But not shattered.
That’s what I told Lars yesterday, after we lost our dear Rousseau during surgery. Our hearts are broken, but only temporarily, because of the joy he brought to our home and our family. We will return to that joy in the form of our memories of him.
Rousseau came to us in 2005, when our friends Bob and Kay moved to Europe and couldn’t take him along. They’d adopted him as a two-year-old, from the local animal shelter.
At first, I was adamant against taking him: No dog hair in my house! The Thriller was bummed. But then we kept him for a weekend, and it was all over. It took Rousseau about five minutes to win me over, and he came to stay soon after. What I wouldn’t give to see those tumbleweeds of hair in the corners this morning…
A part of me died with him yesterday, and I was happy to lose it. He was the best companion anyone could ever want.
He had no bad habits. Zero. He didn’t chew on furniture or shoes. He wasn’t a barker. He was indifferent to other animals (except the occasional groundhog — those got him going). Never had an accident in the house, outside of barfing a couple times. Playful, obedient, gentle, smart, affectionate, patient, cooperative and quiet: he was everything any human could have wanted in a pet, and more.
He did shed, boy howdy. But that wasn’t his fault.
I will miss seeing this face bumping up under my elbow at the computer — something he did every time he thought I needed to get up and feed him or take him out. I will miss the nights of sitting on the floor with him, with his head on my lap.
So much I’ll miss, but so much to treasure. It’s good to talk about him.
Wait for us, Rousseau. We love you always.
A very lovely tribute, sweetheart. He definitely was the perfect pet. I have a lot of fond memories of him, too. I remember house-sitting for you and Thriller. Rousseau would follow me everywhere in the house. Once I was seated on the sofa and watching the television, he would spread out over my feet and keep them warm. That always deserved a nice belly rub.
I will also miss the way he looked out the back screen door at me when I was coming up the sidewalk. He always “talked” to me until I got up on the porch. It was the sweetest thing ever!
Just wanted to say how much Rousseau touched my life. You know that I believe all animals go to Heaven. Rousseau is there waiting for all of us. We love you and miss you, sweet Pup.
I believe it too, sis, because to not believe it is to give up hope, and we refuse to do that!
I remember very well Rousseau’s “talking” to you as you came up the sidewalk — his tail going crazy all the while. He loved Aunt Mavis!
I only had the chance to meet him a couple times over the past few years, but I could tell he was a sweet, gentle soul for sure. I was a wreck all day yesterday just thinking about you both…about the loss of your 4-legged child.
As I grieved with you, Annie & Duke got a few extra pets, hugs, and treats yesterday for sure.
((BIG HUGS)) to you both!!
I am looking forward to giving them both hugs and pets when I get down there in June — I’ll have a lot of doggie hugs saved up to give away!
Love you guys — thanks for thinking of us during this really terrible time.
Linda, that was a beautiful story ,and he’s a cutie too. Your in my prayers at this sad time. Hugs to all.
Thanks, cuz — he was the most awesome friend and terrific pet. Thanks for your thoughts. Love you!
Such a pretty thing. He looks as sweet and gentle as you describe. Love the picture of him under the computer table. Peace and comfort to you in the coming days as you face your quiet house. I hope you have the opportunity for some extra hugs from the J’s!
I want to get some J-hugs as soon as possible, Lori. And some A-hugs as soon as Helen gets home with him! Thanks for your kind words. He was the absolute best, and we loved him to the moon and back.
Aww so sweet!!! He sounds just like Sasha. I am glad I got to meet him and experience his gentle soul.
XOXOXO <3
I am too, luv! I wish I could have met Sasha.