Our Sweet Rowdy Hank

In May we found out our sweet Rowdy had Leukemia.  Even with chemotherapy it would have added only 6-12 months to his life.  Jerry and I have always said that quality of life in our number one priority.  Throughout the entire process we always kept that in mind. 

We decided to put Rowdy on a steroid and have him live the rest on his life in peace.  The steroid was given to Rowdy twice a day along with dog food, canned dog food, and baked chicken.  There were some days I felt like Rowdy ate better than I did. 

I can't even begin to tell you what a wonderful dog Rowdy was.  He was sweet, kind, smart, and loyal.  I could always count on him to snuggle on the couch with me.  After a long day at work, seeing Rowdy jump so high his head was at the top of the door couldn't help but make me smile.  He loved Jerry, Reagan, Lucy and I with all of this heart.  If he wasn't in our bed he would be near the door always ready to protect us.  He was such a great dog. 

 

I remember when I was on bed rest and even after I had Reagan, he would follow me everywhere.  These are a couple of my favorite pictures.  It's typical Rowdy. 

 Lucy and him were best friends too.  They always got along and loved playing with each other. 

Rowdy was also an avid Ranger's fan.  He loved going to the Ballpark and watching the games with us. 

 Rowdy also loved (tolerated) dressing up :)

 

We decided it was time on Monday, July 21.  To say is was hard would be a huge understatement.  It was painful, but we knew it was the right thing to do. 

 

On our way to the vet we stopped and had some yummy ice cream.  He really enjoyed it!

The staff at Arkansas and Browning Animal Clinic were so kind.  They were just as sad as we were.  When we went on trips we would board Rowdy, so they got to know him really well.  We were so surprised to receive a beautiful bouquet of flowers from them this past week.  That clinic is amazing!  I highly recommend them.

 

Rowdy,

 

I love you so much and I miss you everyday.  I miss opening my eyes in the morning and seeing your wet nose right in my face.  I miss our snuggle time on the couch.  I miss everything about you.  We couldn't have asked for a better puppy dog.  I'm grateful to be your human and I know you are in heaven chasing tennis balls and eating ice cream.  I love you and I know we will see each other again someday.