Tribute to Rio

This is in loving memory of my gentle giant Rio. Rio came into my life in December 1997 as an eight week old puppy. Even as a tiny puppy, three large things stood out about Rio – his big paws, big head and above all a huge and seemingly insatiable appetite, all of which tipped me off to the size of what lay ahead. Before I knew it, this small, feisty and energetic ball of fur had magically metamorphosed into the handsome, full grown 100 pound retriever who was the eye of every female dog in the neighborhood. But hidden beneath that sinewy physique was a soft and gentle heart, always happy and content. Not a day goes by without some tender recollection or fond memory of some goofy canine idiosyncrasy which always brings a smile to our faces.

Although Rio flunked out of obedience school, he had the capacity to focus with dogged determination on any food-related mission. He was often strongwilled and stubborn, and his only physical ailment was a surprisingly selective hearing loss, which rendered him oblivious to most commands, but allowed him to wake up from a deep slumber to hear the ever-so-softly opened cookie jar or the crinkle of the bread bag! He was a dog who loved his repose, and if we even dared to whisper a few words to each other after the light was turned out for the night, his exasperated huffs and sighs made it evident that the intrusion upon his beauty sleep was not appreciated! He loved the water and was a tireless swimmer, and his happiest moments were a car-ride to the lake or beach. As he grew older, it became more difficult for him to jump into the station wagon, and he had to endure the indignity of having to wait (often not too patiently) for help lifting his rear end into the car! He loved the outdoors, and even as he grew older and had achy joints, his enthusiasm for walks was only too clear in the manner he used to playfully grab the leash in his mouth and yank hard with those powerful jaw muscles, which made it appear to the neighbors that it was in fact he who was taking us for a walk. Despite his size, he was very gentle with small children and was unperturbed and bore with good humor any attempts to ride him like a horse.

He was taken away from us too soon by cancer (hemangio sarcoma), and passed away shortly before his ninth birthday. He has left indelible pawprints in our hearts, and is missed very much by us, by everyone who knew him, and most of all by his little brother Samba, for whom he served as a friend, role model and chew toy. Even during his last few days when he knew he was sick, he put up a brave front and tried to make it seem like business as usual, gobbling down his food with gusto and wagging his tail in play as he showed Samba he was still the boss. He has shown us that cancer cannot cripple love or break bonds, and we are comforted by the knowledge that he is now in a happier place where there is no pain or illness, but only happiness and love (and of course, unlimited burgers)!

We love and miss you!
Daddy, mommy and Samba