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THE RAINBOW BRIDGEJust this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together. ~Author Unknown See our article on grief and the loss of a pet. Storm and Diane, Founder of NCRR. Storm is the reason why NCRR exists today. Her memory lives on in every dog NCRR saves. Storm went to the Rainbow Bridge on December 27, 2002 at 4 am. Storm was taken away by Lymphoma. I miss her so much and can't wait to join her.
Callie was pulled from the kill shelter she was in with what was thought was a broken leg. Callie was put to sleep due to a very aggressive form of bone cancer. Amputation was not an option. I am sorry Callie didn't get a second chance.
Serena
Puffy Scrappy Cisco Salty
In 1999 Klyde and I moved from NJ to GA. Within a few years we went to basic obedience training and was rewarded the CGC and then evaluated by Delta Society to be a therapy dog at the hospital I work for. Klyde was a welcomed volunteer and member to the staff. He would work with patients that had head injuries, strokes and were re-learning their motor skills. He would let the patients pet him, brush him, play ball or walk down the hallway with the patient. Rough life, huh? Klyde's favorite was to visit with the oncology patients. He would get up on the bed and give the patient lots of sloppy wet kisses of love. After his job was done the staff would give him his reward, a cup of vanilla ice cream. Klyde retired from seeing patients in 2005 but continued to go and visit his the staff. He was famous for "Rudolph the Red Nose Rottweiler" (he would wear antlers, bells, etc.) and Peter Cotton Klyde (he would wear bunny ears and a loofah on his stub). In October, 2007 by roommate encouraged me to get another Rott. She found NCRR and Sheba's puppies. On November 11, 2007 I adopted Klyde's little brother, Sir Lucas Colin Reu de Pote. Little Luke for short. It has been a true blessing for Luke to be part of Klyde's life even for such a short period of time. You can see the simple things that Klyde has taught Luke because they are behaviors you would not think that a Rottweiler or any dog would do. Little Luke is in training and will be the next therapy dog for the hospital. In May, 2007 Klyde was diagnosed with cancer. When the local community found out Klyde got a tremendous amount of support, love and visits from my church, hospital staff and families that had remembered seeing Klyde in the hospital. The hospice department of the hospital, which I used to work with, helped me provide hospice at home for Klyde until I had to make the dreaded decision to put him down. The kind of cancer was a bleeding out type and that would be the way he would pass. Klyde deserved better than that. With people that loved him and me singing to him the song I have sang to him for years by Chicago, "You are my love and my life" my furry son died in my arms. Klyde will always be part of who I am today and I can not wait to be able to join him once again at Rainbow Bridge.
Judith, Gracie, Lucky-The Old Man, Harry Brown-The Guardboy, Buttons-The Rottie Who Finds Joy in Everything
Our memories of him are of this 125 lbs gentle giant. Able and willing to give my five year old daughter a ride on his back and doing so with pleasure. His love of taking my son's basketballs and somehow finding a way to puncture all of them for his own pure fun. How he got under the kids trampolene and barked and growled while they jumped. How he greeted people by pushing his way between their legs. (It worked everytime). The way he grumbled when we pet him and how he always used those huge paws to rattle his food bowl when it was time to eat. How he grabbed his leash and told us he wanted to go for a walk. How he would sneak sleathly in the middle of the night onto our bed and we never felt a thing till we tried to move our legs and then growl at us when we asked him to get down! How many times he sent some of his four legged friends to the vets because they looked at him wrong . He wasn't perfect, he was just ROCKY. We miss his big head and strong presense tremendously and have so many memories to keep his spirit alive. He was another great example of the Rottweiler breed. A LOYAL FRIEND till the end. He's romping over us now and stirring up trouble till we join him. Behave yourself big guy till we meet again. Kari ~ Alyssa ~ Tristen
Lyme Disease and Heartworm Disease is preventable. No dog should ever die from Lyme Disease or Heartworm Disease when properly cared for. It is believed Dink contracted lyme disease and heartworm disease prior to being taken in by “Daddy”. For more information on Lyme Disease click here and for more information on Heartworm Disease click here.
