Losing a long term pet like that leaves a large hole in the heart that while over time will lessen, it will never go away. Those of who had followed rnd and her various dobies, knows the love and care she tendered on them.

As one who has been through this many times over the years, you never really can get ready for it, even when you know it is coming. It tears you apart, and when it happens to a friend, the memory of your losses come flooding back.

I don't know what it is about these wonderful animals, but their loss seems to hit me harder than any other breed I have ever owned. Before I got my first Doberman, I had and ultimately also lost three other breeds, including two mixed breeds, and while their loss affected me, nothing prepared me for the impact of losing my first Doberman to Cancer, or losing my second to kidney failure at the age of 11 1/2.

The only thing that makes the loss bearable is that each was no longer suffering and the memory of the joy and love each had brought to me.

I guess it's because of the love and devotion they bring to the relationship is stronger than other dogs, and as a result the effect of the loss is also heightened. I am sure that rnd with time can remember the wonderfulness of Elly and the grandness of her gracefulness, and as such as long as her memory lasts, she will be with her.

RIP Elly, Grande Dame of Rnddobermans.

I think we all will Kate, our doberkids are as much apart of us as we are of them.  I don't even want to think of when Kratos decides it is his time; however, I am grateful that I will have all of you to help through such a dreadful time...R.I.P. Elly...

Ok Kate!  I remember when Elly went through that horrible surgery (last year??) & Des was by her side 24 hrs a day for what seemed like weeks!  I was horribly afraid this would happen then, but Des had Elly for another year...  Hole in her heart?  More like a huge jagged gaping tear!

Love, prayers & tears for the whole family!

Marti, Don, Bree, Brinks & Milady

I am so sorry about Elly. I had been on Desiree's website several months ago and was reading about all of her dogs.  Although they are all wonderful, Elly sounded like such a sweet soul.  I remember Desiree saying how affectionate she was and what a special girl she was to Desiree's daughter. There is no relationship quite like the ones that we have with our Doberbabies. Even the closest human relationships go through ebbs and flows and we can feel disconnected at times.  Our Dobies are consistent and steadfast always, and their love never wavers. It is said that we come into this world alone and go out alone, and sometimes I feel that that is true because human relationships are fallible. It is different with our Dobermans, though. We experience each other on a different level that is deeper than a human connection.  That is why I love this website.  Everyone here understands what that connection is and how deep it goes. It's not weird or over the top of any of us. We all understand the depth of the sorrow Desiree is feeling because we all know what it is to love that deeply. Sleep peacefully, little Elly. What a sublime gift of Creation you are. You will live on forever in mommy's heart until she can see you again.