It’s Travis here to write to you with great sadness that Rosie, our beloved Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, passed peacefully last night after a 4 hour battle with cancer. Born on July 11, 2004, she burst into our family as a result of too much wine and too much fun. We “adopted” her after Nikki forgot to put her hand down during a live auction for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
That night, I was so mad to write that check. We named her Rosie because Cystic Fibrosis is sometimes called the 65 Roses disease. As first time puppy parents, we didn’t know a thing about raising a good dog. As with everything Nikki has done, she was determined to become the best dog mom ever. In her adolescent years, Rosie was just like a typical kid. She would sneak out of the house when we weren’t paying attention and run down the block to play with the neighborhood kids. After Nikki spent nearly 3 years with her going to obedience classes, she mellowed out and would rarely leave our side. Rosie rarely walked on a leash and had the self control to stop before crossing the street, even when in hot pursuit of a squirrel.
Rosie made friends everywhere she went. Whether it was on a stool in an Iron Range bar, walking around Lake Calhoun, or drifting on a boat on Lake Minnetonka, she could always be found kissing a new friend as they told her that they loved her. She enjoyed playing with all of the neighborhood kids, mailmen, squirrels and bunnies. Rosie maintained her youthful appearance and attitude throughout her life. In fact, she made the cover of every one of our Christmas cards for 11 straight years. Just last week, someone asked if she was still a puppy.
Perhaps most importantly, Rosie served as the Chief Snuggling Officer for Nikki as she endured several hospitalizations over the years. Rosie knew when Nikki was sick and would stay by her side for days. She would also sneak into the hospital, but the nurses were always happy to see her too. She encouraged Nikki to go for a walk to get her much needed exercise. Rosie was a source of comfort and hope for Nikki after she received her double lung transplant in the Fall of 2013. Check out this video of Rosie as she welcomed Nikki home after her surgery.
We knew Rosie would be a good mentor to her new little sister, Honey. 
Rosie’s calm disposition with an occasional firm growl, taught Honey how to be a good puppy…..so far. Rosie taught Honey how to play Tug of War and even let her win sometimes. They played Tag every day and Honey was just learning the game of Chase the Goose. We know their 8 weeks together made a positive impact on Honey’s personality.
Rosie’s last day began like any other, all four of us snuggled in the morning. We went for a walk in the afternoon, and she even took a quick dip in the lake for the first time this year. She snacked on a couple pieces of cheese, her favorite treat.
When we returned from our walk, she was listless with labored breathing. We took her to the emergency vet and soon learned she had fluid around her heart and lungs. She had a tumor that burst and further tests revealed she had an aggressive cancer throughout her internal organs. There were no previous symptoms. She likely wouldn’t make it through the night. All of her local family came to say goodbye and she passed peacefully in our arms after giving a couple of last kisses and a happy tail wag.
We are deeply shocked and saddened with this sudden change in our lives. Anyone that ever met Rosie, knew she was a wonderful dog. Gentle, sweet and deeply loved is how she will be remembered. Rosie will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
At first, I was mad to write the check that night Rosie fatefully came into our lives. In hindsight, it was the best investment I ever made.
Rosie was the best dog ever.
Nikki's New Lungs 
What a beautiful tribute! You both express yourself so beautifully! This story truly brought tears to my eyes. So sorry for your loss.
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Wow, what a surprising and sad announcement. Rosie was (as most animals are) a wonderful, truly loving and compassionate creature of God that brought many humans and OTHER animals much joy and happiness. I’m so sorry for your loss T & N. We all love you Rosie. We were Blessed to have you in our lives. May your niece Trikki and your protege Honey carry on in your memory and duplicate your wonderful life. GM
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As I was scrolling down on newsfeed checking out the latest news I saw this and was immediately saddened. Rosie was indeed the best of the best and will be missed immeasurably! This happened so suddenly – you and Nikki must be shocked and heartbroken. As I was reading your blog tears were streaming….Rosie was such a lovable member of your family…really a perfect creature of God! My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad time; huge hugs to you both!
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So sad to hear of Rosies passing. Grace would get so excited when we would tell her Nikki and Rosie were coming to visit her in the hospital.
Sounds like her last day was a good one. We are thinking of you guys.
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Oh Trav and Nikki, I can’t express how saddened I am for the both of you, I just read this and am shocked. We all loved Rosie, she was a perfect fit anywhere she went, loved by all and brought joy to so many, my heart is with the both of you. Sending huge and comforting hugs.
