R.I.P. Rambo (RCK Rambo)
3 September 2008 – 27 January 2020
Rambo passed away in my arms at 4:24 this afternoon and with that I fulfilled the biggest promise that we make to all of our dogs. We will never let you be in discomfort or pain in order to keep you with us for an extra day, week, or month. Last night Rambo told me it was time, and made it clearer this morning.
You came into our lives from another family, into our hearts, and our pack for first a short stay, than another short stay, then a pawcation, and then before we know it you had bonded with the pack and everyone decided that it was best for you never to leave. Each time you went home and came back it was like you never left. We maintain a routine and it was never a challenge to get you back into it. You were a very special boy, sometimes demanding and sometimes talkative. We also know that sometimes you forgot everything you had learned and had to start all over again. We still do not know why that was, but once you found your memory it was like you never left. You developed a love & hate relationship with my Mindy, and I believe provided her comfort when Ranger went to the bridge, I will never forget you for this, and so many other things.
I woke up about three months ago when you were having a restless night, I think Mindy actually came over and poked me to make sure I was awake. And for some reason I knew you had the dreaded C word. I had no idea where it was, but I think I knew. I wish there was something I could have done to prevent it at that point, but I believe it was too late already. So, after numerous vet visits because I knew something was wrong, we came up with the final diagnosis of lymphoma. I hope you know that it was one of the hardest things to hear, even though I already knew, and I hope you know it was one of the hardest, yet easiest, decisions to make that we were going to let you go as soon as we knew that your quality of life was being affected. As I sit here this afternoon and write this, I deep down in my heart know that it is time. We have promised all of our pack that we will always send you off with happy days, not in misery. I do not know if today is too early, or too late, I am counting on that it is just right. It is all I can do to let my heart guide me.
We spent your last few hours spoiling you. You were able to finally get your hands on that pound of hot dogs, you went for a walk with each member of your pack, and then we sat down and finish the snacks that your mom left you at her last visit. You shared with all of your sisters, but got the majority of the good ones yourself. Then you slept for a while while I wrapped up some stuff I had to take care of. Then, we left for your vet visit about an hour before we needed to and went down to Lake Wales Park for a slow walk around the lake, and you left your mark on a whole bunch of trees, bushes, weight set, etc. Then we took our ride.
Your candle will burn brightly tonight, and each night until you come home. Let the light guide you, know that we are here for you and we will never forget you. Please go search out the other two boys that we have lost. Bracken and Ranger are waiting for you. Please come back sometime and give me a sign that you have found them. Please keep a watch over your pack members, Mindy, Peanut, Lady, and Leona. You are the third brother that Mindy has lost, and you are the second for the other three. Please, let Mindy know you are OK as I suspect your passing is going to be the roughest on her.
Till we meet again at the bridge my big brown brindle boy.
