Rosie Brandis

August 1990 - November 23rd 2005

Dear Rosie, where do we begin? I remember Ken bringing you home all those years ago, this poor little puppy with the nasty hole in her face. I worried about you, but we had you all mended and happy in no time. You adored the kids straight away, and often gave the little ones “pony” rides on your back. You never, ever got angry or impatient with them, and followed them around constantly.

In two litters you produced 20 puppies. You were a good mother, but finding homes for your puppies proved heartbreaking for you. You would often escape, remaining puppies in tow, to go find your missing babies. That’s why we decided not to let you have any more babies, it was just too sad for you.

You were our protector Rosie. While your nature was always sweet, gentle and loving, you could scare any stranger away from us if you felt we were under any kind of threat. I always felt so safe with you around.

When willow joined our family 4 years ago, you took her under your wing, playing surrogate mother to her, and she absolutely adored you. When your hearing went, she became your “ears”, and the two of you were beautiful to watch.

You loved the water, any water, the beach, the hose, the steps to the pool. You would even try to climb into your water bucket sometimes, leaving grass and grit floating on top of it. Your other great passion was “BBQ’s”. You were in your element, knowing full well the diet would be forgotten, and all the tasty treats would soon be coming your way. Summer was the best season for you because you got to splash and play in the water and have BBQ’s. So many stories…. So many memories….

We miss you Rosie. Willow misses you too, terribly. I haven’t been able to put all your things away yet. It’s still too hard. Just accepting that you’re gone is still too hard. 15 years is a long time, but we thought we’d have you for longer. The only comfort I take from your passing is that we were with you when you drifted off to sleep, in my car you loved so much, with the kids, and with your beloved vet, Jessica, who you adored. You were surrounded by love, just as it should be. We have your little Urn back home with us now, we have happy memories of you, photos and videos, which we will cherish, but we just wish we had you.

Rest in peace beautiful girl.
We love you.

Ken, Heather, Daniel, Claire, Kasha and Lawson Brandis

Thanks to Dr Jessica Fawkes and staff at the Hilton Vet Clinic for their kindness and compassion. Thanks also to Murdoch University Veterinary Trust for allowing us to honour “our girl” in this way.