Bosley's Pet Memorial Continued
I’ve since found out this is quite common in this breed. He now became a very “high-maintenance dog” according to our daughters. Many years of treatments followed, some medical, many holistic. I was very concerned about the use of steroids, as I am aware of the many side effects, but after several discussions with his veterinarian, we determined that a “quality” life was better for him than years of being miserable.
Through the years, I used many natural products and healthy foods to help keep his little immune system as strong as I could, and we believe that he wouldn’t have been able to be with us for 10-1/2 years had I not tried everything possible. He did enjoy a pretty healthy life for most of these years, but about a year ago, we noticed he was slowing down, which was natural for a “senior-citizen”, but his personality was just a “feisty” as ever. In August, it was obvious that something more was going on, so, after much testing, it was determined that his liver was failing. We had no idea which organs would also fail with this process, but as the weeks progressed, we could see that he was suffering, and it was heart-breaking to know this, and not be able to comfort him.
Last Monday, 9/8, he crawled under my side of the bed, and cried on and off all night. I told Russ that we had to make a decision, but he was not yet ready (are we ever truly “ready for this?) The next night was the same scenario, but this time, much louder and more anguished cries were coming from under the bed. His little black eyes were pleading with me to help him. After discussing it, we knew we had no choice but to say good-bye to our beloved little buddy.
Our backyard was very peaceful on Wednesday, September 10th – one of those early Michigan fall days, when the bluest of skies are dotted with a few brilliant, white puffy clouds. The grass was the greenest it’s been for awhile, due to the rain we’ve (thankfully) received courtesy of Hurricane Gustav. There was just the hint of a breeze carrying the amazing scent of the ripening vineyard next to us. I knew this had to be the “right” day to call our vet – if there ever really is a “right” day to do something like this……. After a very tearful (no…… sobbing) discussion with the clinic, it was decided that Dr. Mark would come to our home at 4:30PM to help Bosley with his “final journey” in his own beloved yard, where he’d spent many joyful days frolicking and exploring (and ripping out my Hosta leaves one-by-one!) for more than 10 years.
This would be so much better than to have to ask our little guard dog to “go bye-bye” (oh, how he loved those rides in the car!) knowing we’d be bringing him home wrapped in his blanket inside of a box. Mom came over to spend some time with him before saying good-bye, and we took him for a walk around the backyard, watching him explore one last time. I took many pictures, one of which is attached, and, even though he looks healthy, he was a very sick little guy. I’m thankful to have these pictures (especially since I’ve been “camera-challenged” until recently….) Bosley’s final moments were also peaceful, as Russ, Lindsay (one of our daughters) and I were able to sit with him on the grass and tell him how much we loved and appreciated his time with us, as he slowly drifted away to a much better place. I’m positive he could understand every word that we said. We know he is happy, healthy and romping around with his new buddies over that rainbow bridge. He is buried, along with his “baby”, next to the lilac on the north side of our house, in the path he used to sneak through to visit with our neighbors, Debbie and Milt. I think he loved them as much as he did our family, and they loved him back. They miss him, too.
The house is very quiet right now without my little guardian standing vigil next to me everywhere I go. I even miss his incessant barking each time someone would come down the driveway or to the door ~ something he was reprimanded for many, many times. It’s also very strange not to hear him barking in the kitchen to greet us as we come in through garage door. Every day seems to get a little better, but I still cry when I think of that little “baby golden seal face” staring up at me.
I just learned that tomorrow, Sunday, September 14, 2008, is National Pet Memorial Day. I didn’t know this existed, but the timing is perfect. I will spend the day searching for a fitting memorial rock or engraved cross for his gravesite. And, just as I am right now, I’ll be crying as I search. Ni-nite~sleep tight, Bozzy. You were my “best good, boy”!!
Bosley ~ January 8, 1998 ~ September 10, 2008
Love~
Mommy (Sally) and Daddy (Russ)