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Rosie's Page

Rosie, 1992 - 2008

Rosie, our beloved dog, passed away on Saturday evening, January 26th, 2008. She was so very close to many folks at the store. We knew many of you would like to know about her passing.

Rosie was a grand 16 years old, which is old for a dog, especially a big dog like her. Her health had been slowly fading over the past year. She had a cancerous growth on her hip. Both her hind legs were weakening. On Saturday evening, she slipped and took a hard fall, and broke her hip. It was a fall from which she could not recover. We were lucky to be with her during this time, hold her, talk with her, comfort her during her last few hours. We buried Rosie Sunday morning in a spot of our yard, near a small grove of tall bamboo, underneath which, on many a day, she would often make a nest of leaves and grass, and enjoy the cool breezes and sunshine.

Originally, we found Rosie at the Humane Shelter in Belle Meade. She stuck her paw way out from her cage, beckoning us, and melting us with her deep, thoughtful brown eyes and soft plea-ful whine. Rosie had been abused by some children. All her life, Rosie was afraid of children and kept her distance. But otherwise, she was a very happy dog. Very happy. Her name had been “Princess”, but we renamed her “Roshana”, because we got her on the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashana. Frankly, saying the name “Roshana” did not come easily to everyone, and people started calling her “Rosie.”

Rosie was a very special dog, and she marveled at the world around her. When she was a pup, we had taken her to Shelby Park. There’s an island in a pond there, full of gawking geese, and we walked her over the foot-bridge and onto the island. She immediately ran towards the geese, chasing and trying to catch one, as the geese waddled towards, then flew off over the water. Rosie didn’t stop at the end of the island, but kept running over the water, only to discover one of life’s simple facts – you can’t walk on it.

Over the years, Rosie learned about snow, and how to catch it in her mouth. She suffered through the tornados that hit Nashville, including part of our house and yard in East Nashville. She traveled with us to places near and far. On long trips, she preferred to sit in the front seat – she would always let you know – Warren in back, Rosie in front.

For a dog, Rosie always seemed very self-aware. When you would say something to her, she would utter something back, and seemed to say in her eyes that she understood whatever you were saying. At times, this could be very disconcerting. After all, she’s only a dog. But she was very verbal, and often would keep responding to you, as long as you kept talking to her.

She developed a very elaborate speaking system made up of whines, whistles, snorts and barks. In fact, she seemed to name things. She had very specific patterns of sounds for three people in her life – Connie Welch, Big Dawg Hendrixson and Linda Lindsey. When either of these people approached the store, Rosie would run to Warren and tell him. When Rosie wanted him to open a door, she would touch her nose to the lock. If he hesitated, she would claw at his pants pocket where he kept his keys.

Every morning, she would wake Warren up to go to work, and every evening, let him know when it was time to go to bed. She had distinct words for wanting to go out, wanting to eat, wanting water, and wanting specific toys to play with. James taught her to mimic the sounds of the words “I love you”, and she could get very close in their pronunciation.

But Rosie’s biggest role over the years was as Be Dazzled Beads’ store dog. While in her later years, she was shy and kept to herself, for most of her life, she always took center stage. Customers, as long as they weren’t children, were always greeted at the door, sometimes tugged and pulled along to wherever we kept the dog treats. When any customer would come to the counter, she would jump up on her hind legs, paws on the counter, poised and ready to ring up the sale on the cash register and bag the goods.

When fire engines and ambulances passed the shop, sirens in full blare, Rosie would sing and sing and sing in tune with the horns. She loved to howl. She would lift her head high into the air, and blow out the fullest harmonic sounds. She even taught her younger sister, Lily, to sing and howl, sort of.

Rosie loved to attend classes, particularly the weekly Bead Study Group. She kept a mental attendance list, and put extra pressure on anyone who missed a week, to give her extra treats the next time. Rosie was very close to all the staff, who spoke with her every day, walked her, gave her treats, worried about her health, and loved her terribly.

Rosie was a very happy dog. Warm. Responsive. Smart. People always thought she looked like the dog in “Annie”. She was a star in her own right.

As Rosie passed her last few hours, her breathing shallowed, her heart slowed. She looked at Warren. She looked at James. She softly howled, and howled again and again, not loud and full, but almost whispered, as if howling politely at the moon. And a few last breaths.

Rosie is survived by her two sisters, Dottie and Lily, her loving fathers James and Warren, and hundreds upon hundreds of people whose lives she touched at Be Dazzled Beads and Land of Odds.

I am SO sorry for your loss. Rosie was a wonderful soul who just happened to house that soul in a dog body. Many a time I made a stop at the pet store first so as to be sure I had cookies in my purse before I entered the shop. Rosie always knew when there was “one more” left at the bottom of my bag.

