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Abby's Diary

Heartbreak

It is with great sadness that I tell you that Abby died on Saturday, 3rd March 2007.

Abby was the personality of the litter - and boy did she have it in spades! She was jumping over her sister, cheekily biting her on the butt then running off. She kept those cheeky 'crazy' eyes whenever she decided to push her luck. As soon as we brought her home - she pranced around like she owned the place. Not a shy or timid bone in her body - she loved her new home, her new surroundings, and her new friend "Spike" (my beloved heart dog).

When Spike passed away, we were determined to find her a new playmate, and fate brought us to Tigger. They were inseperable from day one - and on the first night, they played until well after 2 in the morning!

Abby was my 'introduction to showing' dog. She was never bought as a show dog, but being on main register, we decided to give it a go.

Abby and I were complete novices and didn't get into the ring until she was nearly 3 yrs old - and we dived in the deep end, at a Rotti Club pointscore. We came last in our class - but we had fun - and we were bitten by the show bug.

Over the next year, we did better, Abby won her class on several occassions, got 4 Res. Challenges and even a Runner up Best of Breed. She was also twice rated SG at the two Rottweiler specialty shows we entered. Abby came 7th in last years Rottweiler Club of NSW pointscore competition - not too bad for our first year in the ring...

Abby loved to please us, and whatever was asked of her, she was happy to do it. Abby learned how to do flyball over a Christmas break - the trainers were amazed!

Abby often came along with us to Pet Expos, either as part of the Rottweiler Club of NSW stand, or at the EDBA stand - always educating people on how wonderful the Rottweiler breed is - and that they are not all snarling monsters. One of my fondest memories of Abby is her lying in the middle of the aisle at a Rosehill pet expo, on her back, with a crowd of kids rubbing her belly.

Abby was diagnosed with Lymphoma at the beginning of this year, and we knew that we would lose her soon, but it still doesn't prepare you.

The thing I miss the most at the moment, is that wiggly bum when walking outside.

You were a great dog, a great friend, and I was so very proud to be chosen as your guardian - you fought a good battle.

Rest well dear Abby, until we meet again.

Sadness

Abby has been diagnosed with Lymphoma. It is a horrible disease that has become more and more prevalent in Australia (and around the world). At the moment she is still happy and behaving like her usual self, but she probably has 6-8 weeks with us until we need to make the painful decision to let her go.

St George Kennel Club Show.

Abby was awarded Reserve Challenge Bitch at a Rottweiler Club of NSW pointscore show at Erskine Park Sydney. Although she doesn't get any Championship points or anything - it was a big thrill for us because we are both complete novices in the ring.