Lexis and Rossi

We knew it was close, yet it happened so fast. Lexis was 10 years old when Ken and I started dating. He thought she was on her last year then. However, Ruger brought her back to puppyhood. :) Those two were so good for each other. Ruger was 3 and had a lot of puppy in him still and was lonely. I didn't realize he was lonely until Ken and I were dating. Ruger never wanted to come home after he'd been out in the country. :) They were the best of buddies! They complimented each other so well. Lexis was so much bigger than Ruger, but Ruger could turn on a dime. They loved each other more than we ever knew. On March 19th, Lexis was acting really needy. Sadly, we were both kind of frustrated with her that morning as we were getting ready for work. She had really deteriorated since Christmas and we were already worried that she wouldn't make it through the summer. We put her in the garage for the day b/c she was acting like her stomach was upset.When I got home she wasn't in the garage and I thought that was good sign, until I walked in the house. Ken was on the floor with her and you could tell she was so uncomfortable. It was heartbreaking. Ken was upset b/c he knew something was different that morning. We both knew it was time to put her down, but I waited for Ken to make the decision. Its the hardest decision he's ever had to make, and he will tell you that himself. The dr couldn't get her in until the next morning. It was hard to watch her in so much pain. 24 hours earlier, she was fine. Ruger was good to her and left her alone. Lex wouldn't eat or drink. I finally hand-fed her so she could have something. When I realized that worked, I put some asprin in the food. The aspirin was amazing! It really calmed her labored breathing and made her comfortable enough to fall asleep. The next morning, I said my good-bye before I went to work. Ken's story is his to share. I will say that he was with her until the end. She has been a part of his life for 14 years. His constant. His first love. She was his best friend. Life was quiet around our house. It was very weird. We could tell Ruger was sad, but we didn't think anything of it. We were expecting it.

After a few weeks, Ruger was still going straight to the garage to check her crate. He was hoping she'd be there. When he realized she wasn't, he headed outside by himself. One day Ken pulled out Lexis' dog tag and Ruger went nuts! He was so excited!!! Ken let him smell it and Ruger started spinning and circles like he was going to get to see her (this is how he acts when he gets to see Papa, Grammie, Duke or Frasier). The rest of the day, he would just lay there...not sleeping...just pouting and being depressed. It was heartbreaking. We knew he had to do something.

Within 24 hours, Rossi became a part of our family. The two frenchies were instant friends! We are so thankful that they love each other and play well together. She definitely has A LOT of traits that Lexis had which cracks us up! But, Ruger now has a buddy again. Rossi also got to meet my parents, Frasier and Duke at Easter. She was a hit! THANKFULLY! I don't know what we would have done if they all didn't get along! :) The four of them had a great time together. The best was watching the 3 frenchies run side-by-side as fast as they could all around the backyard. It was hysterical! She definitely livens things up! No dog can replace Lexis. She will always be a part of our family! We will always remember our "Sweet Girl".