If you have a story to tell that celebrates the life of a beloved pet, we'd like to share it with others. As funeral professionals, we are educated to understand that by sharing the life story of your pet, you not only get to honor its life and preserve the memories, but you yourself will receive much therapeutic benefit. Thus, we offer this service to our entire community at no charge. Please take a few minutes to share photos and Create your own Pet Tale to tell other pet lovers about your companion, or page through our memory album below to read some of the tales shared by others.

Our Teddy Bear
Axel Beck-Ruiz-Hallam
- January 13, 2010

Our Dearest Angel Axel

Axel saved my life. In October 1997 I decided I didn't want to live anymore. I was extremely depressed and lost all emotions for my family as well as the 3 dogs we had (a poodle, cocker spaniel and a retriever/chow). I attempted suicide and ended up in the hospital for an extended period of time. When I got out of the hospital I continued with the same mind frame. My uncle would tell me daily You can die tomorrow but today you will live. So, one day at a time I existed not wanting to exist. Then in August 1998 someone handed me a 6 week old Rottweiler puppy who was born June 26th 1998. Once I held the puppy something changed. I decided that this puppy needed me and I needed him. So, my entire focus was on this puppy. I took him to puppy, novice and advanced school. He also went to agility school. Slowly, I started to have emotions again. One day I found myself loving and caring about my family and the 3 dogs we had. I also cared about life again and wanted to live. Axel taught me how to love again. I honestly don't know where I'd be now if it weren't for my uncle and Axel. My uncle died 4 months after I got Axel.

Every night at 6PM I would gather up all the dog toys and bones and would put them into a basket. One night I was running late while reading. To my surprise Axel gathered up all of the toys and bones one at a time and placed them into the basket. I sat there completely amazed and laughed harder then I had in a long time. After that night I would watch Axel go to the basket and take out some bones and toys, place them to the side and retrieve the one he wanted. He'd put the others back before heading off with the one he chose. He did this every day from there on. Axel was a very amazing and intelligent dog.

Axel had a special place in his heart for children and cats. Axel loved his teddy bears. He would treat them as if they were his babies. He was very protective of his teddies. Axel was a big teddy bear with a big heart.

Axel loved me but he became extremely close to my older son and loved him dearly. Axel came into our lives when he was 6 weeks old and lived with us until he was 2 years old. Axel lived with a friend of mine because of his aggression towards the neighbors. However, my friend and Axel did live with us for a year in 2006 to 2007. My friend had Axel for 6 years. My friend moved to a place that didn't accept Rottweilers so we got Axel back when he was 9 years old. Axel became a man's dog. When Axel came back to live with us he and my son became inseperable. My son would walk Axel daily and sit on the porch with Axel for hours. The loving bond between Axel and my son was amazing. Axel was that once in a lifetime dog for my son. Axel started his life with us and ended his life with us. The Good Lord knew where Axel needed to be for his last two years, with my son and the first home he knew.

Axel was diagnosed with cancer January 2009 and given 2 months to live. Axel's love and our love for Axel kept him alive until January 2010. He was a real trooper and adjusted to life's new difficulties with the same love he always gave. Axel started to lose his hearing over the last year and his puppy training of hand signals really helped with communication. If Axel wanted to go out he would look at the door and throw his head up then look back at us as to say That's where I want to go. He'd also do what I called the puppy dance which was so cute.

Axel we miss you dearly and will always treasure the memories and laughter you brought to this family. We were so blessed to have you as part of our family and our life. Thank you for the years of protection and unconditional love. Hold a place for us in Heaven Boy!!

We loved you once, we love you still and our dearest Axel Boy we always will. Many hugs, kisses and love to you.

We have a tribute to Axel on our web site. www.msrotts.com On the left side click the Pet Memorial.
We also have a tribute to Axel on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfTGPQB7qrc