Thank you so much for sharing her with all of us…her stories and her bright shining eyes at the front door whenever we came in. On the few occasions I came in and she was not right at the door, the first words out of my mouth were always “where’s Rosie?”

Owning a farm as we do, we have lost many wonderful creatures over the years. Some were animals who were part of the farm, some were pets in our home, some were angels appearing in little furry bodies. All were grieved over. All were cried over. Some special ones broke our hearts. Only other “moms” and “dads” know how deeply a special one can touch us, and how to the depths of our being do we feel their passing.

I had someone ask me once how I could stand it, having so many animals and knowing their time was limited. How could I stand it when they left me. How I could open my heart again to another, knowing ultimately the end that would come. My answer is always the same. How could I miss the love that they give? The grief is beyond words, but that show the love was too. I have been blessed in my life to have had many wonderful beings cross my path, and share their time with me. I have been blessed to know Rosie too.

Suzanne Hollingsworth

Rest well, Rosie. You will be greatly missed.

Holly and the spotted kids in TN
Baxter, CD, RN, MX, MXJ
MACH Boo
Creed, AX, OAJ
Jacob, UD - the first, always in my heart

I am so sorry to hear about Rosie, what a sad loss for everyone, thank you for letting me know, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I know she will be smiling down on us and beading with us, God Bless you at this difficult time, she had the best Daddy's and had a wonderful life with you.

Take care and look after yourselves
Regareds
Helga Bezuidenhout

What a beautiful memorial. We lost our fifteen year old greyhound, Audrey, much the same way. It is heartbreaking, but at the same time gratifying that they lead such a long happy life, and were so loved. Roshana was one lucky dog!

Sharon Williams

I am sorry to hear that Rosie has passed. Having lost my dog Pixie
last May, I know what you are going through.
I know that my being there at the end made her passing better for
me as it did for you. My comfort was in knowing that Pixie was running
and bouncing around in Heaven and that she no longer was in pain.
My prayers go out for both of you in this time of sadness.
Love,
Amy Jernigan

Oh Warren, I am so sorry to hear about Rosie. I've been sitting here crying my eyes out myself. I loved that dog! I know this must be really hard on you. I am sure James is torn up as well. Its going to seem so weird coming in to the store without her there.

Buck up Warren, there are going to be lots of people who are going to ask about her. When it gets really bad, and you can't stand it, just leave for a few minutes. You guys are in my prayers.

Love,

Mary Poag

I am so sorry for your lost. Pets are part of family. Praying for you both......Angelia Murray

Thank you for sharing Rosie’s obit. I loved her and will never forget going into the shop the first time and having her run to the door to greet me and accept rubs and praise. Of course, I looked forward to that every time I went. She was wonderful. My desk is wet with tears. I do so hate to lose our special friends/family.

Susan Wall

Please please, my condolence from the mcgruders family, We are very, very sorry, I know how painfull it is to lose someone you loved so much, I know how much you loved rosie and us two we loved her very much, ,PLease be strong, i know is not easy, But god is with rosie where she is, all the best for you and your family.
Thanks from charity.
God bless you,

I am VERY sorry about Rosie-you will be in my thoughts,
Dieta Duncan

Thank you so much for sharing Rosie's beautiful story. I always
loved to see her at the shop.

My sympathies are with you. The sharp pains slowly fade however the
memories will remain wonderful and bright.

L. C. Wilson

Thanks for letting us know about Rosie. It makes me sad but I know that she had a great life. We have already added a great little Scottie named Adie to our family. Doc and I are thrilled. I still miss Jack and in fact, haven't taken his picture off my screen saver. Just can't do that.

Yvonne Greene

James, I am so sorry that you and Warren have lost dear Rosie. The death of a trusted companion cuts very deep. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. The wonderful memories of her will keep Rosie alive in your hearts.

Ellen Sutherland

We will all miss Rosie and I will remember her every time I howl at the moon.
Claudia Welker

I am so saddened to hear of Rosie's
passing. I know you loved her very much and I am sure she knew it.
It will be different coming to the store and not having her meet me
at the door...and, eventhough I did not see her often, I think she
remembered me each time. Hope to see you soon, Phyllis Cupit

I"m so sorry for your loss. This is a wonderful tribute to a beautiful spirit who shared your lives.

I appreciate that you took the time to send this out. I did meet Rosie a couple of times and she was a gem.

Regards, Elise Aballi

So sorry about your sweet Rosie! I only met her a few times,she was a beautiful dog,and looked like she was very wise! your ode to Rosie shows she truly was.

Eva Hill

Thank you Warren. That was very touching. I was hoping you had a couple of photos of Rosie throughout her life with this email.
I would love to see her when she was younger, if you have a few you would like to share.
My sympathies to you and James as well as Dottie and Lily.

