Rhett Butler, (Momma's Heart, Lovebug) Susan Barzelogna's Coc-a-Ton (Coton de Tulair/ Cocker Spaniel mix), was the best dog she ever owned. She picked him out on the internet, and woke me at 2am, claiming excitedly, "I found him! He's the one! He will be my puppy!" After a transfer of $400.00, and airline ticket fee, we subsequently picked the little guy up at the Gainesville, Florida Airport after numerous phone calls, verifying that he had arrived and was in a shipping box within a cargo warehouse. At that point, Susan dearly loved him on sight, but I was not impressed and my initial impression was that he was a frightened, bug-eyed, fru-fru puppy. At that age, he had a big head, huge curly ears, pot belly, short stubby legs, and a semi-stub for a tail. He was cold and frightened, I did have sympathy for him, tucked him into my coat, warmed him with my body heat and was happy that soon, the puppy felt safe and was sleeping. He had a beautiful black, curly coat with white fur on the front of his throat, chin and chest resembling the tuxedo of a Southern Gentleman, and upon the suggestion of Larry Moody Sr, Susan agreed to name her pup Rhett Butler. She often talked about him at work, calling him, "Momma's Heart" and "Lovebug," often took him for rides, and treated him to chicken tenders. Rhett Butler was the 3rd member of an odd pack that included a black Scottish Terrier (Angus) and a wheaten and brindle, thickly coated Irish Wolfhound (Shamus). He was extremely cunning and was the thoughtful, scheming mastermind of the three, often devising ways to raid the trash can, obtain leftovers from the stove and table, always with Shamus and Angus looking guilty while sad eyed Butler appeared blameless and innocently drawn into the nefarious plots of the other two. Rhett Butler greeted me home from my last deployment to Kuwait/ Iraq/ Afghanistan in 2010, and lovingly greeted me each time I arrived home. Butler grew into a brave, loving dog, and my initial impression that he was a fru-fru was completely disproven. He loved Christmas, usually laid by the pool table and watched Caleb and I put up the tree, and patiently waited for his presents on Christmas Day, usually moving to sit patiently by Susan. He loved to roll on a warm patch of lawn after being washed or upon returning from the groomer. Then, he would bask in the heat of the Florida sun. Butler had remarkable health with his first medical emergency occuring at approximately age 13 when he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and placed on meds for it for the rest of his life. He also developed chronic arthritis which gradually cost him his speed, endurance and ability to run. In April 2021, he suffered kidney failure along with his worsening congestive heart failure which led to him being euthanized at the Animal Health Center in East Palatka, Florida. My wife, Susan, asked that I attend Rhett Butler within the vet's office while she waited in the car and spoke to some of the vet techs.
My son, Caleb, and I were present and would not leave him at the time he needed love and support the most. It was a time of great sadness at the Animal Health Center as Rhett Butler was a long term regular who had been a patient since the time of his puppy shot series, and was dearly loved by his Family and the Medical Staff. His loss was devastating to the entire Family, as well as Grandma, Sunny Barzelogna, who was being treated under Hospice Home Care and dearly loved Rhett Butler. In human years, Rhett Butler would have been 106.75 years old when he passed away. He was a loving companion, a tremendous friend, a loyal ally, a warm hearted lap dog without equal, and an unrivaled pet for Susan, who loved him dearly. Rhett Butler, dignified little Southern Gentleman, you will always be sorely missed, dearly loved, and never forgotten. I doubt if I will ever get over you, and I know that Susan never will. Rest in Peace, Lovebug.
LIFE: 15 Years, 3 Months, 10 Days
CAUSE OF DEATH: Congestive Heart Failure/ Euthanized
THE RAINBOW BRIDGE
"There is a bridge connecting heaven and earth.// It is called Rainbow Bridge because of its many colours.// Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills, valleys with lush green grass.// When a beloved pet dies , the pet goes to this special place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather.// The old and frail are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again.// They play all day with each other. There is only one thing missing.// They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth.// So each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up !// The nose twitches !// The ears are up !// The eyes are staring !// And this one suddenly runs from the group !// You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her into your arms and embrace.// Your face is kissed again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.// Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated."
