Rondo, Go PlayNov 13, 2003
Go PlayAfter the internal specialist doctor patiently and compassionately explained to us that Rondo’s blood clot in his lung was terminal, due to complications from his immune-mediated anemia (his body was destroying his blood cells), we walked into the intensive care unit. Rondo was kept in an incubator. Despite being on 100% oxygen and on painkiller, he had obvious difficulties breathing. We understood that he was suffering and was not getting better. The humane decision of putting him to sleep was made swiftly and required no deliberation. It was obvious that Rondo was suffering, especially since I knew that he could not lie down and sleep for the previous 24 hours. The doctor injected this colored fluid into the IV while Theresa held one of Rondo’s paws and I stroked his back. We were telling him what a good dog he was. Within seconds his labored breathing came to an immediate stop. It was so peaceful. I was thankful that Rondo was no longer suffering. A few minutes later the nurse brought him to a waiting room
for us to spend a few minutes together. Though Rondo was lifeless, I was glad
that he was finally resting and freed from pain. His heart had stopped, but his
spirit lives on. Rondo had gone thru Sirius puppy obedience training and was
always very quick at learning and remembering his commands. After the Sit, Down,
or Stay commands, I would release him by giving him the “Go Play” command.
On July 24, 2003 Theresa and I held Rondo tightly and gave him his last “Go
Play” command as he went to heaven. Big Boy
Rondo, we fell in love with you the moment that we set eyes
on you in Sacramento. You were born the day before Valentine on Feb 13th,
1991. You were such a sweet heart. J
You were at first called “Big Boy” by your breeder because of your
larger-than-normal size. Later we learned that you just have a
bigger-than-normal heart, both figuratively and literally—later in life you
were diagnosed to have a heart murmur condition! You were sold to us as a
pet-quality miniature schnauzer. However, there was nothing inferior about you. Rondo Ice Cream Bar
We called you Rondo because your tail reminded us so much
of this small ice cream snack that’s covered with dark chocolate. We just
loved the way you wagged your tail to show your happiness and excitement. You
were such an expressive little guy. Sure sometimes you had an attitude. You were
so cute when you got slightly disturbed, like when we pretended to throw a ball.
You were so frustrated. I’m still amazed that sometimes on walks when I
accidentally stepped on your toes, you never barked back at me or complained.
You were so tolerant and loving. Sirius Training
We took you to Sirius puppy training for socializing with other dogs and obedience training. Though in reality the classes were more for Theresa and me on learning how to train you. You were so smart. It took you no time to learn how to Sit, Stay, and even Roll Over. One of the training exercises was to make sure the owners were able to call their dogs back. The instructor would attract the dogs to one side of the classroom with a snack or toy and then have the owners call them back. Well, you were never very good at that exercise because you were never willing to leave us in the first place. Even as a puppy you were bonded to us so much that you thought of yourself as a little human being rather then another dog. Toilet Paper
When you were a puppy we thought that in order to avoid
toileting accidents at night it was best to keep you in the downstairs laundry
room and guest bathroom while we slept upstairs. You were never too happy about
that, especially when in the morning you were hungry and did not see us around.
You did not stop barking until you saw us and until your tummy was filled. A few
times we came downstairs only to find that you had unrolled the toilet paper
from the holder. You made a mess. We were so mad at that time. It seems so
hilarious now. Fortunately you did not have to sleep in the laundry room for
long. Pretty soon you graduated to the family room and then the bedroom. After
coming back for a 5-week long trip to Africa and Europe in the fall of 1991,
Theresa promoted you to sleep on the top of our bed. You were so happy to be
able to sleep right in between us for the next 12 years of your life. Stairways to Heaven
Your favorite pastime was to sleep. I’m amazed that you
could be sleeping that much. Unfortunately Theresa and I were away for so long
during the daytime since we both had to work. We figured that you slept all day
because whenever we came long you had to go to the bathroom right away and for a
long time. Your favorite place to sleep was on the stairs where you could look
at people walking by. True to your calling, you always barked like a good guard
dog. After they walked by, then you would go back to your nap. At our first
house, your favorite place to sleep was on the landing at the top of the stairs
because it was right above a lamp. It must have felt nice to sleep on something
so cozy and warm. It was like sleeping on top of an electric blanket. Walking and Hiking to the top of Mission Peak
Though you were a small dog; however, we were always amazed
at what a good walker and hiker you were. We frequently were able to take you
walking around our neighborhoods in Fremont. No matter how many times we walked
by the same paths, you were always exploring like a new adventure. It was like
you were reading your morning newspapers. Of course you marked all the trees and
shrubs as if they belonged to you. You certainly helped to beautify the
neighborhood by fertilizing all the plants. I’m still amazed that you did not
kill our rose trees. Somehow they survived. Perhaps you helped our Double
Delight roses to bloom! It was such a treat to hike with you to the top of Mission Peak in Fremont. It was always an adventure. The first time we hiked with you the weather was so hot that you decided to take a break inside this small cave. You insisted on it. I even have a picture of you posted on the web. However, after a few minutes you courageously pushed on. You were just full of energy and stamina. In fact we always joked that you hiked Mission Peak twice because you ran leash-free up and then down to make sure that we were really coming along. Then you would sprint up again. You ran like the wind, always with just a little sideway gait. We were glad that you never got too close to those cows
that were grazing along the trails. However, we were never too happy when you
explored the cow pies a little too closely. Theresa did not kiss you until after
we bathed you, which was always an ordeal that involved a blow dryer, a metal
comb, and some frayed nerves. I still remember once it was so warm that all three of us
were parched since there was no shade or water on Mission Peak. We were so
relieved when we finally got to the bottom of the hill and got to drink the cool
and refreshing water. Rondo the Party Animal
You were quite the party animal. You always loved people
coming to our house. Whenever people ringed the doorbell or knocked on the door,
you were always the first one to greet our guests by barking and jumping up and
down. You were just so excited. After less than 60 seconds you would calm down
and then mind your own business. You always hated when people were getting ready
to leave. Inevitably when people started to get up, you would start barking
again to make sure people stay just a little longer. Around Christmas we always had you help us open presents.
