Rooks is dearly missed by owner Albert Khalis Pride.
Rooks was part Australian Shepherd, part Collie, Full-blooded Saint.
A few words from his Albert:
He as born on November 28, 1986 in Bellflower, CA, and had been in my life longer
than all the pets I've been graced with, combined. Rooks was the best traveling companion a fellow
could've had as we trekked from Southern California to my home town of Birmingham, AL. We turned Flagstaff
and Albuquerque out, back in the day. When he and my Mom met, it was love at first sight. She took him into her home and
save for a few outings with me, those two were nearly inseparable. He was truly a Godsend, for her and for me.
Rooks was wonderful and very animated with kids, and had quite a way with the ladies whenever we went crusing the town;
they would just go "gah-gah" over him and I really got a kick out of the way people warmed up to him.
Every time he got the chance, he'd greet me with barks of glee, running starts and flying leaps into my arms.
Rooks spent the last few months of his life living with me after my Mom suffered a stroke. It was a little bumpy at first, but seemd to get better
as time went by.
The most lasting memory of my Amigo will always be the night of March 19 of this year ("98)...
I was seated on my living room floor, very sad over the death of a jazz artist that I greatly admired when, despite his struggles
with heartworm disease, he just walked up to me and instead of licking my face,
brushed his head against my shoulder, then proceeded to lay it on my left knee and look back at me as if to say, "I understand..."
He put his own pain aside to comfort mine. I'll never forget the look he gave me.
The night before he died was spent cruising with me.
We shared pizza and hung out at a park.
The following morning of April 25, 1998, after a trip to the vet (I remember him licking my face while being examined the whole time)
and arriving home, he suddenly collapsed on our living room floor at 10:00 a.m. where he passed away. Took his final breath in my arms. And my world is not the same without him.
I love you, Rooks. Then, now...and in all my tomorrows...Albert
Webmaster's note: Albert sent along a beautiful tape of
rememberance songs, dedicated to all the dogs up at DogStar.
I played it for them and they loved it. Thanks, Albert.