Hans 1/3/04 - 5/30/12

 What Can I Say About Hans?

Hans Posing For A Nice PortraitWhat can I say about Hans? He’s just perfect in our eyes. All the boys are, but Hans was a man’s man. Loyal, polite, and gentle, just the way any owner would want. As a father and a brother, Hans definitely was the Alpha Male; a true leader who taught me a lot. Bringing up 3 dogs wasn’t easy and thankfully I’ve had my wife and some great friends along the way to help me. Without them I’m not sure I could have done as well as we have.

A True Leader

The Taft FamilyWhen Hans was first diagnosed with cancer, we didn’t take it so well. But we were determined to give him the best last days we could. Personally, although it has only been a few weeks since we got the official bad news, I think we did a great job keeping him comfortable during that time. Hans enjoyed 8.5 great years. Aside from the cancer, I don’t think he would have wanted his life to go any other way. The love we had for him was seriously strong.

Gentle Giant

Hans & DylanStoic and prideful, Hans spent his last days masking the pain while still maintaining that happy smile Brooke and I have grown so fond of. We’ll miss that smile. We’ll miss the gentle hand biting he did when he was excited to see us. Yes, a gentle giant; I know it may be hard to believe with a Rottweiler. We’ll also miss when he used to dunk his head under water at the Esopus creek trying to dig up large rocks. He wasn’t much of a swimmer, just a digger. But it was his go-to squeaker toy that truly revealed his “little kid” spirit. The squeaker always lifted him up, even when he was feeling down.

Good Times Daily 

Hans in the WaterHans blessed us with much love and laughter. Good times daily. Those who knew Hans well could probably tell you a story or two of how funny and playful he was. Ever heard the “Empire” carpet commercial on TV? That was his favorite. And as frustrating as it was at times, we’ll always think of Hans when we hear the 12 O’clock fire whistle in town. That was the pack rally call, a daily trigger for the family sing along howl. Hopefully that tradition continues with his son Moose and brother Bruno carrying the torch.

At Peace Now

Hans PortraitOn his last day with us, Brooke and I didn’t really leave his side much at all. It was time to cherish every last second because we knew they would be just that. His eyes said it all; the pain was taking its toll. We told Hans he’d always be with us in spirit and I think he understood. Our final moments alone with Hans were quite precious. It wasn’t easy, but doing the right thing can often be quite difficult. We’re taking comfort, however, knowing he is now in a better place. He’s at peace now and at the end of the day, that’s all that really matters.

We’ll never forget you Big Daddy! R.I.P.

Posted by Dylan Taft on

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