In Memory of Rovie Dog
May 27, 1989 (Miami Beach) to September 29, 2002 (Los Angeles)
 

     Rovie Dog is a gentle, powerful soul that although is not by my side anymore saved me many times and brought joy and friendship to me and taught me much and gave my life meaning. It is wishful to think of him with shimmering wings and softly silent paws. Rovie Dog was and is my best friend. I adopted him from the humane society when he was 5 or 6 years old to keep my mother company in Miami Beach. She was in grief from loosing her Anatolian Shepherd to old age and our house was always accustomed to dogs. But Rovie was to be the most special dog of all.  He took to me immediately, and I had just moved back home from San Francisco to Miami Beach to be with Mom and he soon became the center of joy for both of us.
     He was very funny, stubborn, noble and was trained to take commands with hand signals. He was a Golden sacred creature to me and was a 102 pounds of 100% unconditional love. Little did I know that he was there for a very important reason, that G-d had brought us together for my sake. 
     Soon after Rovie came mother was in an accident and died. My mother was the last of my family and if it wasn't for Rovie being there by my side during this tragic event, I would not have managed. I got through the details of the loss of my mother and the loss of the house and we traveled together and finally I moved to Los Angeles. Which is sometimes a very dog unfriendly city, unless you are a movie star. That was seven years ago. Rovie Dog became my companion and if my gentle nature means anything at all in this harsh city of LA, tt was because of ROVIE, my Golden beau. He had a Brahman's Soul. He was a truly handsomely manly Golden Retriever Dog with a lion's head, a cowlick on his crown, and a wise, joyful gaze.
     Rovie Dog, Old Bodhisattva Soul. Leaner. I was your guardian Rovie Dog, and you were my guardian angel. Rovie hated vacuum noise and any loud noise at all, only to be calmed by a roll in the green grass of the yard or the sand of Miami Beach. He enjoyed traveling. Mendocino. New York. Limo in San Francisco to the airport. And any place, any car, was fine. Never complained. Never. Never. Never. Even when the human conflict took it out on his pride. I had housemates that were jealous of our loving bond. And when they could not control me, they took it out on Rovie, and we had to move. Despite of the fact that I have credits and an impressive resume, it is very difficult to find work in Los Angeles and unfortunately too expensive to live alone with a dog. Especially if you are use to refinement, as Rovie Dog and I both are. And it is also good to have a roommate because whenever you work in a movie or a TV show the hours are unpredictable and Rovie Dog needed company and a walk. We had a few roommates some good, and a couple very difficult, and one that finally caused so much stress to me that I almost had a stroke, but Rovie dog took that stroke instead of me, from me, and it was so sad to see him deteriorate, unable to walk, and finally in my arms succumb to the vet's final injection.
     Rovie Dog, whether perfumed or Stinky, was the best dog anybody ever had the pleasure to meet. He healed with his gentle, quiet, nature. He was a chin rubber, paw licker, distinguished paper shredder, actor of stage, film, and numerous city and country parks, and beach cafes. Rovie Dog always enjoyed attention from new friends, the treats he would get, and a carefree day. He was a protector. A subtle protector, not just of me, but of anyone I befriended. He was so wise. And there was no creature more relaxed than Rovie Dog.
     I must go back to his being a humorist. He always made me and other people laugh. Old age a breeze for Rovie Dog. As long as mom was near, dear, and safe Rovie was fine. Dogs never rest, as they are always on the job, protecting their charges. Rovie did not understand why 'Bonk' did not remain near. But oh, there were so many pet friends such as Mo, Annie, Java, Del, Mamita, Underfoot, Ringo, Nougatine, Chanel, Tashi, Kaawani, Daisy, Princely and all those Venice Beach, Westwood, Pacific Palisades Doggie babes and Charlie Dog dear, close friend of so many tears, whose bitter owner brought Rovie and I to my greatest moment of pain.
     But I rather dwell on the good times. I must, I must through the tears, remember the joy and have faith that wherever his soul is, he is fine. Rovie liked waiting patiently in front of markets such as Gelson's in The Palisades or Epicure in Miami Beach as he would always get a tasty treat.
     Swims in the ocean. Water, water and more water! Nothing better than to sniff one flower for hours, roll on the back towards the sky, with eyes resting, and get a massage. Then sleep hypnotized in pleasure and then slowly wake to drink more water, eat a treat, play with his earthly friends, and then nap all over again. A long, profound, peaceful, playful nap, all over again. Rovie was a Napa, a dreamer, a sage, a lapper. And Bones. Bones. Bones galore to savor and chew and defend from thieves.
     Roviekins or Roviepoo, or La Robica or Mr. Paws, whatever he was called, when called he came. And he trusted, he always smiled. He endured the many groomings, the visits to the vet, the ear cleaning was a nuisance, and the vitamins in dull dry food not a thrill, but then mum got wise and cooked chicken & rice. Rovester somehow simply appeared at the right moment to play, to love, and to heal all that would let him near. He was a senior's savior. A child's delight. 
     And whomever says there's any family member more deserving and more wondrous than a GOLDEN RETRIEVER dog, has not had the joy of having a Golden Retriever dog in their family. A best friend and good boy named Rovie is why I shed a tear and shine a smile for those who may come near. No creature more dear to all mankind. On 6.13.99, he walked in second place (he let the guy next to him win) at The Guide Dogs of America Jog & Walk. A good friend who loved to roam. But always, only far enough to play while protecting his forlorn mistress and get her to play hide & seek. Stubborn on the leash. And why not? Leashes are a bore. Humans are so busy, that they miss the best part of the day and the fair twilight of the evening, if it wasn't for a dog to take them for a walk.
     Dogs the best part of life, despair, and miss us when we're not with them to enjoy the moments here & there of wonder at the morning mist, the birds, the flowers, the sunset, the love created for us everywhere. It is a mad, crazy city, of cell phones, traffic, and illusions. And the Dogs, that are sometimes so unwelcome here in LA, are trying to say: Slow down and play with us. Play in the joy of life. Until you have truly loved a Dog, there's no zest for living to be had! There's only one healer, honest, direct and truly loving friend that taught me much. It was you, my beloved Rovie Dog. You shall forever remain: "Rovie, The Wonder Dog of Fame." You are free and legally leash free. Please wait for me, listen for my whistle, and some beautiful, fine, glorious day we will walk the Rainbow Bridge together, forever.    



Entry written by Marlena De Fabrizio of Santa Monica, CA

 


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