King Bob (born 2.19.2010), the sweetest and most hilariously stubborn boy, peacefully crossed the rainbow bridge at 2:53 pm on Monday, December 19th in the arms of his mom Lyndsey who was his entire world, as Israel "Iz" Ka'ano'i Kamakawiwo' Ole’s renowned melody, Somewhere Over the Rainbow echoed throughout the house. Bob, King B, B, lovey, B B, the beast, d***head, or Bobby Bob as some called him lived a life like no other dog and some humans for that matter. Anyone who met him knew, it was his world and we were all lucky to live in it. In his almost 13 years, he touched countless lives. He had an uncanny ability to say so much without being able to speak, touching your soul by starring into his dark chocolate brown eyes, nub wags, goofy smile, and unconditional love and acceptance.

Bob and Lyndsey’s unconventional special bond began on a chilly April day in Bedford, New Hampshire and from that day on, the duo would spread love and kindness throughout Western Mass and beyond; dismantling the stigma of Rottweilers. Bob was the ‘gold’ puppy of his litter, meaning he was picked to be a show dog, but anyone who knew him knows he wouldn’t have best in show despite his impeccable specs (he was best in show in our hearts). He would have walked into a ring as the King he was, wanting to sniff and goofily walk around searching for cheese and treats, ignoring everyone and everything until it was on his terms while possibly lifting his leg to leave a little mark, claiming his throne. He would have assumed he had already won and everyone, including the competitors, were there for him to celebrate his reign.

From the moment he came home, Lyndsey no longer made any decisions for herself. She did everything she could to give him the life he deserved. From the moment she’d open her eyes in the morning he’d always be within inches of her face - snoring, smiling, or her least favorite farting. Their days would begin by watching the Today Show, sipping coffee and snuggling. Their days consisted of car rides, belly rubs, donuts, visiting friends, attending charity events, grabbing a cold one at the Glenwood, and his ultimate favorite, walks. He loved walks on and off the leash, especially when he would find tennis balls, sprinklers, or chicken wing bones. Sometimes though, his walks were more a sit. He’d stop at any point and refuse to move his 100 pound plus body so he could watch the day go by or stalk some of his favorite people. Sitting outside the Pizza Guy till Bobby or Karen would bring him out pepperoni, which was difficult at 8am when they weren’t open. This was slightly embarrassing for his Mom but hilarious for all who saw. He quickly learned that if he laid at the corner of Van Horn and refused to move, he’d have a chance to see his favorite nephews, Lochlin and Alex. Bob, Lochlin and Alex shared a special bond, given they all grew up together, he will always be their forever dog.

Bob was stubborn but not when cheese was involved. For the last few years we are convinced those living on Guy Place thought his name was cheese as it was yelled loudly at all hours of the night because it’s the only way he’d come back in the house, often after laying in all the yards that weren’t his. Sometimes, Lyndsey thought his eyes and ears were going, but thanks to land o’lakes this was disproven. He was a local celebrity, the amount of times he and Lyndsey would be out and about and a complete stranger would say “BOB!” and to this day, she still doesn’t even know who they all were. He would have given anything in his last year to go for one last walk and see all of his fans.

Bob, like his mom, often overstayed his welcome when visiting friends, especially if there was a pool. He wasn’t a big swimmer except the many times he clumsily fell in almost ripping pool liners. He’d spend hours sitting on pool stairs splashing himself and drinking so much pool water, acting as though he was the toughest dog ever, which we all know, he was not. He also would sometimes grace their friends yards, dog beds, or couches with a little ‘warmth’, which he probably learned from watching her. Honestly, we aren’t sure who peed outside more.

Bob would have been the best accomplice to commit a crime, because he could do no wrong. He was a ‘thief’, a repeat offender who knew how to steal every tennis ball he could from Good Dog University. If he ever did misbehave and Lyndsey had to ask, “did you do that”, he’d look back at her with a smirk and a slow motion roll over onto his back, spreading his legs for a full belly rub and a look of “I didn’t mean to do it”. This prevented any chance of ever being upset with him. He didn’t always want attention but he did. If you were the chosen one to pet him, he wouldn’t let you stop. God forbid you’d move your hand for a second, he’d sit up, look at you like you were a monster and his massive paw would come full force hitting you, pulling your hand back to him.

He truly lived a life of joy, safety, and a regular model (3 professional photo shoots - thank you Lee, Joe, Ibby and Eric). He was a bomb proof dog, never phased by anything except balloons, red Irish setters, and robotic vacuums, not to be confused with vacuum attachments that he’d aggressively move in front of so you’d vacuum him instead of the floor. If you met him, you’d never know that he defied death constantly. There were so many times he did things never heard of, like when he ate rat poison the night before Lyndsey ran the Hartford marathon or when his girlfriend Coco pushed him off a 2nd level deck. But similar to the deck fall, he always jumped right back up running off making you question your own sanity and his terminator type body. One of his favorite vet techs, Amanda, recently referred to him as immortal because every time we thought it was the end, it wasn’t. Unfortunately though, this led us to believe he would live forever and one day be a scientific study.

