As you drive away you realize life is never going to be the same. You look in the rear view mirror to get one last glimpse of your mom, dad, brothers and sisters, and, of course, your family pet before going to college, moving out of town, or going on a honeymoon with your spouse. Excitement is building up inside of you as you embark on a new journey, but then a troubling thought enters your mind: what if I never see him again?
That "him" is my dog-"fur angel" as mom calls him-Mr. Rudy Toot Toot II or Rudy, for short. Rudy was welcomed into the family in the spring of 1998 shortly after the first Rudy passed away as a puppy. My dad broke the sad news to me after he picked me up from another fun-filled fifth grade day. Little did we know that another pup had been waiting for six months for us to take him home. When we arrived at the pet store that same day-my parents wanted to quell the hurt of losing the first Rudy by getting another bichon frise immediately-we could not have found a happier little man and we brought the second Rudy to his new home where he has been a little light to the Rosser clan for over thirteen years.
In doggie years, Rudy is now a little over 91 and he is definitely showing his age. He does not hear, can no longer climb up stairs or jump onto the furniture, and is acting a little stranger every day. It is no wonder every time I leave Alabama I become sad at the thought of never seeing him again. Every time I return to Pike Road, therefore, I make it a point to pay extra special attention to him so there will be no regrets when he does pass away.
My parents usually take him to the "spa" to get groomed, but since we are enjoying our final, relaxing days before becoming full-time missionaries with FOCUS, Dene' and I decided to give Rudy a "big boy bath"-my mom came up with the term-ourselves. Rudy does not like baths, but he sure is appreciative after they are over. One can tell he is happier and a little more confident-the lady dogs all love Rudy, but sorry girls, he is neutered-when his coat goes from looking like a dirty sheep to a nice, soft, and white Q-Tip (we should have taken a before and after picture). And, I can tell he is very thankful to Dene' and me as he consistently follows us around and, after we pick him up when we are sitting on the couch, he rests his head in our laps.
Mr. Rudy Toot Toot II is such a joy to everyone he meets and we are thankful to spend this time with him before we look in the rear view mirror next Saturday before beginning a new phase of our lives with FOCUS. St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!
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