Miss you all.

Love, Tracey Dooling

My heartfelt condolences to you and James and everyone at Be Dazzled Beads for your heavy loss. Your eulogy to Rosie was so sweet and funny and interesting. Truly, Rosie was a very special companion and personality. I remember her sitting at the doorway of your old location on East Iris, looking out with her bandana scarf and when I was walking our dogs, she would bark hello through the door. Her expression was so soulful. She had such beautiful eyes. I also remember being very impressed with Rosie’s operatic talents! We lost our dogs to old age, and most recently, Kim, who was 16 when she died. Although I know they lived a full life, I miss them and think about them every day. We buried our dogs side by side in the back yard, and that is a consolation and a fitting tribute, as you did with your beautiful Rosie. Sending you all hugs because I know your heart is broken, but I also know that you are comforted by surrounding Rosie with love in her final hours. Thank you so much for sharing her final moments with us.

Reesha Leone

My best friend at my Bead Store Hangout died Saturday night. Rosie regarded me as a special friend. She let everyone in the area know that I was there. She gave me kisses and shopped with me. She could find me at a Craft Show in a hugh park in the Middle of Nashville. She would drag James and Warren straight to me when they came to the show, that is if I was there. She had a funny noise she would make to Warren to tell him I was coming, or had arrived. At the old store, she would tell him several minutes before I pulled into the lot. It seemed like she had radar. She did the same for 2 others - so I guess we were Rosie People. Rosie did look like Orphan Annie's dog Sandy - but when I sent a TV personality out there to get beads, he thought she looked like the "Cindy Lauper of Dogdom." She never missed the Wed bead group, and any party that was held in the beadstore. One time they were having a shower for a preg employee, she came running to see what she bought to the shower. She then stayed and watched the opening of the gifts. I will really miss her.

Connie Welch

I will certainly miss Rosie.

Sammie Sparks

Warren I am so sorry to learn of Rosie's passing. She was a very
special dog and I'll miss her. It goes without saying that you do.

Jan Hepburn

I sincerely thank you for sharing with us about Rosie.
May peace be with you.

With love,

Jennifer "Emma" Schreiner

Thanks for your beautiful eulogy for Rosie. She was truly a memorable animal and I felt privileged to have known her and colluded with her for an extra treat now and then. She loved her snacks - no doubt one of the things we had in common. I'm not really sure Rosie was a dog, though, in the conventional sense, at least. She was possessed of an "old soul", I think and showed a depth of empathy, understanding and generosity that one seldom seems displayed in any of earth's creatures. She will always have a special place in my memory and was the quintessential spirit to represent the Bead School to the many who come there to learn, share and grow together. A great hostess for sure.

I am so glad you were both able to be with her at the end, to comfort and support her. I'm sure that fact can give you some comfort in the midst of the sense of loss and grief one feels at the loss of a meaningful treasure such as she. My sincerest condolences, Warren and James, at the loss of a beautiful companion, friend and pet. We will all miss her, but it is nice to know that here last resting place is in her favorite spot and that she remains forever treasured in the hearts of her family and many friends.

Having known Rose for a time, reminds me of with a sentiment attributed to Will Rogers: "I've been told that dogs don't go to heaven - and, well, if they don't, then I just want to go where they're going. That would be heaven enough for me."

Rest in peace, dear Rosie!!!

john kuenneth.

I am so sorry to hear about Rosie. I always delighted in getting her cookies! She will be dearly missed.

Leah Oakley

That is so sad...and so sweet. I'll really miss seeing her shuffling around the store.

Liz Cantrell

So sorry to hear about Rosie, it is always hard to lose a special friend like that. I sure hope that there are dogs in heaven as there are 3 I would really like to see again.
Sincerely,
Ralonda Patterson

I cried this morning as I read your loving tribute to Rosie. She was indeed special. You could see the thoughtfulness in her eyes.

I can empathize with the sorrow you are going through now. My husband and I had to let our cat Scribbles leave this mortal plane last june 29. She was nearly 16 years old. We had the privilege of taking in this tiny stray and sharing her love.

You gave Rosie a wonderful life and the love that she deserved. She was an ambassador of God's unconditional love, as was our Scribbles.

Not everyone who has a pet has the relationship with them as you and we did with our precious "fur children." We grieved so very strongly for a very long time. We found journaling about it to be somewhat cathartic. Allow the grieving.

Even though it has been seven months as of today since Scribbles' passing, I still cry sometimes. Paul and I speak of her every day, remembering what a joy she was to us. You will miss Rosie terribly and there will be an emptiness where she once was. But gradually, you will adjust to her absence, and you will be able to think of her and smile, remembering all the good times you had together.

Rosie has returned to her creator, and I can hear them saying, "Good girl, good girl."

Brenda Brannon

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