children. The pain will never go away but occasionally when thinking of him, I smile instead of cry….guess that’s a start. Maxie doodle, our sweet doodle bug…..We’ll love you forever and ever.

[onthedl74]

I feel your sorrow within your post. The life you gave max was one that many dogs can only dream of! You will find peace soon enough. RIP Max

[Queen Bee Ely]

He's an Angel....hopefully he will rump and greet and lick and play with my 18 yr old Rotti girl Queen Bee whom has lost use of her legs and I have to put down later this morning....I tear with you and hope to smile soon!
and I amd actually having problems of where I live about my dogs size...its illegal now...discrimination....

[livertw]

I hope your wonderful memories will console you. I am so sorry for your loss.

[TR Young]

Jantea, I am so sorry about the loss of your friend. I liked reading about how much Max enjoyed just being with his human family. You gave him love and friendship and a safe place to live. He knew he was loved!

You've found your way here through your grief, but I hope you stay and become a part of our family.

Rest easy, big Max, and bark at all those fishies under the Bridge!

[Jantea]

[quote=TR Young;695341]You've found your way here through your grief, but I hope you stay and become a part of our family.
QUOTE]

TRYoung,

I found this forum searching “Rottweiler and Cancer” in May after Max was diagnosed with cancer. I just couldn’t comprehend that my big, sweet, beautiful, oh so young, vibrant Max was going to die. While I couldn’t read the postings in this forum at that time, I did read extensively the postings in the other forums.

My husband looked it me with tears streaming and said, “I can’t go through this again”. While I totally understood his feelings, my heart was telling me something else. I had this need to hold and cuddle a baby Rottie. Max was almost 2 and 150 lbs when we got him. I never got to pick him up, carry him around, and see him grow. I don’t know why that bothered me after he was gone, but I couldn’t get over it. To make a very long story short, I begged and pleaded! It’s hard to put into words, but I knew in my heart that I had to have a baby Rottie. I had way too much love in my heart for Max not to honor his memory with another.

On June 18th, after much research and phone calls, we brought home Max Dylan (aka, Dylan), an 11 ½ lb, 9 week old beautiful boy that didn’t realize he had legs for the first couple of months. I can’t explain it, but know that Max approves. So back to this wonderful forum I ran, reading everything I can to help this beautiful boy live the longest, healthiest life I can. I really want to do this right…the training, right foods, etc…. so, therefore, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for welcoming me….and yes, I’ll be staying. I am counting on the wealth of knowledge and support that can be found here and I owe it to Max and Dylan. Thank you all.

[JudyP]

RIP Max, watch over your family...

[KatMc]

I'm so sorry for your loss of Max, it was obvious he was loved. That big guy filled your hearts and gave you all his love.

He may have led you to Dylan, so bring him up, training and raising him in honor and respect of the Rottweiler love that you have come to know.

Welcome.

Kathy

[BahCan]

Sorry to hear about your loss. I lost my boy to cancer as well and it is very difficult everyday. Like you, sometimes I am sitting there thinking about him and I'll remember something he did and it will bring a big smile to my face. They have given us memories that will last a lifetime, to be cherished forever.

[Sam's Mom]

What a wonderful tirbute to Max....a new Rottie puppy. Sounds like he's bringing doggie smiles back into your home....just like Max would want.

[lovemypuppies]

Jantea, I have been avoiding this section lately. Tonight I allowed myself one story and it was yours. I am glad I read about your Max and the new pup! It will be work but priceless joy. Don't hesitate to ask anything!

[Jantea]

Thank you all so much for caring and your encouragement! Max's 7th birthday is coming up the 17th and it's hard. Hope he gets his vanilla ice cream cone at the bridge....

I got Dylan out of the trash (grabbing paper) 3 times before I could get this typed... He was 6 months yesterday. I tried the Loose Leash Walking posted by Miabella (puppy trainig forum) AMAZING!! Worked like a charm!! Such knowledge available on this sight and I'm so thankful to you all! Janet

[spoiledbabies3]

Jantea...Welcome to the forum! There is much to read and learn...as you have recently discovered! The bridge is tough for me to read sometimes...cancer is way too prevalent in our rotties...both of my losses were types of cancer, and my old man also has cancerous tumors.

When my Sasha left for the bridge she was 7 1/2 and 2 weeks later she turned 8...she was celebrating at the bridge and her brothers and I celebrated here with cookies (she was NOT a big cake fan), party hats and we sang "Happy Birthday" as we danced around the room...as hard as it was, it was the right thing...it helped me to have peace in my heart...she was with us...I can't describe it...I just felt it...remember that when your Max has his birthday...and tell him to call Sasha...she always LOVES a good party!

I know Max sent you Dylan...because each of my rescues came to me via a furkid that had passed. Swallow up the pup with love and let your love grow...Max will always hold a piece of your heart, and he's now making room for the pup to have another. Tears flow and then smiles emerge...it allows us to go on. Treasure the memories you and Max created and know that the unconditional love is a bond that will always be present...he is in spirit now and will forever be your "rottie angel"...and that's something pretty special because "rottie angels" are awesome! You are blessed to have shared such wonderful memories...now it's time to create new ones with this little man...Dylan...Godspeed Max as you fly on your wings of gold you so richly deserve!