Thank you to everyone who has provided kind words on his memorial page and/or in a private message. Your kindness is appreciated.

Last Update: 4/12/2020

4/12/2020 - First Easter without Rudy and the first Easter to not be held at our home with the rest of the family. It's also been a month of being "safe at home". This time at home would be better with Rudy. Staying at home is making us miss Rudy even more.

1/13/20 - Rudy would be 17 years old today. Rudy loved to lick the top of the container of a Culver's concrete mixer. It was his favorite birthday treat (or anytime treat). We hope there is a Culver's where Rudy is waiting for us.

1/1/20 - First new year without Rudy (since 2004).

12/25/19 - First Christmas without Rudy. It's tough seeing other dogs with their parents. Rudy really enjoyed Christmas. He both gave gifts and received gifts. Aunt Martha once got a mouse pad with several Rudy pictures on it. Aunt Martha also gave Rudy some nice gifts of treats. Rudy wore reindeer antlers very well. Okay, they really didn't fit him unless he wore the headband around his chest. The Santa hat fit better. Christmas wish: to see Rudy again.

12/19/19 - One week since. Still can't believe Rudy isn't home with us. We call for him, leave a light on for him and think he will greet us each night after work. It sucks. Well, I posted a bit early today. Rudy's ashes are home. He deserves to have home be his final resting place.

Every day since 12/12/19 - Things are quiet. The happy noises of barking and the patter of paws are missing, but memories of Rudy will never fade.

12/12/19 - Things happened so quickly. It's too soon to tell the story. Thankfully, we did get the chance to say 'good bye' and 'I love you' to Rudy.

The many times spent with Grandma Zanon as she watched Rudy while we were on vacation - Thank you Mom! And, Rudy would say "Thank you Grandma for watching me, feeding me, cuddling with me and letting me sleep in your bed". Rudy and we always knew he was in good hands with Grandma. He showed how much he loved Grandma's cooking/baking by eating her food from the tables:). Who doesn't remember the pretzel, Rolo and M&M incident? That was probably his favorite treat. Of course, Grandma's dog, Sandy, is Rudy's best furry friend (pictures coming soon). Honestly, until Rudy and Sandy met, we didn't know Rudy would like another dog.

Any day Grandpa Zanon came over - Rudy knew grandpa had arrived once he heard "Ruuudy, Ruuudy, Ruuudy". The reaction was always the same: a quick run into the kitchen and the excited dancing and jumping to greet.

Rudy is an escape artist. How many times has he escaped a room or a backyard? Probably one too many times for some people that have had the privilege of taking care of him. Come to think of it, is there a yard he has been in that he hasn't escaped from? Uncle Sarfraz and Aunt Karen's yard, check. Grandma Zanon's yard, check. His own yard, check. He's a peacock in a dog's body and needs to fly.

Parts of Rudy's Instruction Manual - given to people who watched Rudy - 1)Tie the horses to the bench. And, always keep Rudy on a leash when he is outside. Rudy will run! 2)Close the dioramas and pull their latches over. Also, close the doors behind you or Rudy will run! 3)You may need to wrestle with Rudy. Especially when he gets the syrup in him. Careful, his bite hurts! 4)Feed Rudy 1 can of wet food per day. 1/2 can in the morning/afternoon and 1/2 can around 6-7pm. Leave dry food out in case he wants to snack. 5)If Rudy leaves a mess in the house, sorry:). 6)If you can let some sun in by leaving a shade up or curtain open, Rudy will lay in the sunny spot. Don't open the actual window. He will jump out and run! 7)Remember, 1 pill in the morning and 1 pill at night. If he has a seizure, just hold him until it passes. 8)Let Rudy come to you for a little bit. Don't let people just go up to him. He does not like strangers. 9)Rudy will sleep in your bed. Try to keep his head towards to the top. 10)Love him always.

Rudy's song - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEXeUECxN_o - Copy and paste web address - This song lets you know how Rudy felt about his human friends.

More stories coming soon.