Bob was no stranger to socializing, especially on the campus of Westfield State where he loved being snuck into dorms, marking his territory in the classrooms, checking out the boss’s trash or eating their non preferred meals. He loved being able to host his own pet therapy for all the students in the Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (ICEI) Program and pIeCEs. Bob changed the world and spent any chance he had to make someone smile. In his very own special way he knew how to ‘Bring Moments of Joy to Courageous Kids’ at Griffin’s Friends events. He especially loved the time he spent time with his captains, Joe Joe and Avery. He and Avery shared a love of cheese, hot dogs, and singing and dancing to the Little Mermaid. He also wanted to ‘Save Lives and Bring Hope to those Affected by Suicide’ and be the comfort for those who lost one of his favorite WSU students, Randi. While trotting around in a rainbow costume or tie-dye t-shirt he never hesitated to give a paw for prevention at American Foundation for Suicide Prevention events.

Bob was so grateful for his ever so patient babysitters, Sarah, Andrea, Nick, and Jerry who he wrapped around his paws. Even when he’d wake them up at any hour throughout the night especially recently with a single, terrifying bark that would ring through the house. This bark would wake you up thinking the world was ending when in reality he wanted you to know he loved you and wanted pepperoni. Bob had the best aunts and uncles ever, too many to list and many of who had his best doggie friends, Scout, Opie, Roxie, Penny, Killian, Maci, and so many more. The reason he knows his Mommy will be okay with him crossing the rainbow bridge is because of their unconditional love and support. If we were to list all the moments he shared with all of those he loved this would be as long as his Mom’s dissertation, which was dedicated to him.

Bob made his Dad, Sean, the biggest anti-animal person, love dogs well actually just him, once he got over his nails on their wood floor or ‘confetti’ he would leave around for him to have to swiffer. He trained Sean to believe he needed to go out, but in actuality he would turn right back around and come in for a treat without ever peeing. He loved when Sean would beautifully reflect on his post daycare smells and sounds and would repay him by letting more gas go any chance he could or always having to relieve himself at the National Guard; just so Sean would be embarrassed and panic because there was always someone watching. Bob loved being with his Dad on Van Horn street so much that he would even refuse to get in the car allowing his Mom more time to rummage his bomb shelter for household goods.

He taught Lyndsey to love unconditionally, take breaks when needed (i.e., he’d push her laptop closed when he was done with her working), laughing in moments when you would want to cry, and most importantly, that she was worthy of love, especially his. He was never mad at her, except when she wouldn’t order him Macho Taco, let him sleep and skip a daycare day, or when he had to babysit Big Tom who also enjoyed his beef jerky. He was the best dog a girl could ask for and her heart is broken into a million pieces. It is true that Rottweilers, not diamonds, are a girl’s best friend. Lyndsey would like to thank everyone who came from near and far to see him during his last few days and throughout his life to share the indescribable love he shared. While deeply saddened, knowing he made a mark on so many gives her the comfort and grace to heal while trying to learn to live with her new normal. We would also like to thank Dr. Estrada who catered to Bob and his Mom’s every need for the last year, never phased by him pooping while helping him up the stairs coating his fancy boots. Lastly nobody wants to go through this but the unwavering support and kindness of Dr. Johnson,The Village Vet, will forever give Lyndsey and Bob’s family comfort and peace knowing the right decision was made. She ensured his last moments were beautifully peaceful, while comforting his Mom. But let’s not forget the most memorable moment with Dr. Johnson is when she openly admitted Bob changed her views about Rotties.

Grief is something Lyndsey and her circle know to well. People are are so kind. Thank you to everyone who has reached out, shared a memory, a photo or video, a gift or a laugh. As Jamie Anderson said, “Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give, but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.” With this being said, we ask that you channel your grief and love in a way that will carry on Bob’s legacy. We ask that if you have the means or are moved to, you engage in a Bobism.

Here is a list of suggestions:

• For the Love of Dogs - Rottweiler Rescue: To help other Rottweilers have a chance to live a life a like him
• Griffin’s Friends: Bring Moments of Joy to Courageous Kids
• AFSP MA: To Save Lives and Bring Hope to those Affected by Suicide
• Donating items such as tennis balls, marrow bones, or other supplies to your local shelter or participate in any random act of kindness such as paying it forward at Dunkin Donuts and ordering a plain donut for the dog in the car behind you.

If you’ve finished reading this in its entirety then please hug your pups and loved ones tighter. Bob was always there to support his Mom through all of life’s ups and downs and if it wasn’t for him, she wouldn't know that life is hard but with love you will be okay. Because of Bob and the memories she has, she will be one day, not anytime soon, okay…but for now, she’ll think about the life he lived, as it was all a dream.

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