WHISKER WALK 2024
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Whisker Walk Team Rosie Over the Rainbow Bridge
Over 2 1/2 years ago, I saw this beautiful face on BEAR's website. Her name was Ms. Special, aka Rosie. I couldn't believe my eyes. That smile, the love, the compassion, the unconditional love pouring out in a picture. How can one Akita capture my heart so. But it did!!! I watched the videos and was in awe at the pure love and energy. I knew Rosie was perfect for me. I called Jo to meet some Akitas, because that's what I do. We saved Rosie for last. There she was, her energy and love touched my heart and soul from the moment I met her. When I left that day, Matt said, "Ilene is taking Rosie home!" I went back to BEAR 3 more times to bond with this magnificent Akita who came from a Lancaster Puppy Mill. They just threw her away since they were done with her and on to Goldens. Well.... I was the lucky one and I suppose she was too.
On the way home, she threw up in my car and well... the bonding began. I had to wash her up and dry her and love her. She was so patient and sweet. I hugged her, told her she was the best girl ever and kissed that face with pure love I never felt before.
Rosie became very comfortable in her new home. I crated her for one day while I was out, came out to a quiet girl. I realized NO crate for Rosie. He was perfect in her home. Our first walk was beautiful because I taught her how to follow me. What a smart girl learning so quickly. She was a joy to walk. I was infatuated with her ZOOMIES! She just twirled around herself with such happiness making me such a proud MAMA.
Rosie loved her meals, loved my meals LOL, and loved to train for her treats. She was perfect!!!
I miss coming into the house with her wagging tail waiting for her string cheese and following me all over the house. Rosie never ever let me out of her site. I mean NEVER!!! And I LOVED it!!! It didn't matter how many times I walked up the stairs, she followed me. When she Began to lose her hearing and couldn't see me, I'd come around to her and put my arms out. The happiness was infectious. And then there was my nose reconstruction. She took such good care of me, my little Nurse Rosie. And then my finger surgery. Again, my little Nurse Rosie. Our bond was like no other.
Another year went by before I had my major back surgery. A couple months before, Rosie's appetite started changing. She didn't want to eat her regular food. I bought anything she would eat. Salmon burgers without any other ingredients, broiled fish for the both of us, the best roasted chicken.
I would walk her with my back pain, because I knew she loved them. After my surgery on October 9th, she threw up this yellow yucky stuff and took her to Ft. Washington Vets. Her bladder was so full, but underneath that was a swollen stomach, not bloat. November 9th was her stomach surgery, not a fun event for the both of us. I had a wonderful, neighbor, caregiver and 2 dog walkers to help me. I felt helpless that I wasn't able to be 100% for her. Rosie did come through this and thought we were out of the woods. But her bladder wouldn't express. She wouldn't let me, I had her catheterized 4x, but that didn't help. Rosie would go outside 15-20 times a day to try and pee, but nothing. N o accidents in the house, no leaking , just a flaccid bladder that wouldn't give. She was in Hospice Care with Laps of Love. I called them because I couldn't watch her suffer. she stopped eating or just ate baby food or anything that she enjoyed which was basically nothing. I waited the weekend at the end of January. January 29th was the worst day of my life EVER!! Rosie was so tired, I was so tired. This was the most difficult decision, since I thought I'd have more time with the LOVE OF MY LIFE!!!
At 6:30pm on January 29th, 2024 I sent the love of my life, my heart, Over the Rainbow Bridge.
I cry everyday losing my girl. I never needed Pet Loss Group until Rosie. I still go to talk about her, where people are kind, not judgmental and just so supportive. I carry he pillow abound that Marianne Kraft bought me, I sleep with her.
I love you my dear Rosie. No other dog will take your place. You were truly Ms Special!!! [😘] [💝] Thank you to JoAnn and Matt and BEAR for allowing me to have wonderful senior years with Rosie