by NEIL COWOOD
This is to the memory of Rudie and Magdie, our two girls who are missed more than words can say.
In the summer Rudie, my seven and a half year old Rottweiller bitch
was diagnosed with bone cancer on her front right leg. The vet said
they could remove the leg but there was still a chance that the cancer
could return. I knew Rudie could cope on 3 legs, she would still have
a brilliant life full of love and happines, so the operation went ahead.
I could'nt believe how well she coped. Within weeks she was actually
running after the squirrels up in the trees. She could get on and off
the sofa just like before and with a course of chemotherapy we had the
best summer.
Until one weekend in late september when her back legs slowly gave in.
We took her back to the vets on the monday as she really could'nt stand up on her own and I think the vet knew straight away that she had a problem with her back.
They xrayed her and found another large tumour in her lungs and I had
the choice of letting her go there and then without bringing her round. This hurt more than I can ever explain, my brave, beautiful
Rudie was gone.
My girlfreind Claire had 2 dogs of her own that lived with her mum,
Lucy and Magdie. They were a bit too much for Claire's mum to cope
with so Magdie came to live with us shortly after we lost Rudie.
She was a rescued cross breed, but the cutest little dog ever. She
settled in straight away and helped us in so many ways to cope with
our loss.
Magdie was a slightly nervous little dog, who did'nt have a bad bone
in her body and just loved to go for a walk, she loved to sit with Claire or go out the back and woof at people going past our gate. She was turning into a real star, learning how to enjoy herself and learning how to behave properly. She still barked like mad at the young lad next door but she always barked at him.
We still had room in our lives and hearts for another dog and when the
chance of owning a little rottie pup came along we jumped at it and
about 10 days ago we got little Jess, the perfect partner for Magdie
and our lives were near enough complete.
Magdie was'nt bothered at all by Jess, except when she nipped her legs
or her tail, but she knew you had to be tolerante with a puppy.
We dont' know how it happened, I dont' suppose we ever will but some
how, on monday Dec 11th we lost little Madgie. Somehow she had got out
the back and had been knocked down by a car and that was it, she was
gone.
Claire was devastated, she still is. Not only had we lost Rudie in
the summer but we had now lost her Madgie aswell. It was just so unfair, Magdie was too young to go so soon and to have her one second and loose her the next is unbearable.
We miss them both so much and think of them everyday. Having a new
bundle of mischief in our lives with Jess the pup helps ease the pain
for us and the thought that Rudie and Magdie are looking after each
other now helps us carry on but it's hard when part of you just is'nt
there anymore.
One day we hope to own our own kennels and help pooches in some way.
We owe so much to these 4 legged friends and although it hurts so much
when we loose them we could'nt imagine life without them.
We miss you both
We love you both
You'll always be in our hearts
Neil & Claire
xx