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I feel for you guys. We had the same thing happen 3 years ago with one of the best labs I ever had. Smile in rememberance. Grube
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Aw, so sorry for your loss. Rosie sounds like she was a great dog and friend.
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It was a tough night for all of us but especially Nicole and Travis. She was a great dog and we are happy to know she did not have to suffer.
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We are so very sad to lose another family member, Rosie was our granddaughter not just our grand doggy. Rosie had a job and a real purpose in life – Nikki and Travis. She was there with Nikki always and saw her through good and bad days but most of all, through her transplant and recovery. She was a truly loyal and loving dog – Travis and Nikki were her life! She may be gone but will never be forgotten…….Rosie…..rest in peace. We love you, Gramma and Grampa
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I am so sorry for your loss. Rosie was a very special dog and I know you will miss her. Hugs to you, Nikki and Honey.
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So so sorry for your loss Nikki & Travis. You gave Rosie a wonderful home with lots of love and she in turn loved you with the deepest of loyalty. So good that you were with her and that she didn’t have to suffer. Rest in Peace sweet Rosie.
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:**( I’m so very sad and sorry to hear this. The only good news I can find in the story is what I thought was a typo at first, a four hour battle with cancer. It’s so difficult to watch our babies (fur or not) suffer. Rosie was a sweetheart and heaven is lucky to have her.
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Thanks for that wonderful tribute to Rosie Trav and so sad to hear about your loss. She was such a sweet dog, my heart goes out to you guys.
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We are so sorry to for your loss. We lost our Tobi, also a CF Gala dog last week after 15 years of loving him. I am sure they are playing on dog heaven right now.
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I am just a blubbering puddle right now. Oh, what a sweet, insightful Rosie you had. She is joining my sweeties in heaven.
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So sorry, guys. We enjoyed having her out for a boat ride many years ago.
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just remember, all dogs go to heaven!!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
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So sad, glad we all went for a walk just last week!
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Thank you for sharing the beautiful tribute to Rosie.When a Wheaten finally comes to live with me, I hope she or he will be like Rosie.
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Soo sorry for your loss of Rosie,it is always very hard to lose a pet
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Travis, Nikki and family – my deepest condolences on the lost of your family member. I truly know what you are going through. All my love and hugs always!!
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I saw your post about Rosie on the Wheaten Den. I am really sorry for your loss. Rosie was a beautiful dog. I hope she’s running free over the Rainbow Bridge.
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What a special dog Rosie was to all who knew her! You both have my sincere sympathy and thank goodness you got Honey when you did! Rosie had a chance to start training her along with both of you. May Rosie rest in peace.
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Great tribute to Rosie. I have a Wheaten and they’re the best. So sorry to hear of her sudden passing, I’m sure it was devastating. My first Wheaten also had a tumor that ruptured and he went quickly. Unfortunately I was overseas on a work project at the time. That was twelve years ago and it still hurts. I’m sure Rosie trained Honey well in those four short weeks they were together. She will live on forever in your hearts.
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Truly, the best dog ever! The girls and I mourn with you.
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So sorry to hear of your loss. For those who never had dogs, not just pets, but an part of your family…. may not understand how close you become to them. Your Rosie gave you as much as you gave her… that is wonderful! We have had two Wheatons from puppies and both had died from cancer…. One died on his own, his brother we had to put to sleep because of the same symtums that Rosie had. I was told once that Wheatons…. NEVER grow up… they are forever puppies….They enjoy their lives and people around them from their first day here to their last… Maybe they are trying to teach us all something?
I received this story when our Wheatons died. Casey and L.B. (his little brother)
enjoy:
A Dog’s Purpose
Anonymous
Being a (female) veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolf hound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.
Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s death wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter then human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, “I know why!”
Startled, we all turned to him.
What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, “People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life-like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?”
The six-year-old continued, “Well, dogs already know how to do that so they don’t have to stay as long”
Live simply,
Love generously,
Care deeply,
Speak kindly,
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drinks lots of water and lie under a shadee tree.
When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you’re not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
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I am so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful dog! I can still remember her coming down the isle at Snyder’s. I’m thinking of you both.
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I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is so hard. I’m in tears. Thinking of you both.
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Travis, that was such a beautiful tribute to Rosie.
I’m so sorry you two have lost your sweet, fluffy Rosie. She will never be forgotten as your faithful, loving companion for all these years.
Love, Heidi & Scott
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I was so saddened by the news of your loss of Rosie. I got to meet her when coming to hang out with Nikki after her transplant. What a great and beautiful dog. I’m glad that she didn’t suffer long but I’m so sorry for your loss.
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