Omar Meisha Bruno Storm Williams
Friday Friday -- Affectionately called "Brody" by his family. Brody, We love and miss you Brody, In memory of Tasha who had to wait 10 years to find someone to love her, but we made up for lost time. Scarnato Family Tonka died on Labor Day evening 2006. At approx. 9 years old, he survived heartworms his entire life and pneumonia and was beginning to flourish into such a beautiful boy until he was taken by bloat. He was a great ambassador for the Rottweiler breed. He was friendly to everyone (except for the doctor!!). The smallest poodle or child could run up and jump on him and he did not care. He loved children and adored his family. At Rainbow Bridge, he is back to his magnificent self -- big, broad head and a cuddle bear body that feels no more pain. "Have fun chasing squirrels, Tonka, until we meet again!" Elaine R. NCRR said good bye to a dear friend today. Donte has gone to the Rainbow Bridge to meet all the other wonderful companions waiting for their people. Donte will be missed by many people. In memory of Sasha Kershaw (tripod) lost to cancer in December 2003 at age 8.5. Sasha was the lover of all and loved by all. Her mommy's name is Margie Weber In Honor of Mary Girl. She was given a second chance at life when Diane took her in and named her Mama due to her obvious then recent motherhood. Mary bore scars on her back and nose from her previous life. She was a big girl with a huge block head, a feisty disposition and a sassy walk. Mary wanted a home where she could be queen of the big dogs and ruled her two German Sheperd bothers with an iron paw. She guarded Diane when living with her at the Rescue, and she guarded our family, too, when she settled in and realized she was here for keeps. When at the vet’s office she was always a compliant and very well behaved girl; even at the end when she was in great pain and could barely move. I will always admire Mary for her attitude in life—she had obviously been kicked and beaten, but that did not break her. She adjusted her attitude and would not allow anyone to treat her that way again. Once she settled into our family, Mary displayed great affection and unquestioning loyalty. We are grateful to Diane for giving us the 3 years we had with Mary. To me Mary is a prime example of what a Rottweiler is—a respectful, obedient, loyal, intelligent, affectionate being who needs to know they are loved and needed. Mary died in the hospital in Cary, NC August 8, 2003 from complications after knee surgery. She is remembered and missed by all of us who knew and loved her. Judith Hunt (2005) In memory of Capone, our beloved rottweiler who went to the Rainbow Bridge in November 2003 and in honor of Merlin, the newest member of our family. We already love you to Pieces. Amy and Michael (2005) A donation was made by Judith Hunt in honor of Buttons and in memory of Dolly and Mary. (2005) A donation was made in memory of Susie Fabbeo. Sugar, who was a adopted from NCRR was Susie's companion while staying with her daughter in Raleigh. Although Ruby was already 5 years old once she entered NCRR as a foster, she did not actually start living until November 3, 2004, when a special angel Donna drove from Massachusetts to Raleigh. Donna saw Ruby's picture and story on our website, and she opened her heart and her home to Sweet Ruby. Although Ruby had been through such terrible times, she never forgot how to love or to trust, her and Donna formed an instant bond. Ruby was sweet, loving, and courageous, and I was so blessed to have met her and Donna. I Love you and I miss you Sweet Ruby Girl. Aunt Jen Jett never found his forever loving home. He died of Cancer at his foster mom's home. He was a sweet boy that waited very patiently for his forever home up until the day he died. He was cared for by Diane Sacripanti. A donation was made in memory of Jake who left us all too soon (aka Mr. Peepers) by Diane Sacripanti, who loved him very much. Jake went to the Rainbow Bridge on Sat, April 9, 2005 Rocco, we miss you! Hopefully you and Stormy are keeping each other company. Diane and Philip Miracle was rescued by NCRR from a local shelter. We were blessed to spend a few precious months with her before she went to the Rainbow Bridge. Miracle was one of 10 Female Rottweilers in the US that had a rare neurological disease. She was 7 months old when she went to the Rainbow Bridge. (2004) 2004-A donation was made in memory of Bernard Larenzo, Carolyn Latta's father who passed away. Gigi passed away of cancer before she could find her forever home. Gigi was cared for by Diane Sacripanti. Sheba lost her courageous battle with lymphoma June 15, 2005. She will be missed by Kris and Jordyn and NCRR.
