I was sitting in my living room chair reading when I looked up at the mantel and saw a small antique jar I had completely forgotten about.
I got up to look at it and realized it was a small urn with Rose’s ashes in it.
Many of you know Rose was the dog who came with me to the first Bedlam Farm and was with me there for six years.
I didn’t know what to do when I got there, but Rose did.
She was the most remarkable dog and gave me the strength to live by myself on a farm in a remote New York state town.
She also saved my life a couple of times when I fell in the snow and ice, and she got up awake and up by nipping at my ears until I moved.
We would take the sheep into town or up into the woods two or three times a week to graze. I often sat up there reading St. Augustine to her.
I’ve had some great dogs, but Rose was different, and I will never forget her. I wrote an e-book about her, Rose In A Storm.
One of my special memories of Rose was fending off three coyotes in a windstorm in the winter as they came down from the hills to go after one of the newborn lambs.
Ignoring my screams for her to come back down, she stood them off by standing between them and the lambs and moving slowly towards them. They locked eyes with her and didn’t like what they saw.
I know she was quite prepared to give her life for the lambs; that was what was so scary.
My heart was up in my throat, but they backed off and ran.
I moved the urge into my story, where I can see it every day and say, “hey Rose, good morning,” as I did when she was alive.
Rose never slept with me in the bedroom; she sat on a bed in the guest room so she could look out the window at the sheep.
Godspeed, Rose; I hope you are in that beautiful pasture that extends to the horizon, watching over a massive herd of sheep. You know I don’t mourn dogs; I love them.
I will always love you.
You were the best.
We are blessed by special animals that come into our lives, aren’t we?
Yes, I have been blessed by Rose and others..thanks for the message..
Beautiful post Jon, Thanks for sharing.
I love that urn. I am curious if you have kept all your dogs ashes or if you sometimes scatter them. I hope that’s not a rude question but I know it is something people struggle with.
I really loved that book about Rose!
Thanks Polly, I usually scatter them, one urn with ashes is enough for a small farmhouse 🙂
I re-read “Rose in a Storm” last week and in fact it is still on my desk instead of my library bag. I knew that I wanted to say something to you about the impact I felt but was unsure how. Your just gave me the perfect lead-in. The book was touching, insightful, loving and impressive. I have read all your books and this one and “Saving Simon” have had the strongest impact on my feelings about the animals we live beside. Thank you for that and the joy your blog brings me. Now I’m off to read “Rose in a Storm” again because it made me feel so good. Thanks Jon. Becky Wells
When my therapy dog, Charley, and I worked assisted living I would loan my copy of Rose, In a Storm, to many of the residents who were dog lovers. I will never forget the broad smiles when they returned it to me. Your book gave so many dog lovers great joy. Her story lives on. Thanks!
Rose was always my favorite of your dogs, followed closely by Frieda. She was a remarkable being. we were all lucky to know her through your writing.
Wonderful dog. Wonderful story. I read the book.
Loved your story of Rose. She was an amazing dog.
I always had a soft spot in my heart for Rose, having followed your blog since its inception, and having read all of your books. Rose was indeed a once in a lifetime dog……… though I know you have loved them all……but as you said so often, Rose *always had your back*……… she was a special one.
Susan M
I love the stories of all of your dogs, but Rose was my favorite. Although the Orson stories made me laugh out loud.
I’ve read all your dog books, but Rose in a Storm was a favorite. Thanks for this blog.
I’m a sucker for a good book about people and their dogs. Over the years I’ve read several. Yours remain on the top shelf in my little home library. All dogs are special but those that touch deeply into our soul come around once, maybe twice, in a lifetime.
Your writing about Rose made me fall in love with her. She was a great dog and so beautiful. I still remember her too.
Thank you for sharing Rose with all of us.