Rudy

Rudy.  He's my dog.  He has been my dog for almost 16 years.   He came before children.  If you have owned a dog and then had children you know how drastic that change is.  Especially for the dog.  Rudy was bought when I was with my first husband.  We didn't have the money to pay rent.  Yet I saw and ad for chihuahua puppies.   That's all it took.  We brought him home, named him Rudy, and he became our first baby.   And this is his tribute.                                                

You got all the love and attention you desired.  Starting that first night.

We did everything new parents did.  

We bought you clothes....

 Took you swimming...

 Took you everywhere actually...

 Even trick or treating....

 And then, like many other people, we had a baby.  But you were very much a part of those moments.  We introduced you to your new sister and made sure you would be friends.  And you were.

 You even became the Christmas Card.  Our two children....

 The moment my marriage was over, I knew I was walking away with two things.  My daughter.  And you.  And that''s what I did.  It was just the three of us for a while.  In fact, my daughter's first sentence was "Top it Udy" or "Stop it Rudy" to everyone else.

 Eventually the heart heals and love came again.  And you, in your loyal way, accepted a new man.  

 And our family of three became a family of four.

 And eventually the family grew again.  I'm not sure we introduced you to the new baby....and our daughter got her "real" brother that day....

Yet - you found a way to make it into the pictures and moments.  Even if we didn't intend you to be there.

Through all the moves and the changes, you were always loyal and patient.  And a friend to all.

When the third baby came home - I don't remember where you were.

 Life became very busy.  And you put up with it all.  The crazy toddlers, the crying babies, the birthday parties, the play groups, the moves.  You lived in 10 places with me.  You rode from California to Indiana on my lap.  You were a constant in our lives.  And now we are faced with the truth that it's time to let you go.  After 16 years how do we just let you out of our lives?
In two days I will drive you to the vet for the very last time.  And I promise to sit with you and hold you until the very end.  Because that's the least I can do.
We thank you for sharing these years with us.  We thank you for being the loyal companion throughout these times.  We will remember you always.

Our Rudy, in his favorite spot.