William N. Britton
A DOG'S PRAYER
"Treat me kindly, my beloved Master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your "voice" is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest house in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
And, beloved Master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest - and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands."
author unknown
Note: ***PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THE PERSONAL PHOTOS OR PLACE THIS MEMORIAL ON OTHER WEBSITES WITHOUT PERMISSION***
My son, Caleb, and I were present and would not leave him at the time he needed love and support the most. It was a time of great sadness at the Animal Health Center as Rhett Butler was a long term regular who had been a patient since the time of his puppy shot series, and was dearly loved by his Family and the Medical Staff. His loss was devastating to the entire Family, as well as Grandma, Sunny Barzelogna, who was being treated under Hospice Home Care and dearly loved Rhett Butler. In human years, Rhett Butler would have been 106.75 years old when he passed away. He was a loving companion, a tremendous friend, a loyal ally, a warm hearted lap dog without equal, and an unrivaled pet for Susan, who loved him dearly. Rhett Butler, dignified little Southern Gentleman, you will always be sorely missed, dearly loved, and never forgotten. I doubt if I will ever get over you, and I know that Susan never will. Rest in Peace, Lovebug.
LIFE: 15 Years, 3 Months, 10 Days
CAUSE OF DEATH: Congestive Heart Failure/ Euthanized
THE RAINBOW BRIDGE
"There is a bridge connecting heaven and earth.// It is called Rainbow Bridge because of its many colours.// Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills, valleys with lush green grass.// When a beloved pet dies , the pet goes to this special place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather.// The old and frail are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again.// They play all day with each other. There is only one thing missing.// They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth.// So each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up !// The nose twitches !// The ears are up !// The eyes are staring !// And this one suddenly runs from the group !// You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her into your arms and embrace.// Your face is kissed again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.// Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated."
William N. Britton
A DOG'S PRAYER
"Treat me kindly, my beloved Master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your "voice" is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest house in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
And, beloved Master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest - and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands."
author unknown
Note: ***PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THE PERSONAL PHOTOS OR PLACE THIS MEMORIAL ON OTHER WEBSITES WITHOUT PERMISSION***
Rhett Butler, (Momma's Heart, Lovebug) Susan Barzelogna's Coc-a-Ton (Coton de Tulair/ Cocker Spaniel mix), was the best dog she ever owned. She picked him out on the internet, and woke me at 2am, claiming excitedly, "I found him! He's the one! He will be my puppy!" After a transfer of $400.00, and airline ticket fee, we subsequently picked the little guy up at the Gainesville, Florida Airport after numerous phone calls, verifying that he had arrived and was in a shipping box within a cargo warehouse. At that point, Susan dearly loved him on sight, but I was not impressed and my initial impression was that he was a frightened, bug-eyed, fru-fru puppy. At that age, he had a big head, huge curly ears, pot belly, short stubby legs, and a semi-stub for a tail. He was cold and frightened, I did have sympathy for him, tucked him into my coat, warmed him with my body heat and was happy that soon, the puppy felt safe and was sleeping. He had a beautiful black, curly coat with white fur on the front of his throat, chin and chest resembling the tuxedo of a Southern Gentleman, and upon the suggestion of Larry Moody Sr, Susan agreed to name her pup Rhett Butler. She often talked about him at work, calling him, "Momma's Heart" and "Lovebug," often took him for rides, and treated him to chicken tenders. Rhett Butler was the 3rd member of an odd pack that included a black Scottish Terrier (Angus) and a wheaten and brindle, thickly coated Irish Wolfhound (Shamus). He was extremely cunning and was the thoughtful, scheming mastermind of the three, often devising ways to raid the trash can, obtain leftovers from the stove and table, always with Shamus and Angus looking guilty while sad eyed Butler appeared blameless and innocently drawn into the nefarious plots of the other two. Rhett Butler greeted me home from my last deployment to Kuwait/ Iraq/ Afghanistan in 2010, and lovingly greeted me each time I arrived home. Butler grew into a brave, loving dog, and my initial impression that he was a fru-fru was completely disproven. He loved Christmas, usually laid by the pool table and watched Caleb and I put up the tree, and patiently waited for his presents on Christmas Day, usually moving to sit patiently by Susan. He loved to roll on a warm patch of lawn after being washed or upon returning from the groomer. Then, he would bask in the heat of the Florida sun. Butler had remarkable health with his first medical emergency occuring at approximately age 13 when he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and placed on meds for it for the rest of his life. He also developed chronic arthritis which gradually cost him his speed, endurance and ability to run. In April 2021, he suffered kidney failure along with his worsening congestive heart failure which led to him being euthanized at the Animal Health Center in East Palatka, Florida. My wife, Susan, asked that I attend Rhett Butler within the vet's office while she waited in the car and spoke to some of the vet techs.
