Three Birthdays Without Rowena

 

Coming up this weekend marks Rosie's 19th Birthday. I have been without her for 3 birthdays so far and it doesn't seem to get much easier. Rowena passed from this world on May 3, 2021 in Bangor, Maine. She was born on September 3, 2004 in Orland, Maine. Rosie was raised in the city of Bangor, riding the city bus, going to malls, Dr.'s offices, learning to stay on the correct side of a sidewalk... she lived in an apartment that by standards would be too small. She was raised as a working city dog, with lots of side trips to the woods and country. Her litter, I learned much later after I'd  had her a while, was apparently an overnight litter. Some of her siblings were born on September 2, and others were born on September 3 like her. We were able to meet one of Rowena's sisters during her lifetime. Another, we would find a human who belonged to her other sister right here in Camden where we now live. We met her two brothers when we went to see her at the breeders. I will never know if that is the whole litter or not.

This weekend, September 3 falls on a Sunday. We will be spending the day at the Blue Hill Fair. This is a place Rosie loved as they have the U.S. Sheepdog Trials, and it is here that we met the humans of  Rosie's sister "Lady". This brought forth a playdate when they were both two years old! Rosie, one year discovered if she burst forward, the sheep would move away from her. All learned on the sidelines of course, but wasn't she so proud of herself!

This Sunday, we will remember our bright little Rowena. We now know how exceptionally smart she was, and how working with her was a dream. She could be obstinate, but generally was very willing to do whatever you asked of her. She brought me out of a dark place, and was the very best friend I ever had. She was my miracle and my prayers answered. 

I lost my model would I would photograph during outings, and walks just aren't the same anymore. I used to walk everywhere, but now I just don't care.

She was with me 24/7 and we were very often side by side. Now she has gone to the rainbow bridge. I hope to God that there is a heaven and that I will indeed be reunited with her as soon as I die. This will make this pain worth it (just a little).