You were so good at using your teeth and paws to tear at one corner of the
package. Then you would try to tear away the rest of the wrapping paper. You
were so good at that. However, we were always delighted that you never, never
touched any of the numerous presents under the tree. You never chewed on
anything that did not belong to you. You left our shoes alone. You left our
socks along. How did you know? There was just one time that we heard some crunching sounds
coming from underneath the Christmas tree. It turned out that you chewed up half
of a Christmas tree ornament that is made from a doggie biscuit. It was covered
with lacquer. It was a miracle that you did not get sick. We still have that
ornament with your name on it but half eaten. This year we will find a special
place on our Christmas tree for it. Even though you are not with us this
Christmas physically, but you are now in heaven watching over us. When people
get up to leave the Christmas party this year, I’m sure that I will hear a few
barks from you J You always enjoyed visiting with all the special women in
you life. We remember the time that
you got several pieces of BBQ chicken from Linda. It was fortunate that Heather
got to live with us for the past 3 years and was able to become one of your
closest family members. Of course, how could we forget Dr Bruno? She was always
so sweet with you, feeding you pet tabs and giving you kisses whenever you
visited. I think you got sick deliberately in order to visit her! Of course, the biggest blowout party we had for you was for
your 60 years birthday (10 years in dog years J)
celebration in 2001. We invited the
people who were special to you and vice versa. It was so much fun to see you eat
the doggie birthday cake after Theresa and I blew out the candles for you—we
hate to have your beard catch on fire J
You can still see all the photos at http://www.swoo.com/2001_rondo/
The reason for the party was really that I wanted to make sure that we had a
chance to say good-bye in case your second bladder stone surgery did not turn
out well. At the time we were very concerned that the anesthesia may affect your
heart murmur during surgery. Fortunately you survived the surgery with flying
color. So in some ways we were blessed to have you lived until you were 12.5 years old. The past 2 years were really a bonus. These two years were a true blessing. In these two years we got to enjoy some usual events, like going to Carmel. We also got to enjoy some new events, like going to the new dog park at Union City or snowshoeing at Lake Tahoe. There have been so many treasured memories. Carmel City Beach
Your favorite place in the whole wide world is Carmel
because it’s such a dog friendly place. We stayed at Doris Day’s Cypress Inn
several times. You even got to have doggie biscuits. We enjoyed eating at
outdoor patio of some of the restaurants. Remember the time that you got a free
doggie hamburger and biscuits at Le Coq D'Or (Mission between 4th & 5th,
Carmel 626-9319)? You first ate the biscuits because you were not so sure about
the hamburger. However, you then ate the hamburger and licked the bowl. Usually
for lunch we dined in the rear fountain court at Anton & Michel Restaurant
(Mission & 7th, Carmel 624-2406). Every time the waiter came by, in order to
make sure that you don’t bark and make a fuss, I would always feed you a
morsel of bread. I also remember the time that we huddled together on the front
porch at Casanova Restaurant (5th Ave & Mission, Carmel 625-0501) while it
was raining. Sure you enjoyed visiting Carmel because you got to sleep
and dine with us. However, your favorite place on this earth has always been
Carmel City Beach. The best part is that you got to run leash free. It is one of
the few places in the San Francisco Bay Area that you could do this. You loved
to smell the ocean. You especially loved to mark everything, whether it was a
piece of kelp or a piece of driftwood. I got a little nervous whenever you got
too close to other people’s blanket or beach towels. I was glad that you never
got into trouble. It was always fun watching you dart away to visit another dog
only to come right back after saying hello for just 2 seconds. I remember one time we played a trick on you by hiding behind rocks while you tried to find us. We were nowhere to be seen. We saw the worried look on your face as your tried to scan the horizon looking for us. It was so funny and pathetic seeing you looking for us frantically. It was a wonder that you did not have a heart attack right then and there on the beach. After a few minutes we came out of our hiding, and you were thrilled to finally see us. You loved to run on the beach. However, you were not a
water dog and hated water. You always chased after the receding ocean surf but
jumped back just in time to not get wet. Sometimes Theresa and I were not as
fast as you, so we got wet. One time you tried to jump over a puddle.
