Rudy - my boy,

I was not looking for another dog. I was quite content with Josie Cuervo Gold, my 5 year old German shepherd. The door bell rang and a woman said, “There’s a German shepherd at the pet store, who had been rescued the day he was to be put down and now needed a home.”

I thanked her, closed the door and shook my head no. At about the same time I got Josie, put her in the car and went to check you out.

You were skinny and weren’t jumping for joy to see either of us; as a matter of fact it didn’t appear you liked Josie at all. However I agreed to give it a try.

You spent the week-end with Josie and me with no problem, but had to go back to your foster home for the week. I had to be out of town and I didn’t want to leave you in the new surroundings.

Upon my return, I picked you up and you jumped into the car. You put your head out the window and seemed to breathe a sigh of relief as the wind blew across your face. As I drove into the drive way, you jumped out of the car window and my thoughts screamed, “oh no, now I am going to have to run after him.” To my surprise, you went to the front door and just lay down. I knew you were telling me you were home at last.

You weren’t very confident in yourself in the beginning but were sweet and gave lots of warm wet kisses. The name Rudy Valentino, known as the world’s greatest lover of silent films came to mind and thus you became “Rudy”.

You learned to live in a family with Josie and a couple of cats, who loved to lay by you. The neighbor’s small dogs loved to jump all over you while you patiently let them. There wasn’t anyone you met that you didn’t gently offer your head to pet.

You made me proud finishing #1 in your Beginning and Advanced Obedience classes.

You loved to go for a walk, but the best to you was a ride in the car and then to the park to chase squirrels. Once I put on my gym shoes or asked if you wanted to go in the car, you’d give a loud howl to let me know, you were READY!

You were very special Rudy and filled my heart with unconditional love. You were a great friend to Josie who misses you too. We both know that there will be a time when we will all be together again. Until then watch over us.

Your Mom