Xena R.I.P. 10/9/00-4/8/08

[Bear's mommy]

I am so sorry for your loss. I followed your posts about your girl and saw her pictures. I love the one of her jumping off the boat....such a sweet girl. She was absolutely beautiful. You are in my thoughts.

RIP Xena

[Xena's Daddy]

Thanks everybody for the kind words & support!!! It means a lot coming from fellow Rottie owners! Only you guys can TRULY understand what this must be like for us right now................

Today was a very unproductive day at work. They should give the same 3-days off as they do for Humans................I spent a good part of the day searching the internet for a suitable way to memorialize Xena. She's being cremated, so I basically needed to find an urn. But something nice, which isn't too hard to find, but I wanted to make sure it would be fitting for her to spend eternity in. That proved to be a little more difficult. I finally found something though, now I'm trying to E-mail the picture to the manufacturer. Xena's portrait will be Laser Etched onto a Red Alder Wooden Urn. The back will have a nice poem, (The Last Battle) which seemed to be very fitting for our situation. It will arrive sometime AFTER Xena gets home, but that's the only way to do this right. They send the cremains home in a decorative tin, so that's where she'll be for the first week or two..........whatever it takes!!

Coming home tonight was very different, which I think goes without saying. There is an eerie emptiness in my house. It's almost 'quieter' somehow (?) I mean, aside from the obvious lack of the enthusiastic greeting, if she were laying down, it should be the same level of quiet, no? But this just feels 'different'. It's almost like her absense carries through the home in an invisible way. Like I can just 'feel' that she's not here. I'm actually not looking around for her or anything, or expecting her to come down the hallway.......it is just so obvious that she's no longer with me.

Yesterday, whenI got home from the Vet's office, the strangest thing happened........I was looking out the sliding glass doors to the backyard when I noticed something I could not remember ever seeing before; There was a squirrel sitting about 4-feet from the door. Next to him was a bird. Could they 'tell' somehow that she wasn't here anymore??? It was only a 1/2 hour ago.....I went to the front door next, and there was another squirrel sitting right on my front stoop, (18" from the door) looking in at me while eating an acorn!! Now I suppose you could say that it's because of the lack the mighty bark from a big black & tan dog. That was my first guess. But then I realized..........I've NEVER seen this before. Not even when she's sleeping, or laying around, or in a different room.......just never!! Weird..........

Anyway, I'll keep checking back.........I'll probably need the therapy~
MK

Xena 10/9/00-4/8/08

[gretapup]

You said it so clearly...there is a palpable emptiness in the house. There are few animals that exude such a powerful presence that when they are gone it is a physical sense of quiet and loss. Rotties are so special and we are lucky to have them in our lives. I still look for Greta 3 weeks later, but in the same moment have the realization that she isn't going to come bounding over.
Thank you for the urn suggestion. I haven't yet looked for something else to put her ashes in. She is in a wooden box right now but want something special.
My thoughts and tears are with you. She is running free and waiting for you.

[twomanydogs]

I am so very sorry for you...

[Debbie Ervin]

Mike aside from the urn which I have for both my boys, you could go on the rottweiler health network and tell Xenas brave story. I have done that for both my boys and if you do you will see both their stories and many more of brave rottweilers battling cancer and many other diseases. Thor and Ceasars story are on there. The site is Rottweiler Health Foundation and it is another site that will help you. Sincerely, Debbie E.

[Inga]

I am so sorry for your loss. I wish there were words to help take away the pain but we all know there are none. God Bless you during this difficult time in your life. Rest in Peace Xena.

[rottnkidd]

Mike - I am sorry for your loss. May knowing that you have released Xena from that awful disease offer you some comfort. Although she is no longer with you in the physical sense, she will always be alive in the fond memories you have of her. RIP Xena.
kathy

[Bucky's Mom]

I have followed your story - I am so sorry for your loss

[abbiesdogs]

I have also followed your story, just seen pics of Xena she was a beautiful girl, I'm so sorry for your loss. Abbie

[webangel2b]

RIP dear Xena you're love.

She's waiting on you, most happy that you allowed her all the dignity in the world in her final hours.

I know what you mean about a sudden peacefulness on their faces, our ole lady Jesse did the same thing.

Much love to you, until you meet up with Xena again.

[jonesjoyful]

I, too, have been following your story and I am saddened to see the day did come...We all know Xena is no longer in pain and I am so amazed at how she let you know when the time was right...That was a blessing!!!!!

[Weily4Life]

Mike, I am sorry for your loss.

RIP Sweet, Sweet Xena

[Sam's Mom]

Even though you knew this day was looming...it is still so very difficult when that day actually comes. Way too many of us here have walked your path and understand. My condolences to you in your time of grief and sorrow.
RIP sweet girl...your love and devotion forever a treasure in the hearts of all whose life you touched...the pain of this world is over.

[Kev]

I am so sorry for your loss. As with many on this forum, I too have been through the loss of a special Rottie. As with Marley, Xena is at peace now. What a wonderful day it will be when we see all our rottie friends at the bridge running and playing with each other. Thank you Mike for showing Xena the selfless love and allowing her to be restored to youth and health.

My thoughts are with you

[MonicaBH]

I as well have been following Xena's story, and my eyes teared up when I read this.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Thank you for being such a great owner to a beautiful dog.

:hugs: