LBPOST.com: Justin Rudd's "Rosie" The Bull Dog Passes Away

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Justin Rudd's "Rosie" The Bull Dog Passes Away

by Ryan ZumMallen | Long Beach News | 01.24.10 |

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1:20pm | Belmont Shore community activist Justin Rudd informed his friends via Facebook this morning that his English bulldog Rosie passed away this morning. Rosie was 12.

Rosie was a popular dog throughout Belmont Shore who inspired hundreds of people and was the inspiration for Rudd founding popular community events for pets such as the annual Haute Dog Easter Parade. Rudd was the LBPOST.com 2007 Person of the Year and number nine on the LBPOST.com 2009 Ten Most Powerful People In Long Beach.

Here's what we said late last year in naming Justin one of the top ten most powerful: You know the name, you know the events, and you even know his dog, Rosie. After nearly a decade of community activism in Long Beach, Justin Rudd continues to exercise and expand his power as a citizen simply by willing his events into success.

With the 9th annual Howl'oween dog parade fast approaching, and 123 consecutive months of beach cleanup events under his belt, Rudd has proven the power of community as these events and more regularly draw hundreds of residents to volunteerism. The larger parades number in the thousands of spectators. His fitness boot camps and weight-loss challenges are the root of some of the city's most inspirational tales.

According to Rosie's Facebook page: she loves rides in her red flyer wagon and spending lazy days napping on her chair in the living room. And, she likes to play with her little brother Riley.

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67 Comments so far.

Capster
RIP Rosie - you've earned a cushy spot in doggy heaven hopefully - be well!

Rosie Is Missed
Rosie was an inspiration and such a great dog! She will be missed.

Kate K
Justin, I leave my condolences as well. In her name, I'll be sending something for spay/neuter dogs to ACS, as I know that that was a cause for both of you. Our hearts are with you.

AbbieS
ou are always loved Rosie. RIP. Riley knows he has some big paws to fill.

Belshore Consulting LLC
See you at Rainbow Bridge Rosie and the next time around. Say hello to Murphy and Cooper McTavish for me the Scotty Brothers.

GJG
Here's to the "First Lady" of Long Beach. She was a sweet dog. Thanks for sharing her with us, Justin.

cynic
Not to be cruel, because I know it stinks to lose a pet, but I'm sorry, are you people kidding? Just when I thought LBPOST might displace the pathetic press telegram as the most important news source in Long Beach, you are now writing about peoples' dogs dying? We put our rabbit to sleep last week - guess I should have sent out a press release. The narcissism, cronyism, and picayunities are showing. THIS IS NOT NEWS. People's pets die every day and I've never seen you write about it. Get real.

Laurie M
My most heartfelt condolences to Justin.

Jane W
Justin: My thoughts are with you on this very sad day. Rosie will always be with you in so many ways and I bless her for having given you the insiration for all the good and wonderful things you do. May the community's love bring you some small measure of confort.

Robert Garcia
I'm sorry to hear that Rosie has passed away. Rosie, for those that knew her, was the inspiration behind many of our pet themed events in Long Beach including our Dog Parades, the Bulldog Beauty Contest, Santa Paws, and others. She will be missed. My thoughts are also with my friends Justin & Ralph, who were great parents to Rosie. Thinking of you both.

mariaS
It is so hard to lose our beloved pets. Rosie was one fabulous one of a kind special girl. M

Elizabeth
So sorry to hear about Rosie. Seems like so many great dogs have been going to the big doggy beach in the sky over the past year. I picture them all playing like they did here in Long Beach thanks to you.

this is not news
sorry for the loss, but im assuming the facebook announcement was enough.

Chris
@cynic: I agree covering the death of a pet might not seem like news. But, I have known Justin Rudd for years and his Rosie was an inspiration to kids, families and many people connected with the events and goodwill both Justin and Rosie were apart of building. Rosie was an icon to hundreds of people in my neighborhood who came to know her and I do think it was right for lbpost to do a story on that - which they did. Sorry to hear about the loss of your rabbit. But had your rabbit been an inspiration for community events that brought hundreds of people together I would hope the lbpost do a story on it...doesn't seem that's the case.

Marion
RIP - Rosie. I had the honor to meet you and Justin once very briefly on 2nd Street; you were so well loved.

Judy C.
To begin with, thank you Ryan for posting this so quickly. Rosie IS dearly loved by so many and of course we would want to know of her passing.~~~To Justin and Ralph, My family sends their condolences to your family and thanks you for sharing dear Rosie.

Birdman of long beach
Cynic , in a million lifetimes you would not make a pimple on Rosie. The anger you display because such a wonderful dog made such a difference in so many people's lives shows your jelousy that a dog could accomplish so much good and capture so many hearts. She earned her fame by helping thosands of people and kids and other animals. She earned her spot in heaven by sharing love and not bitterness like some people. The only way you would ever get anything in writing for anyone to read is to put your own hateful remarks on the comment section here. Thank god Rosie and you will not have to be around each other when you pass away. Thank you Justin for all the wonderful things you have done and by letting the world share Rosie's love and kindness and she will truely be missed.

cynic
@chris - You're right. I guess I should have hired harvey a publicist. Then everyone would know about all the charity work she did, and how she solved the parking problem in belshore and broke up the west side crip streetgang.

Chris
@cynic: LOL!

Joan
Justin I am so sorry for your heart pain, we in the community are feeling the pain of your loss as well as our own. No one has known my dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, mare and a foal, and my cows that has passed which was very painful to me personally. I haven't done anything to pull a community together and my critters weren't the beloved mascot that Rosie was because of Justin. My critters were loved by me and they were blessed. Rosie also was loved and blessed because of what she stood for. Thanks Rosie for being such a good sport and thanks Justin for sharing her with us. God Bless.

Birdman of long beach
Where do these people get off saying this is not news. Are they suggesting that unless a story has alot of negetive things in it or someone hasnt been murdered that its not a worthy story. Thank god we have the heartwarming stories about animals and all the heartwarming things they do to bring us joy. Its the kind of news that makes you happy instead of depressing you and making a person miserable. We need more news about animals to lift our spirits and less news about all the horrible things going on in the world. Keep the stories coming because we love them.

J Seal
Thank you, Rosie, for bringing Justin and your buddy Riley to visit homeless students at Mary McLeod Bethune Transitional Center and also for your visit to the Lakewood High School Deaf & Hard of Hearing Program (during the rain, no less). Always dressed to the nines with rhinestones and a smile that made the saddest children laugh, you have added a great deal of joy to the lives of so many children. The purpose of life is a life of purpose. You found yours (and Justin's). You were a very good girl!

Barbara Adler
Justin, I am SO sorry. Words cannot express my sadness and sympathy. Please know you have our heartfelt condolences. My Trooper will great Rosie at The Rainbow Bridge and take good care of her. I promise. With much sadness and a very heavy heart, Barb Adler

Leslie A.
Justin I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your precious Rosie. She sure knew you loved her and she definately will be missed by all.

BN
Rosie was a sweatheart who lived life to its fullest. She was fortunate to have such a loving friend in you Justin. RIP Rosie.

Natalie CB
This makes me so sad. Rosie is like Belmont Shore's mascot. I'm so sorry for your loss Justin. She will be sorely missed.

addie
My heart goes out to you an your family. On Monday, my precious girl and sidekick for 15 years, Chloe, also passed away. This has been the roughest week of my life. I know what you are going through and I am so very sorry.

LB Tragic
both wheely willy and rosie's deaths in the same month have left me devastated. so much to take in, too little time. AND haiti? im beside myself.

Armando Padilla
RIP Rosie. My condolences to Justin. Man, I remember when he first got her. Wow, she was amazing. Always friendly and loving.

john & dawn goldberg
Tipper, John & Dawn all say we are sorry to learn of your loss. She was very special.

Mel & Joe
Our heartfelft condolences to you Justin. I met Rosie as a pup. She was such a lucky girl to have you by her side for so many years. She will be dearly missed by so many her in the Shore. Mel & Joe

Halie S.
I am so sorry for Justin, Rosie will be missed!

Cynic II
Thanks cynic. At least there's one sane person reading this drivel. In 12 years of living in the shore I've never met Rudd or his dog and being a marathoner for the last 20 yrs, I have no need of his boot camps or beauty contests. I don't begrudge his helping spruce up the couch potatoes but jeeeeeze, if a dog is your inspiration you're just pathetic! LBP please stick to news and leave this kinda slop for the front page of the PT. BTW, my hamster croaked. Can I get some props too?

Cal Heights Johnny
To Cynic and It's Not News: It is news because Rosie was connected to and often was an integral part of many, many community building events organized by someone who gives a d***.

judy griffith
I am so sorry about Rossie. She will be missed by you, and every one else. Judy the real rat Whisperer

dan
I am so tired of all this ridiculous stuff about dogs. move on in life

Sadie & Roxy
May Rosie ride in her red wagon over the Rainbow Bridge where all good dogs go.

LBCDan
Why is this newsworthy?

Rosie Fan
Justin - I am so sorry to hear about Rosie. She was a grand lady and very gracious about all the attention she received from strangers. To all the cynics of the world - when people express their condolences for a pet like Rosie they are expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to connect with others through the common love for pets which Rosie represented.

Old Long Beach Resident
I am so sorry for your loss Justin. We all held Rosie in the greatest affection and respect. May the love of family and friends comfort you at this difficult time. May your years of happiness and your many good memories enable you to live with this sad loss. Thank you for sharing Rosie with all of us. Heaven welcomes a new Angel.

Stephanie P
Dear Riley, Justin, & Ralph, we are so sorry for the loss of your dear Rosie. Thanks for sharing her with us....we are forever enriched. Your sweet Rosie brought so many smiles to so many. "LIVE LIKE ROSIE~Nap, Play, Inspire"

Chris @ NationWide Mortga
Maxie & I crossed paths with you & Rosie many times over the years. I always got a chuckle out of you two cruising the sidewalk together. Rosie was quite the charachter! I'm sooo sorry for your loss, Justin- I know what you're going through. On April 2, 2009, I lost Max, my choc lab, to the ultimate evil- cancer. My world still isn't right- one helluva price... And I'd do it again- right now- from day one. Another 14 yrs and 3 mos, F'n'A!!! Sign Me Up! I know you would too. Some say we'll see them again. You know, down the road... God I hope so.

VERY IMPORTANT
Rosie may your body rest in peace, you were such a great human, news worthy person. Thank you for making the front page news. Yes.

Anatole France
Dear Cynics, WAKE UP!..."Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened" Dear Justin, Rosie is not really gone, just gone on ahead to that great "Dog Park In The Sky" you will be together again one day. Find comfort in knowing Rosie is now riding in God's red flyer wagon and napping in his lap. Thanks for all you do for the dogs and our community.

Sheila Macpherson
Hey: Cynic, Dan, Cynic II, This is not news, and LBCDan. It only warms you heart to hear about death, loss and destruction and vile contempt? That is the news you want? Go to FOX News, then. This is news to me. Justin brought a community of dog lovers together through his love of dogs-like Rosie- and showed me that as big as this world gets, and as alienated as we all become to one another, a person can create community based on a passion. Maybe you could start one of your own. I can only imagine what it would entail.

mary
justin, sending dog love and healing thoughts to you. thanks for all the dog friendliness that you have helped to create in long beach.

sheryl
Justin, So sorry to hear of Rosie's passing. I'm glad she inspired you to do all the wonderful things you do for Long Beach. To all the cynics - many things inspire many people. His love for his dog inspired him to get us dog beach, doggie parades, operation Santa Paws... what have you done to better our community other than spewing your hate. Keep your hate to yourself-allow the rest of us to thank a wonderful person for doing all the things he has done. Why must you be so hateful. If you don't like the story skip it.

Herlinda
Thank you LB Post for reporting about the passing of Rosie. My heart aches for Justin, Ralph and Riley and I'm thankful they shared this beautiful little girl with us.

Brian
@Cynic. Oh my god are you kidding me Cynic lady? I mean really. Give it a rest. Take your hateful, mean spirited, cynical self on somewhere else. Your spirit is not for Long Beach anyway, we don't need your type of negativity. Your energy and the type of person you are comes across in your comments. If you really feel that way, keep it to yourself, don't come on a site and talk about someone during their time of loss. How insensitive is that? I am quite sure that Justin Rudd has done much more for this community and in life than you ever have. If you were a mover and a shaker on any level, you would not have said what you did. So we already know who you are and what you are about. And no, you should not have sent a press release out when your rabbit died, because no one knows who you are and you have not made the same amount of sacrifices that Justin has for him and his pet to be known the way they are. Save it lady.

MikeBH
When I lost my dog it was the saddest day of my life. Four years later and tears still come to my eyes when I think of him. I am sure Rosie brought Justin the same joy Tucson brought to my life. We have to mourn their passings and remember how they made our lives better. We are all better for being their friends.

Nancy M.
Justin, I am so sorry for your loss. I lost one of my bulldogs nearly four years ago and I still feel the pain of such a significant loss. We all need to cherish the blessings our animals bring to our lives and realize how much more our lives are enhanced by having them to share it with us. Best wishes from Nancy, Winston (my ten year old English Bulldog) and Shayna-Mae (my two year old English Bulldog) in Massachusetts

Sheila
Our late Princess, Pekegese and I were privledged to meet Justin & Rosie one eve on 2nd St in 2006, I have their photo as a mouse pad here in AZ. Princess too made her transition after a very long life of 13 years. Both are sorely missed. Justin keep up the good work, you are an inspiration to all.

