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Tribute To My Dog Rio
He made me smile and he made me cry, but he always knew the right thing to do.
He depended on me, without realizing how much I depended on him.
As I held Rio as he took his last breath, I felt his soul leaving and somehow a part of me went with him. I felt so sad, yet a kind of calm wrapped around me -- knowing that he died without pain, held by the two people he loved the most.
In our lives many of us have lived with many different pets and we loved them all -- but as a legacy, we're only allowed one special pet in our lives, and for me that was my buddy Rio.
Denise and I shed our tears, even had our smiles over some of the nutty things he did. There's a lot more grieving ahead, but when I put my head on the pillow at night, I know he's looking down at me saying:
"Thanks Pop, It's O.K. I've met all of the pets that you loved so dearly, and we're having a good time knowing that we will all be together with you again someday. Until then, thanks, I'll get back to you later, Pop. There's a squirrel running across the clouds that I need to chase."
Warren Eckstein
I cried when I read Warren's tribute to Rio.
He was such a special dog.
I got to know Rio because I was his overnight nanny. It was a privilege to watch over him.
Actually there were times I felt very strongly that he was watching over me!
With love and appreciation, Nadene (Katz).
Simply, God bless you Warren. You are truly making a difference. You and Denise and Rio will be in my prayers.
John - Windsor
Warren, what a beautiful tribute to Rio. I know that you love him as much as he loves you. I can honestly say that I feel your heartbreak.
One of my four cats, Buffy, is very ill and has been for sometime. I am taking her to the vet after work today, maybe for the very last time and it breaks my heart.
As much as I can't imagine making chicken soup without Buffy making sure the chicken is ready for human consumption or watch TV without her putting her paws on my head as she maintains her place of honor on the back of the couch, I can't stand to see her suffer any more.
Pets are wonderful, aren't they? They make us laugh when we are sad, they make us get out of bed when we think that we need to sleep a little more. They worry when we are sad or late coming home. They "force" us to pet them because they know that will make us feel better. They ask for very little and yet they give so much more in return.
I know that you won't forget Rio. You won't forget his smile, the way he barked, the way he got you to play with him even when you didn't want to. He did some crazy things to make you laugh, didn't he.
I will ask one thing of you. The next time you speak with Rio, please ask him to take care of Buffy for me. She is afraid of everything but if he will just protect and comfort her I will be forever thankful.
My heart goes out to you. You are a good person who loves animals. Thank you for reminding us just how lucky we are to be taken care of by our wonderful pets.
Barbara - Chapel Hill, NC.
so sorry about your beloved pet-the price we pay for being able to love is also to feel the pain of loss- Rio was a lucky boy -
Taylor, MI.
Very Dear Warren Denise And Rio,
I am an occassional listener. I cried when I heard on your show that Rio died. My Dmitri died 21 years ago and I still miss him. They are running around Heaven wiating for us to join them for a hug and a scratch behind the ear
Love you - you are a good kind man.
Henry, NYC.
I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss.
Allison, New York.
Warren, my heart is heavy with grief for you and Denise. I have been listening to you for many years, the love you have for animals is very much appreciated.
I had to have my 10 year old cat, Misti put down June 11, 2003, what a difficult time, the tears are still falling.
All of us animal lovers are so fortunate to have you on the air, as there is a multitude of people to share our grief when that time comes around. Keep up the great work you do, you are the voice for all of our animals.
Warm Regards, Karen & Sammi (Misti's twin litter mate) -
Whitehouse Station, NJ.
Dear Warren and Denise
Please know that my prayers are with your entire family (furry and otherwise) as you mourn Rio's passing. I understand the pain you must be feeling - my family lost our Sheltie, Cindy, at the beginning of April.
Thank you for loving all of the animals -
Andrea - Shelton, CT.
Dear Warren,
My heart is heavy as I type this. Your tribute to your beloved Rio could not have been more perfect. I have had two special "boys" in my life; but, my black Lab Bailey that now shares my home with me is my very special friend. Being a widow, he is my comfort, my joy, my everything. Rest assurd he'll get extra loving tonight--if that's possible.
I also believe that your Rio will be waiting for you when it's time for you to meet up again. Until then, hold on to your cherished memories. My heart goes out to you and everyone who loved him!!
