The celebration was topped off by the "Rainbow Bridge," a fabulous slide show created by Daddy and a delicious cake. Our friend Kathy made it. Everyone loved it. I included a picture so you can see it.
On July 9, 2004 a little spark plug bounced
into our life, infusing it with energy, joy, optimism and love. One of his first experiences was being met at
the door by Dexter’s big head. He
squealed and then jumped into the house with his little puppy bark, as if to
say, “Hi! I’m Rudy. Here I am!”
And was he ever. From that moment
on he owned us and that was just fine.
It was his little world, and we were happy to be part of it.
It had been a sad time, we had just lost our
little guy Dito and the house lacked energy.
Rudy fixed that. It took Kirby,
Dexter, Wayne and me to keep up with him.
Sometimes that wasn’t enough. The
four of us needed to sit on the couch in the living room while Rudy ran around
in circles. Wayne and I laughed. Kirby and Dexter looked at each other,
thinking, “He’s crazy!”
Not being able to have human children because
of my diabetes, we’ve grown especially attached to our puppies. They’re our furry children. Rudy was our little boy, he was my baby. He knew I needed him. When we brought him home from Monticello; we
had a box with a little bed in it, in case he was tired. Rudy never used it. He rode in the palm of my hand; balancing his
two tiny paws on my index finger all the way home.
Rudy let me comfort him, care for him and
cradle him in my arms while I sang his favorite songs. When he was scared, he jumped into my lap for
comfort. One of Rudy’s favorite spots
was in my lap. When I cried, he licked
my tears. When I laughed, he
danced. When Rudy danced, I laughed. The two of us were like one. We were a lot alike. Both small, both kind of runts in fact. We’re always curious – always wanting to know
what’s going on. Rudy followed us
everywhere – kitchen, bathroom, upstairs and down, inside and out. Rudy was right there watching in case we
needed help.
Rudy let me take care of him when he was
sick, but he also took care of me. He
was there through a lot of tough times.
Rudy always slept right next to me on my pillow, his head on mine. When he thought I needed a pick me up, he
jumped on me, wrapped his little paws around my neck and put his head on my
chest to hear my heart beat. His
positive energy was my motivation and joy.
He was my voice. Because of Rudy,
I started writing. Rudy was my whole
life.
Rudy cared so much about everyone. He loved his older brothers, adored his
younger brother Boomer! He idolized his
Daddy. Rudy made sure everyone was all
right, checking up on us often.
Rudy filled our hearts, our minds, our souls
with cherished memories. He touched many
people and puppies. He entertained and
comforted them. He truly believed he was
responsible for everyone and everything.
Rudy was a tough little guy with a big heart. He left us far too early, and I don’t know
why. I believe everything happens for a
reason, but this time I’m confused. I’m
lost. Maybe I’ll figure it out. It might not be until the day when Rudy and I
are together again and he tells me.
Right now he is in heaven taking care of his
big brothers. I know he is watching over
us too, making sure we’re all right.
That’s Rudy, that’s our little boy, that’s my baby.
I thought I was taking care of him, when actually he’s
been taking care of me. I miss you Rudy
and I will always love you with all my heart.
Well, not all my heart because you took a big piece of it with you. I know you’ll give it back when we see each
other again.