This is what NCRR would have put on his bio had he lived long enough to be put on the Available Companions Page. Rockie is a special guy that really deserves a second chance at life. He will steal your heart the minute you meet him, with his sad eyes and rottie kisses. The man that had Rockie contacted rescue, but before I was able to return his call, Rockie found himself in a shelter, a kill shelter that uses gas to kill animals. I immediately called this shelter to arrange for a meeting with Rockie, but was told he was under a 7 day quarantine just in case the owners show up. The quarantine ended on Tuesday morning, so we arranged to go to the shelter then. The sad reality, was something that I did not realize, Rockie's life was scheduled to end on Tuesday morning, but luckily the shelter attendant knew I was coming. The shelter attendant told me that he was so sweet that he just could not kill him, but he would have to if our rescue did not take him within 72 hours. We then got in the car, started driving up the road and I made some phone calls, to see if I could find him a foster home in time. Instead we got about two blocks up from the shelter and turned around, somehow we would make this work, this special guy would not, could not spend another 5 minutes in the shelter. My parents who are visiting from New Jersey are sponsoring his medical care. Please find it within yourself to help me, find this special little guy a foster home. Can you look into those sad eyes and tell me that you just don't have any room for him? Gonzo has gone to the Rainbow Bridge. We are sorry he did not get a chance to find his forever home but he was loved by many. Gonzo was a silly boy that could make anyone laugh. He will be missed by NCRR. A donation was made in memory of Bull. He was the beloved pet of our next door neighbors Jim and Karen Taylor. Harriett and Jame Lail Hope Eichberger The Story of Hope We spent two years battling cancer. We removed several malignant mammary tumors and even removed a large osteosarcoma from her sternum. Unfortunately, as so many dog lovers have come to realize, there is no cure for canine cancer. Five months of chemotherapy were unsuccessful in preventing the spread of this terrible disease. Yet through it all, Hope remained her joyful self. Through all the surgeries, all the veterinary visits, all the medication, she was simply amazing. Despite the pain she must have been experiencing, and the eventual loss of her sight at the end, she would bound around the yard, jumping in circles at the very sound of my voice. The feeling of loss was unimaginable. They say that nothing is stronger than the bond between a parent and child. I have personally never experienced that relationship, and perhaps never will, but if it is stronger than that which I have just lost, I am not sure I can handle it. I have often said that she was essentially my daughter, emotionally and, dare I say spiritually, if not physically. For me she exemplified everything that was great in the world, as well as everything that was wrong with it. A gentle giant living in a world that does not understand unconditional love and too rarely exhibits kindness or fairness. Bringing Hope to Others Unconditional Love However, the love a dog possesses for its "owner" is without condition. Once that trust is established, there is nothing that a person can do to break the love. A dog that is under the "care" of an abusive person will often respond to such abuse by cowering away and looking with sorrowful eyes as if to ask, "What did I do? Whatever it was, I am sorry. Please forgive me and love me." To these creatures, the human caregiver is faultlesssometimes to their detriment. My wife and I will continue to take in those animals in need of a loving home. We currently have three rescued dogs, two rescued cats, and a rescued horse. We are currently working with our local shelter to adopt one, possibly two more dogs and probably a couple additional cats. We will certainly be put through this emotional roller-coaster many times in our lives as we watch pass on those who have filled our hearts with such love. Does it hurt? More than I ever imagined possible. Is it worth it? Without a doubt. I invite you to visit the North Carolina Rottweiler Rescue at ncrottierescue.net. On the home page, there is a photo of Hope when she was first brought to the rescue: emaciated, terrified and in desperate need of love. On the memorial page is a photo I took of her, showing the smile that will forever dominate my memories. Look into her eyes and tell me if it is worth it? I am a guy. As such, I take great pains to avoid emotional vulnerability. But I have opened my heart and will always dedicate my soul to these wonderful, deserving creatures. The repayment is worth every tear. This is the lesson I learned from Hope.
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Baillie gave us thirteen and half yrs of dedicated and loyal companionship. She was my first "child" so to speak. Baillie passed away at home on Sept 17th. A healthy Rottie her entire life and a gentle matriarch to all. She was especially happy when she was with my two kids, going for car rides, playing in the ocean or stealing tissue paper out the trash cans. I am forever grateful for all those years we had with her. She's up there with Rocky now and keeping him in check till we join them. Love and miss ya ole girl - Kari ~ Tim ~Tristen ~ Alyssa ~ Taz
Sir Klyde William Curt Reu went to Rainbow Bridge on May 15, 2007. Klyde was not a dog but a person on a mission in fur. Klyde was rescued from a drug bust house in June, 1996. My tenant was one of the busting officers and was wanting to keep "Duke" (his name at the time) but being the mean landlord that I was, I told him no he could not have a dog in a 3rd floor apartment with no air conditioning and him working 2-3 shifts in a row. That was when Duke became my Klyde and changed my life forever. He was sent to me by God as my black and tan angel. I was in an abusive relationship and although I rescued Klyde his rescued me right back and helped me make the necessary move from my ex-husband and never be alone. I could go on forever with stories about this amazing fur son of mine. 