Most sincerely, Nancy -
Huron OH
My sympathies on the passing of Rio. Take comfort in knowing you gave him a wonderful life.
Debbie - Mancungie
Dear Warren and Denise;
Your tribute to Rio is very inspirational.
We feel as though Rio was one of our pets,too. My daughter and we both
have dogs nearly 18 years old ! I hope they meet Rio when the time comes.
Al
- San Juan Capistrano
My thoughts and prayers are wth you. I listen to you on Mix 105.1 in Orlando. I am so sorry for your loss. Can you imagine the time all of our guys are having romping and running in the clouds?
Best Wishes, Jen - Oviedo, FL.
My heart goes out to you and to all who knew and loved Rio.
In 1989 we had to put our beautiful Siberian Husky, Princess, to sleep. Our sons were young at the time and we told then that she just died because she was sick. They never would have understood the very hard decision my husband and I had to make for the sake of our beloved pet. My sons are 23 and 25 now and they still don't know the truth.
We swore we would never get another dog because putting Princess to sleep broke our hearts---but into our life came Preston our spunky and very smart American Eskimo Spitz. He is the light of all of our lives and while he could never make us forget Princess, he is a special joy for all of us. We can swear that sometimes he's human!
Our prayers go out to you and maybe Rio and Princess have met and are barking (and howling) up a storm together. Best wishes to you and your family. We enjoy your radio show tremendously and Preston takes his Hugs and Kisses vitamins everyday and sends his love as well.
Sincerely,
Linda -
Hawthorne NY
Mr. Eckstein, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Rio. He is in my prayers that he has gone on to be with our Father and will one day be united with you again. I know how hard it is to give them up. They are so much a part of our lives and bring us such happiness. I had my Mosby 19 years and I know hard it was to lose him.
Thoughts and Prayers are with you. Joyce -
Lovettsville, VA.
Dear Warren and Denise:
Words fail us at times like these. There is no comfort when we lose a beloved furry companion, except possibly to know there are so many others out there who have gone through it, too, and send you warm thoughts of support and lots of hugs.
I lost my precious Shih Tzu, Scooter, to a brain tumor last October. The empty place in my heart has been huge. One day in July I met a little 2-1/2 year old Shih Tzu named Mitzi, and she's now joined me and my other 2 girls. Is the empty place filled? Of course not. But we always find there is more room in our hearts for another little soul who needs love and a home.
I hope you and Denise will find just the right four-footed person to join you as you continue your journey through life.
Warmest regards,
Susan B - Anaheim CA
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss.
May happy memories soon replace the pain you now feel until you see Rio again.
Peace,
Rosemary - Alexandria, VA
Your beautiful message about "Rio" made us cry. We are so sorry of your loss.
Your wonderful story of "The Rainbow Bridge" was such a comforrt to us when we lost our "Chester" 5 years ago to cancer.
Our love, prayers, and thoughts are with you and your family.
Lisa, La Mirada CA
Dear Warren and Denise,
I admire your strength for sharing this very intimate part of your lives. I can't even imagine how I will deal with this situation when the time comes...I hope I can be as brave and focused. Rio was a beautiful dog! May the memories you have of him give you happiness...
Sue, Guilford CT
Dear Warren and Denise:
We happened to catch your radio program this morning and learned of your loss.
Five years ago your kind thoughts and counsel helped us get through the sudden death of our "special" Homer. We can only hope that your experiences in aiding others to overcome the pain involved in their losses will now help sustain you through yours.
Since Homer died, we have also lost our two older dogs, Monroe and Augusta. They lived into old age (16 and 17 years) - having given a lifetime of love and companionship and receiving a lifetime of love and respect. We now live with a Bichon and a huge rescued hound named Socrates and Jay Jay - plus the cat and birds - as our love-fest with these creatures goes on and on.
Your theory that each of us will encounter that "one special" pet is accurate. I am sure that your Rio will be warmly remembered as you move on to enrich the lives of numerous animals.
Fondly,
Larry and Debbie - Los Angeles
Dear Warren,
My deepest sympathies to you and Denise. I have read your books, watched you on TV and listened to your radio show.
I know that you deeply care for all animals and I am so sorry for your loss. Our pets are our very best friends and family and I know that Rio is watching you from heaven.