Unfortunately, you misjudged the width and depth of the pool of water. You were
so completely drenched that you looked like a pathetic water rat! Vacation at Mendocino and Lake Tahoe
There are so many happy memories of the vacations that we
took together as a family. A couple of times we stayed at a vacation rental home
at Mendocino. We hiked every day. Everyday you came home exhausted and dirty
from the muddy trails. You were never great at taking baths. However, we
struggled thru. One time we even had to remove a tick. You then napped by the
fireplace. Later on in your years you would sleep on our bed and then snore. You
were so cute. In the past several years we also hiked in the snow around Lake Tahoe. You were not so sure about snow at first. However, as you got accustomed you hiked like a trooper. It’s amazing that you could hike without snowshoes or boots. I remember just last year you saved Theresa’s life! Remember how Theresa’s left foot sank all the way into the snow and I could not dig her out? Fortunately you were around so I used the handle of your leash to remove the snow. That will always be a memorable story that we will re-tell every time that we go snowshoeing. Around the house
You were such a well-behaved dog around the house. Sure you
had a few accidents from time to time. However, you never chewed on anything
that did not belong to you. You were not allowed on most furniture. However, you were
allowed to jump onto our bed with a sheet on top or your favorite green leather
recliner only when you were given the command “Rocketman!” It was always fun
to see you jumping high into space and settling comfortably down to take a snap. Sometimes you made me dizzy when you turned around three or
four times before settling down. A few times we had to scold you when you tried
to claw the seat cushion to make it more comfortable. When you went out to the bathroom in the backyard you would
always just use the paved path. You rarely stepped on the lawn. I don’t know
how you knew. Somehow you just knew what to do or what not do. Amazing. Shining down on us from heaven
You are gone too soon. We are so blessed to have had so
many years with you. 12.5 years is not a short time. There have been so many treasured moments with you. Sure,
there were times that we worried about you, especially when we were away for
month-long safari in Kenya or climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. We were
worried sick when you were in surgery for your bladder stones twice. Though you
were very vibrant and energetic, you seemed to have numerous worrisome medical
conditions, like your skin allergies, your paralysis, your heart murmur, your
tooth plaque, and your bladder stones! Come to think of it, perhaps it’s a
blessing and miracle that despite all your medical problems you were able to
live for so many years! Some people may not believe in God. Some people may not
believe in Heaven. However, I know. I know that you are shining down on us from
heaven. You are our guardian angel. Why? While you were in the hospital we
started to talk to the real estate agent Kent who eventually sold our house in
Oakland to us. Somehow from buying a home, selling our home in Fremont, and
moving all seemed to go very smoothly. Perhaps it’s a way for us to forget
temporarily how much we miss you. And
that was not the only thing. The day after your death when Theresa visited her Berkeley
office, a normally passive guide dog deliberately ran down the hallway to greet
her with much warmth and affection. A week after your death I accidentally found the website for San Joaquin Miniature Schnauzer Club advertising for a free picnic for
people and miniature schnauzer puppies. It was a very healing experience for us
to see all those active miniature schnauzers. As part of the healing process I decided to look thru some
of the digital pictures that I have taken throughout the years. I decided to
create a digital diary by selecting some of the highlights. There were a total
about 126 pictures, representing about 10 pictures per year. The photo collage
created thus represent 12.5 years of your life. Not one picture more. Not one
picture less. Are these just coincidences? Are these just my imagination?
I like to think not. I like to think that there is a God; there is Heaven; and
that you are shining down on us from heaven. One Sweet Day, you will again be
jumping up and down excitedly greeting us like you always do. Rondo, Go Play
The day after Thanksgiving 2003 we will be picking up your
new brother Hänsel
from Yuba City. It is too bad that you are not able to meet him and show him
around. I am sure that you could have been able to toilet-train him better than
us. We know that you would have been a great older brother. However, that is not
meant to be. Though a new puppy will be soon coming into our life and heart, we
know that you could never be replaced. For 12.5 years we shared our lives
together. We shared so many happy moments together. For years we have mentally
prepared for your eventual departure. However,
it’s still painful and difficult to finally say good-bye. You will always be
missed. You are gone too soon. Fortunately, we know that you will be waiting for us in heaven. We know
that you will courageously look over all of us like a good guardian angel and
will patiently wait for us at heaven, perhaps while sleeping on your favorite
sheepskin rug! Soon we will be going to Carmel with Hänsel. We will introduce him to the Carmel City Beach. We hope that he will like the beach as much as you did. J As we scatter some of your ashes to the wind at Carmel City Beach, we will say “Rondo, Go Play!” Photo Retrospectives
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