I first met Zena a full blooded rottie about 4 years ago. She belonged to the couple across the street. They were non to stable. They fought day and night. The lady began coming over to ask us for things and when we could we would try to help them. When ever I would go over to their gate Zena would growl at me. She was always on a chain. When ever she got off of it she would run away. Who could blame her though. She very seldom had a kind word said to her. Her eyes were a mess, and she was so thin you could read a book through her. I have a rottie of my own who weights in at 125, Zena weighted about 50 soaking wet. I started going over everyday and taking her doggie cookies. She stopped growling at me and even started to wag her butt. I fell in love with her more and more each day. I wanted to bring her home with me but I knew they would never let me have her. So I had to love her from afar. She loved me to. When I got sick and ended up in in the hospital for 3 weeks I worried that no one would care for her. I got better and started to visit her again. She was so happy to see me back. After filing for divorce the lady ran the man off and for about 6 months my husband bought all of Zena's food. Zena's life did not get any better. Then the judge ordered the lady out of the house. She asked me to feed Zena while she was away. The husband was nowhere to be seen, but the house was his and so she had to get out. I told her I would and so Zena and I began to have these talks. Well I talked while she coughed or ate her food. One day I told her of a place called Rainbow Bridge. I told her that one day she would get to go there and how happy she would be. I told her of the warm sun and cool breeze. How there would always be food to eat and a friend to play with. I told her that she would even get a good scratch on the head. Or if she was like my rottie a good scratch on the butt. I wanted to bring her home with me but with the 4 we already had and my health going down I could not care for her the way she needed to be cared for. On Friday 13th I went and fed her early that morning. She ate her food and I talked to her for a moment. I was having a really bad day so I went home to lay down, but not before telling her "Aunt Suzanne Loves You. You be a good girl. I see You Later." At around 3;30 I went back over to give her cool water and her supper. As I opened the gate I called her name and got no responce which is nothing unusual because if it is hot she likes to stay in her dog house. Then I saw the blood. As I stepped around the bushes I saw her laying there with blood around her head. My beautiful Zena was dead. I began to cry out her name. I remember say "Oh Zena baby no". I went home to call my husband at work and he came home. He loved her to. Together we buried Zena in the coulpes back yard. I placed a rose on her grave. I asked God if he would grant me the honor and allow me to escort Zena into heaven when my time comes. As we were walking back home Lucy the pit form next door was at the gate looking for Zena. I told her Zena had gone to rainbow bridge and she just put her head down and sadly went home. The next day the weather was awful. My husband left for work and I began to think about the talk Zena and I had had about rainbow bridge the day before she died. My husband called me to tell me that there was the most beautiful rainbow he had ever seen going all the way across the interstate. He told me Zena was happy and that was her way of saying thank you for loving me.
No Zena was never mine but in my heart she was, and always will be. I am not sure what killed Zena but I think maybe heartworms. Zena was only 5 years old.

Zena baby I am so sorry I was not there when you needed me the most. I pray God sent his Angles to be with you in your final moments. I am so sorry I could not bring you into my home. I did the best I could for you. I love you. You be a good girl. I see you later.