How wonderful that you had such a warm, loving friend in Rio. How beautiful that you could be there for him when he needed you most.
God has blessed you enormously -
Pat -
Nutley NJ
I was so sad to hear about the passing of Rio and I cried when you read your tribute at the end of your show.
Suzy, a terrier that I adopted from Pals Rescue last November, and I prayed for Rio each week and our praying brought us closer together. I have lost 2 dogs in the past 3 years and feel your sorrow. Both are still with me in special places in my house and every night I say good night to them and tell them I love them.
My deepest condolences to you and Denise. I know Rio is happy and at peace making new friends and just waiting to see both of you again.
Bernadette & Suzy -
Whittier CA
Dear Warren, that was a wonderful tribute to Rio and my thoughts are with you as you grieve this loving pet.
I've been through this pain so many times as I know you have
and it doesn't get any easier. A few months ago my cat Dixie died after giving me so
much joy for 15 years. I still feel the hurt of not having her around the house. It helps
when you have another pet and I'm fortunate to have my cat Teddie to give and take love.
I enjoy you and your show so much. Thanks for all you do for our pets and pet lovers.
God bless, Marilyn C. East Northport, NY
Dear Warren,
I have enjoyed your show on WOR for years and always loved hearing stories about Rio. I was showing a friend who has some puppy trouble your site and read your beautiful tribute. I cried when I did.
You are right in saying that a special friend like Rio comes along once in a lifetime. He will never be replaced in your heart.
My heartfelt condolences to you and Denise.
Maria Krug -
Newton NJ
Warren and Denise...Rio knew true heaven on earth with you as his family. Surely as his paws softly prance on the clouds above he smiles remembering your times together.
How you loved him and anticipated his every need!
One day you will be reunited - until then his memory will fill your every day!
My heart goes out to you...
Dianne - Staten Island
Warren and Denise.
I feel your pain. However you are correct to remember the good life Rio enjoyed. When your best friend leaves you, you need to realize what a good life they had because of you and what a good life they had because of you. They also would want you to adopt another friend to make you happy again. Isn't that how he made you feel?
Me and Meg , my mini schnauzer wish you both more good kisses from another 4 legged friend.
Patty & Meg -
Dallas
Dear Warren,
I am so sorry to hear the sad news about Rio. It's true what you say, we may have many pets throughout our lives, but, there is always that one that tugs at our heart-strings like no other. I can't find the words to express my sympathy for what you must be feeling. I hope that you are right and that some day you and Rio will be together again.
I am fighting a battle to keep my dearest love, Casey, a "brilliant" and beautiful eleven year old cocker spaniel, alive and happy. He is still my shining star after bouncing back from major surgery for cancer in Jan. and now dealing with a serious kidney problem. He has slowed down a bit, but, is still "fresh" and playful and I love him so. Every day I have him with me is a blessing. So, I can understand how you felt about Rio.
Thank you for your kindness, your wisdom and your sense of humor. I hope this helped a little.
In sympathy,
Barbara - West Milford NJ
Dear Warren and Denise,
I too was adopted by a German Shepherd Dog. Incidently his name is "River" English word for "Rio." Perhaps they are related :)
My big guy is truly special so I know what a huge loss this is for you. I have had other dogs but none has had the intelligence nor personality River has. I'ts so amazing how he can read my mind and anticipate my next move. Everyday without asking he watches over my daughter and keeps our cats safe. His playful nods for affection and silly smile brighten my day and remind me of the things that really matter.
I too know the day will come I'll have to say goodbye to River, I only hope that by then I would have learned to be the person my dog thinks I am. Rio has not left you.. Your love for him cannot die and will only grow stronger as you continue to share your life with all of us.
Hugs and Kisses,
Giovanni and River,
Nevada City
Dear Warren:
This is the first time I have looked at your web site and was so sad to see that your pal Rio has gone to The Rainbow Bridge. (That is a term our greyhound adoption group uses when one of ours passes.) I just want to say how deeply sorry I am. I know from experience how it hurts and that they take a piece of you with them. It is a piece of your heart that will never heal.
I recently saw the rerun of the decorating show that redid the living room of your home and remember one of the last shots of you and Rio in your new living room chair. It was heartwarming.
My sincere condolences to you and Denise.
Mary H -
Crown Point, IN
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