Rotten is in Doggy Heaven.

Rotten

Age 9, January 06, 2000 - March 30, 2009

To the smartest, sweetest, loyal friend I ever had...

Asleep on the couch with his tongue out...

Nickname: Fruitt

To those who met him, Rotten seemed intimidating at first, but nobody left his presence thinking he'd ever do harm to a person. Even lifelong self admitted 'big dog fearers' like my next door neighbor Charlie were won over by Rotten's gentle nature and love for people.

Everyone in my neighborhood knows him better than they know me! Especially the kids, who ran up to pet him and he got low to the ground and wagged his nub as fast as he could, trying to lick their faces.

We had some rough times in the early years (carpet chewing as a puppy), but the last 7 have been as perfect as any could ever be. He was the best dog I've ever been around and I've had dogs my whole life.

He was a perfect companion dog. Everyplace in my house where there is tile he would lay down and wait until I moved somewhere else and follow. He watched football and got excited when we'd cheer on the Cowboys.

Rotten didn't like anyone to fight or hit eachother. We'd play-slap eachother and he'd come put his head in the way so we'd hit him instead of the other person.

You couldn't say "Walk" or "Ride" or "Car" around him unless you were really going, and if you ever put the running shoes on...you'd be in his spotlight until the moment you open the garage door and he bolted out, chewing on the leash! He was 100 pounds of pure muscle. The only thing that moved were the tips of his short little ears as he bounded along the greenbelt and around my neighborhood.

He was admittedly spoiled Rotten, as he ate 3 different kinds of food mixed with warm water to make a gravy..and he slept on the bed... but he was worth all the effort and time. He loved unconditionally, was gentle, smart, funny, and warm. He knew hundreds of words and would react to all of them. I swear he knew what I was talking about half the time. His favorites were my brother Andy and his dog Zoe.

His last days were so hard to take, as he limped for about the last 6 weeks, diagnosed with bone cancer in his left front shoulder. Since I knew he was going to fade fast, I took lots of pictures and made sure everyone who loved him got a chance to come by and say goodbye to my best pal.

I know he's in heaven. Can't wait to see him again someday.