We lost Rocky to cancer today Friday June 8th, 2007. We adopted him in August of '06 and had just 10 short months with him. He went to Rainbow Bridge with his head resting on his moms lap as if to say it's okay now.
Dink crossed over the Rainbow Bridge May 31, 20007. Dink’s story is a sad one. He was only 3 yrs old and died of complications from Lyme Disease and Heartworms. Dink suffered almost his entire life of abuse and torment until a kind older gentleman (Daddy) took him in. This kind man was sick and was getting sicker each day and could no longer care for Poor Dink. Dink loved his Daddy. The kind man had a friend that would come to visit everyday and care for Dink. He became Dink’s caretaker. While waiting for a foster home Dink got sick and was taken to the vet and diagnosed with heartworms and lyme disease. Dink’s caretaker got him medicine for the lyme disease and started Dink’s heartworm treatment. Dink didn’t make it. 
Poor Boy is another sad statistic. He has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. NCRR wanted to help him but he was so sick from Heartworms complicated by Congestive Heart Failure that he wasn’t sociable. He was so sick he didn’t want anyone near him. He was a owner dump at a shelter. He was euthanized at the shelter. Look at his poor face. His belly. His teeth. His belly is huge because it is full of fluid from congestive heart failure. That is what happens when the heart is full of heartworms. The heart is unable to function properly. Poor Boy should have never died from Heartworms complicated by Congestive Heart Failure. Both are preventable BUT dogs depend on their people to take care of them properly and when the people fail this is what happens. One pill once a month could have prevented Poor Boy’s death. Please read more about 
Rockie lost his life to cancer less than a month after being taken into NCRR's Foster Program. Jennifer Conley, Foster Mom, gave Rockie the best few weeks of his life giving him much love and cheeseburgers. Rockie was discovered to have mouth cancer six days into his rescue. Rockie went to The Rainbow Bridge on September 7, 2005.
You see, we adopted Hope through the North Carolina Rottweiler Rescue and the story of her past was shroud in uncertainty, as it is with most rescued animals. The only facts known about the animals are the condition in which they are found and what can be determined from that condition. The story of Hope is one both heartbreaking and enlightening. Never before have I learned so much from another living creature in so short of a time. From what we know, she was found in a ditch on the side of a road in October 2001. A misshapen creature, huddled, starved and scared. How long she had lain there and from where she came was never known. Had she run away and gotten lost? Had she been dumped there to die? The answers to these questions were truly irrelevant-what was important was she needed help. A full grown female Rottweiler approximately four years old should be broad shouldered with a proud demeanor and weigh in the neighborhood of 90 pounds. She was nothing more than a bag of bones with a fur coat. Her eyes were listless, her coat was drab and she weighed about half what she should have. Given the condition of her mammary channel it was possible she had recently given birth to a litter of puppies, but none were to be found. Around her neck, where a chain had presumably once been located, there was an eight inch bare patch of skin exhibiting a diamond shaped scar at its center. Likely, the animal's owner had failed to increase the size of the chain as she grew. As happens in such situations, Hope's skin had perhaps grown around the chain. Confirming the rotten conditions under which she was kept by her tormentors was the discovery of a 22 caliber bullet lodged in her hind leg. This sweet girl had not only be tied with a chain, forced to suffer as the chain dug into her neck, starved and possibly denied the right to raise her pups, but she had also been shot. But as we found over the next several years, this was not the end of her story. NCRR took her to the vet, brought her back from the edge, spayed her, removed the bullet, corrected her inverted eyelids, and gave her much needed food and love and the most appropriate name. By the time we met her the following May, Hope was a beautiful 90 pound Rottie with a shiny black coat, curious disposition and wonderfully kind personality. Over the three-plus years we were fortunate to call her our own, we learned that she had, as could be assumed from her condition, been severely beaten. She was extremely hand shy, terrified of loud noises, and lacked the confidence that is a trademark of the Rottweiler. But she made amazing progress We live in the country and many of our neighbors are firearm enthusiasts. Early on, when gunshots would ring out through the region, Hope would run into the house and hide. However, after a short while, her fear changed. First, she stopped hiding. Then she stopped running. Finally, she started growling. She was no longer a victim she was our protector. As her confidence grew, so did her personality. She quickly learned how to play and often frolicked in the grass. When the snow came, she bounded across the yard and buried her head into the cold fluff emerging with a whimper, blowing snow out of her nose, only to repeat the exercise a second later. Hope displayed a capacity for love that one might think impossible for an animal with her background. But the love she possessed was easily witnessed deep within her eyes. Everybody she met, even under the most trying circumstances, fell in love. |
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