My son, Caleb, and I were present and would not leave him at the time he needed love and support the most. It was a time of great sadness at the Animal Health Center as Rhett Butler was a long term regular who had been a patient since the time of his puppy shot series, and was dearly loved by his Family and the Medical Staff. His loss was devastating to the entire Family, as well as Grandma, Sunny Barzelogna, who was being treated under Hospice Home Care and dearly loved Rhett Butler. In human years, Rhett Butler would have been 106.75 years old when he passed away. He was a loving companion, a tremendous friend, a loyal ally, a warm hearted lap dog without equal, and an unrivaled pet for Susan, who loved him dearly. Rhett Butler, dignified little Southern Gentleman, you will always be sorely missed, dearly loved, and never forgotten. I doubt if I will ever get over you, and I know that Susan never will. Rest in Peace, Lovebug.
LIFE: 15 Years, 3 Months, 10 Days
CAUSE OF DEATH: Congestive Heart Failure/ Euthanized
THE RAINBOW BRIDGE
"There is a bridge connecting heaven and earth.// It is called Rainbow Bridge because of its many colours.// Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills, valleys with lush green grass.// When a beloved pet dies , the pet goes to this special place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather.// The old and frail are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again.// They play all day with each other. There is only one thing missing.// They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth.// So each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up !// The nose twitches !// The ears are up !// The eyes are staring !// And this one suddenly runs from the group !// You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her into your arms and embrace.// Your face is kissed again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.// Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated."
William N. Britton
A DOG'S PRAYER
"Treat me kindly, my beloved Master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your "voice" is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest house in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
And, beloved Master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest - and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands."
author unknown
Note: ***PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THE PERSONAL PHOTOS OR PLACE THIS MEMORIAL ON OTHER WEBSITES WITHOUT PERMISSION***
My son, Caleb, and I were present and would not leave him at the time he needed love and support the most. It was a time of great sadness at the Animal Health Center as Rhett Butler was a long term regular who had been a patient since the time of his puppy shot series, and was dearly loved by his Family and the Medical Staff. His loss was devastating to the entire Family, as well as Grandma, Sunny Barzelogna, who was being treated under Hospice Home Care and dearly loved Rhett Butler. In human years, Rhett Butler would have been 106.75 years old when he passed away. He was a loving companion, a tremendous friend, a loyal ally, a warm hearted lap dog without equal, and an unrivaled pet for Susan, who loved him dearly. Rhett Butler, dignified little Southern Gentleman, you will always be sorely missed, dearly loved, and never forgotten. I doubt if I will ever get over you, and I know that Susan never will. Rest in Peace, Lovebug.
LIFE: 15 Years, 3 Months, 10 Days
CAUSE OF DEATH: Congestive Heart Failure/ Euthanized
THE RAINBOW BRIDGE
"There is a bridge connecting heaven and earth.// It is called Rainbow Bridge because of its many colours.// Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills, valleys with lush green grass.// When a beloved pet dies , the pet goes to this special place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather.// The old and frail are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again.// They play all day with each other. There is only one thing missing.// They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth.// So each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up !// The nose twitches !// The ears are up !// The eyes are staring !// And this one suddenly runs from the group !// You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her into your arms and embrace.// Your face is kissed again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.// Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated."
William N. Britton
A DOG'S PRAYER
"Treat me kindly, my beloved Master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your "voice" is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest house in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
And, beloved Master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest - and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands."
author unknown
Note: ***PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THE PERSONAL PHOTOS OR PLACE THIS MEMORIAL ON OTHER WEBSITES WITHOUT PERMISSION***
