Today was a very sad and emotional day for us as a family, losing our beloved Romeo. He was and always will be my special gift from the universe and the time has come for me to let him go. I thought I was prepared for this because I knew he was getting old, even though he still acted like a puppy. He had a cough that had been lingering and getting worst, plus a heart condition. But Romeo had always been a healthy Shih-Tzu and I never had to take him in for eye or ear infections, which this breed is known to have.
Given I also had Romeo’s father, Elvis for over 11 years, I knew he had inherited his father’s heart condition that took him the same way. Shih-Tzus for me are extremely special. They are Chinese dogs and are considered spiritual, intelligent, loving creatures and I felt this was my special little gift in life. He was the closest thing I’d ever have to a baby in this lifetime and I loved him deeply.
Since I grew up in and out of foster homes, I never had animals and always wanted a dog. I was in my early 20s when I finally got my first dog. She was a Lhasa and was gifted to me, so I didn’t pick the breed. I named her Honey and she got hit by a car when I lived in Knoxville, Tennessee. I was devastated and was gifted again by another female Lhasa that I had for over 5 years, she too was hit by a car. So I decided to change breeds and not have another female dog. I decided it was time for me to pick a breed and fell in love with the Shih-Tzu.
Because I was still grieving the loss of my dog, this particular Shih-Tzu had a calm personality as a puppy and stayed that way throughout his adult life. Elvis’ father was a stud and my friend Viki had bred Shih-Tzus for over 30 years. She told me if I ever wanted to breed him in the future to let her know. I’m not into breeding animals and would rather rescue them, but this was a different time in my life and the universe led me to this Shih-Tzu. I felt like I had to have his first born son because Elvis was just so special and thus, my Romeo was born five years later. So I knew this was the one and only time in my life I would ever have such a dog and I feel blessed to have had him live such a long, healthy and happy life. He has brought me such joy and given me so much love throughout these 12 and a half years together and for that I’m in deep gratitude.
I’m also grateful that he went quickly, peacefully and here at home with all of us present today. I was scheduled to take him to the vet tomorrow for a check up on this cough that was getting worst and even though he looked and acted like a puppy, we all knew his days were numbered. Ronn has had many animals, most of them he had to put down and so the thought of putting Romeo down was more painful than the way he went.
Because he is my special gift from the universe, I have decided to cremate him and found a wonderful service Guardian After Care that picked him up and will deliver his ashes in an urn with a lock of his hair, name on a plaque with paw prints. This way I can keep his special presence with me always. I think animals are blessings in our lives and add to our spiritual growth. The unconditional love and devotion they give you is so innocent and pure, if only we could be more like them with other human beings?
Nothing will ever compare to my Romeo. He was deeply loved by many and quite a charming little man that most of you know could sing. So in loving memory of my special little gift in life, here is Romeo singing as I know he is with his father in doggy heaven right now.
[wpvideo nuWRgjrU]
13 Comments
*tears*
<3
No words ~just cries~
So so sorry Devin..to lose a dear pet who was part of your family is very hard..love to you Brenda xxx
Devin and Ronn Im so very sorry and sad about yr loss of yr little angel Romeo. I know that its hard and that Romeo was amazing puppy but dont forget that that he will alway be in your hearts and u have many many great memories with him to remember. (((bighug))) yr way. Katka
Devin, Bill and I’s first dog was also a Shih Tzu. Chachi thought he was a person. We were always laughing at him. He passed away at the age of 12. That was in 1996 and I still dream about him. This is a beautiful tribute to Romeo. Chachi and my other dog, Rocky, who was a Sheltie are buried next to each other in a beautiful pet cemetery in Atlanta. They loved each other.
I am so sorry for your little man having to leave you. I know it will not be long until I lose my baby Yorkie that is 11 years old and his little teeth are falling out and he has so much fluid that i must give him pills everyday for that. I can truly imagine how you are hurting for him. It will be bad for a long time. God Bless. Friend from Louisiana.
Devin and Ronn: I am so sad for you both.. Animals are angels with fur and are irreplaceable! Prayers for your hurting heart.. The video is just precious.. He will be waiting for you in heaven with a wagging tail and kisses.. xxxooo
That video is adorable. My doggiebaby was singing along when she heard it. So sorry for your loss, just know you have another little angel looking over your family.
Ronn and Devin, I am so sorry for your loss. I have 2 shih-tzu’s that are brother and sister who are 4 years old and are the pride and joy of my life. I cannot imagine what you are going through at this time. Thank god for all the memories that you have made with him.
When my dearest 17yr old Sassy cat passed away, 11/11/11, I had her picked up from home and her ashes bought back to me here. It is lovely to have that option, as Sassy hated the vets. I am resisting the urge to go out and return with arm fulls of rescued lil’ brown tabby kittens, but I still have my 13yr old silver tabby cat Charisma for company and cuddles. Cuddles to you all. RIP Romeo.
What a great mini video! One I’m sure you will treasure forever! Again so….sorry for your loss!
Hi Devin, my heart goes out to you and Ronn. Your Romeo was so precious. He looks very much like my Teddy, who died 12/11/11. He would have turned 12 just a few weeks later. We adopted him from The Humane Society when he was 2. He had so much personality from the first time we met him. When we started to take him home, he put the leash in his mouth and led us out the front door. We still have a hard time talking about him, but it is getting better. We did have him cremated, but my dear friend picked up his ashes from the vet, and she is keeping them for us because we have not yet been able to face them. We have photos of him all around us.
I am sending you love, hugs, light, and comfort.
Sorry to hear about “your Romeo” like you said he’s in Doggy Heaven