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Hans' Rainbow Bridge page
July 8, 1989 - June 9, 2005
One morning a few weeks ago, I was so delighted to wake up and find Hans lying beside me on the bed. Every time I'd begin to think maybe he's not getting around as well, he'd fool me by climbing up on my bed, or attempting to chase Groovy or something cool like that.
I love how Hans would stand at the foot of my bed and bark when he felt that it was time for me to wake up and begin petting him.  I love how he stood up for himself with the others, and how he would bark or snap at Jack when Jack would try to steal his treat!
It is with very deep regret and a heavy heart that I must bring you the news that my precious darling Hans has passed away.  He crossed the rainbow bridge today, Thursday, June 9, 2005.  I came home from work to find him lying on the back porch - something he never does because he prefers the air conditioning and his soft bed inside.  He looked peaceful, as if he were taking a nap, but I knew I'd lost him before I even touched him.  Hans has been a tough guy these past few years, a real trooper. I always felt that I could see in his eyes that he still felt like he had lots to look forward to. He had just had his recheck at LSU's vet school 2 days ago, and even though he still had evidence of pneumonia, he had improved, and was not having any problems out of the ordinary besides the ongoing issues of his weak hind end and the pneumonia that had gotten better.  I just returned from LSU, where I took Hans for an autopsy.  All I can think of is maybe Hans had sat down and had trouble getting on his feet so he decided to lie down and try again later, maybe the heat was too much for him or maybe he just fell asleep in the heat if he had trouble getting on his feet.  I have never come home to find Hans was lying or sitting and could not get up.  I have, however, been afraid that his hind end issues may worsen and cause these problems for him later - that's why we were having tests done. Several times in the past, I have seen Hans' hind end give out and he's had trouble getting up so I just help him so he doesn't have to struggle.  Hans had eaten well all week and was getting around fairly well. I didn't detect anything out of the ordinary.  This morning, he stood outside the shower door as he always does when I am in there. He stood outside the bathroom door as I got ready for work which is his norm. He barked as I was preparing their breakfast, as he gets excited at the prospect of food.  He joined the others at the gate for a treat this morning as I was leaving for work, and as I was pulling out of the driveway, I could see that he had already turned the corner to go back inside the house, again, part of his routine.
Four of the best years of my life are the ones that I got to spend with Hans since the time I adopted him.
Just last week I was thrilled to see Hans hurrying around the corner and down the driveway, actually trotting, to catch up with the others to see what they were running around and barking at. Seeing that made my day.
Every time Groovy and Jack would get into a tug-of-war, Hans would rush up to them and start barking as if he were refereeing!  He always wanted to be involved!
Sometimes I would wake up, or come home from work, and Hans would not join the others at the gate to greet me. Sometimes I'd worry and hurry inside to look for him, and I'd always find him either curled up on his bed or stretched out on the couch or something, and that would make me so happy.
Hans & Reiman
Someone mentioned to me tonight that maybe Hans thought that Reiman was his replacement.  Hans knew me better than that.  He knew what we shared.  He knew I would move heaven and earth for him and that no one could ever replace him.  One of the reasons I adopted Reiman was because I thought it may comfort Hans to have someone around closer to his own age to chill with. I thought they could really understand each other.  I'm so glad that they were able to meet and spend some time together.  
Hans loved to follow me around the house, everywhere I went, all the time. I never grew tired of that. As I sit at my computer, already I miss that he is not laying beside me in his spot.
Hans' habit was leaving the bedroom during the night and going to the living room to climb up on the couch
Hans always stood in the bathroom door while I got ready for work, and he was never absent from outside the shower door when I was in it.
My only pic of all 5 of my babies - was going to let Reiman settle in & then take group pics this weekend
Hans gazing out the window
Hans home from I.C.U.
My shower companion
Hans, I was not ready to say goodbye to you, you've given me a heartload of memories that I will never forget.  No couch time will ever be the same, no picture will ever be complete, my showers will be lonely from now on - without you. Thank God you chose me to spend the rest of your life with. I hope this family made you as happy as you seemed, and I hope I never disappointed you.  You were everything I could have ever hoped for in a best friend. What will I do without you? I miss you like crazy, and can't wait to see you again. Now all the girls at the rainbow bridge will have another big, strong man to take care of them.
Hans counter-jumping!
Hans was so grateful to everyone at the Animal Hospital of Orange Grove, LSU's vet school, and Gulf Coast Veterinary Emergency Hospital for taking such wonderful care of him and making his quality of life better.
I'm hugging you as hard as I can

 

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