Today would have been the 13th anniversary of Rudy's gotcha day had he lived.
I can actually type the above sentence and read it without breaking down. It took me a long time to come to terms with Rudy's passing. For quite some time, I was convinced that if any dog could work his way back from Rainbow Bridge, it would be Rudy. I now know that is not going to happen. In some ways, I was angry...angry that Jessica would not have any conscious memories of him. I also thought that Rudy might be able to conjure up a small miracle for Jessica the same way he did for her cousin Sarah. That, too was not meant to be. Even now, when I see Jessica trying to play with Max, I wonder how Rudy would have handled that situation. He adored her and let her do things to him that no one else (except perhaps me) could get away with. Then, of course, there was the heartbreak of loss. Rudy had been with me for virtually my entire adult life. His loyalty was unquestioned. Suddenly, the world seemed empty without him.
With the benefit of hindsight, I am now pretty well convinced that Rudy knew his time was coming. There were changes in his behavior that I attributed to old age. He began chewing on things like furniture again...something he hadn't done since he was a puppy. Rudy also began sleeping out on the couch instead of wanting to be in the big bed. That alone should have set off a warning bell. When we got to about an hour before dawn, Rudy would rejoin us. I am also fairly certain that Max knew that something was wrong. There was comparatively little mourning from Max after Rudy's passing...almost like he knew that Rudy's passing was already a foregone conclusion.
If there is a bright side to this it is that Max finally is receiving complete and undivided attention, and he has risen to it. Max has spent most of his life sharing the spotlight, with three cats with his original owners. With me he had to share with Rudy and later Rusty. Max was always the #2 dog. It was always "Rudy & Max". As Max steadily closes in on his 17th birthday, we know that time is not on his side either. However, I think we can find quite a bit of solace in the longetivity he has had when the day he goes to the Bridge finally comes.
So, to Rudy, wherever you are. Happy gotcha day, buddy. Until we meet again...
I am so so sorry for your loss. Your post left me in tears, as I know how hard it is to lose a fur child. Sounds like Rudy was an amazing pupper and you were BOTH blessed to have eachother. My thoughts are with you on this rough day. Snuggle up to Max, he will help you through. :heart:
Wow what a great story I remember reading about him also. This brought tears to my eyes. What a nice memorial to him.
I will always remember your wonderful and funny stories about Rudy and he'll always have a piece of my heart, just like all the wieners here in my dachshund family.
Happy gatcha day Rudy, where ever you are!!!
You stay in our :heart: :heart:
roberta
Sending happy gotcha day rays to you and to Rudy at the Bridge. Rudy was a remarkable little dog. While he wasn't always and easy dog to manage, he had a way of working himself into your heart. Kevin and I considered Rudy a friend, and we will be thinking of you guys. Give Max a cuddle from us--he's very special, too.
David, I am new, and I don't know you, but THANK YOU. Thank you for your memories of Rudy and thank you so much for what you wrote. I think you have touched more hearts with your sincerity than you will ever know. Rudy's legacy lives on in you. I send my love and kisses to Max.
I am so Sorry to hear about Rudy. It is hard to let go of our babies, even when we know the time is near. I know Rudy is full of vim and vigor, running and playing with all the Dachsie :angel4: that passed before him. Waiting for the day he will be joined with you again.
:grouphug2: for you!
That is a very touching tribute to Rudy. Happy Gotcha Day indeed! :grouphug: to you, Margie and Jessica. Belly rubs to Max.
Your loving memories of your boy always bring tears to my eyes - today is no different. I feel sure Rudy is up there telling them all what for.....and watching over his family down here. He was a special boy.
You were so lucky to be owned by a little guy like Rudy. The loss is difficult; but, you had your time. And he had his...
Now Rudy is enjoying chasing squirrels, sunbaths, angel grooming and dinners that never make him fat.
Enjoy Max. You are right that his time is limited...as is all of us.
Dianne
Mom to Cocoa, age 14 and Patches, age 9.
I'm sorry David. I forgot that our Rudys had the same gotcha day. You and your Rudy definitely had a special bond and we could all see it and almost feel a part of it through your posts. We'll always honor the memories of Rudy C. right along with you.
(((((hugs))))) to the whole C. Family.
Clifford's Gotcha Day is tomorrow. He came to live with me on Thanksgiving Day. This year in addition to being thankful for my own little furkid, I want to thank you for sharing your stories and remembrances of Rudy (and Rusty before him). You have a wonderful way with words and I feel I got to know Rudy personally from reading about him for the past 5 years.
I'm sure as Jessica grows you and Marge will tell her stories of the little dog that loved her. This will keep him with you and family for many years to come.
However long you have them, it's never long enough. But he left knowing he was greatly loved, which isn't a bad way to go. Thanks for sharing Rudy's story, and hugs to Max. :heart:
Thanks so much for sharing Rudy's story with us. Run free, Rudy boy!
I'm sorry I didn't have the chance to know Rudy, he sounds like he was a perfect loving companion. I know he is running free at the Bridge waiting for you. :grouphug2:
Well, I am dripping tears on the keyboard! This was eloquently put, David! I know what you mean about it being hard to write about! I still find it hard at times to talk or write about my dachsie-angels. Like you, I am saddened that Jessica will not have conscious memories of Rudy. I feel privileged to know of him through the Internet. Have you got Rudy pictures we have not seen for a while, or some we have never seen?