Keith Cordes
Cynic and Cynic II We moved to Long Beach in 1944. What a wonderful place to grow up, wonderful people who cared. But it is obvious that the new brand of self centered people have arrived. You worry about news from the West side. They have been beating up and killing people for 60 years and oh worry about the Shores parking problem, well 50 years ago driving my 52 Chevy, hard to find a parking place. A man and his dog are special. We don't need crap stories of crime and political problems all of the time. LBPOST.com keep up what you are doing, it iis about people. Funny Cynics can not use their names, that says it all.

CHARLIE
Well, Justin, I don't know who you or Rosie are, but I extend my condolances anyway because I know what it is like to lose your best friend; Get another dog right away as it will help heal the loss and lesson the pain, but never completely...There's a lot of dogs out there waiting for your adoption!

BUGGA BOO BOO
Well, Keith Cordes, you haven't told us where you live and phone number yet.:>)

LYN EPSTEIN
I imet Rosie, once and it was years ago. She had a wonderful face and looked perfect as she rode solo in the red wagon. Time will heal and peace to you, in the Happy Hunting Grounds, Rosie, as you laze around with all the other beloved friends.

Tom
To Cynic, Dan, Cynic II, etc. Did you read the headline of this story? Pretty clear what it was going to be about wasn't it. I had to click on this site in order to read this story. I guess that all of you wonderful hearted people had to make a choice to click on this site to read this story also. You could have easily chosen to skip this story. Not read it. After all, it was not newsworthy, didn't interest you. But idiots like you just have to go on sites to read stories you have no interest in so that you can leave mean, nasty, cold comments. And all I can think about when I read your comments is WTF is your problem. Are you so stupid you don't know how to skip past stories that don't interest you? I suppose you make yourself watch idiotic TV shows so you can spout off how lousy TV is. Learn to change the channel. I'm tired of cynics.

Arbor By The Bay
She Will be missed We will miss seeing Rosie in her little red wagon....

Enough Zenough
To Cynic and Cynic II - judging from the comments from everyone here, apparently the answer to your question is "yes, it is newsworthy". So until your dead hamster becomes an icon of Long Beach, and has influence over hundreds (if not thousands) of people who come together for greater causes, sleep peacefully knowing LBP won't be writing any stories about your dearly departed.

Ann
Justin has done a lot for Long Beach. Rosie was a great dog!

Lynn Swain
I am so sorry Rosie RIP beautiful!

Rebecca
You had a good family member in charming Rosie. I hope your hurt passes quickly and the good memories give you comfort. What a time you had with Rosie girl!

Chewiee
Rest in peace and happiness and in knowing you will always be dearly loved, Rosie! You and Justin are a big part of why Long Beach is such a great place to live. Thank you for fighting to make sure we have a dog beach on which to run free, enjoy the sun, sand and ocean breeze, and meet our neighbors. Thank you for so, so much. To the cynics, this is what is called a human interest piece. You sound smart enough to know of such things, so why the fuss? Why the pointless ugliness? It's not pathetic to be inspired by a dog--IF you act on it. Justin did, and here we all are--where are YOU? :)

Kat
I think it is funny that people are saying it is "pathetic to be inspired by a dog." Hate to break it to you, but that dog just inspired you to write what you did. I am one of those overweight "couch potatoes" that Justin DID inspire to do something and his classes helped me lose almost 50 pounds 4 years ago, continue running and now do marathons myself. I don't care what inspired him to do everything he does, he's a good person. Ask any of the 100's of people that come to each and every one of his events and everyone who volunteers with him too.

PL5110
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown...

uurp!
PL5119, Someone should give you an award for flowery prose. Meanwhile I'm gonna hurl.

Tina J
Justin, I'm sorry to hear about Rosie. She was a world class pooch and cover girl. She will be missed. Thanks for all the great 'Rosie' pictures and stories over the years.

Long Beach News

LBPOST.com Managing Editor Ryan ZumMallen keeps up on all the current and breaking Long Beach news.

Ryan ZumMallen has served as the managing editor of the LBPOST.com since 2007. He graduated from CSULB with a degree in Print Journalism in 2008 and is a member of the 2009 class of Leadership Long Beach. You can find him on various basketball courts around the city.

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