On November 29, 2018 we had to say goodbye to our Bo-regard. He has been slowing down, has been having some issues with his back legs, has been having more anxiousness and anxiety, and most of all increased aggression. His age of 11 years caught up with us and started taking its toll. And after an altercation with Rachel that sent her to the ER, we knew it was time for him to go.
As the day approached my heart broke into a million pieces. I also looked back on all the things that this one boy taught me about life, especially a life with a dog.
- Living inside with your family can make all the difference. Bo lived outside for the first few years of his life and once he came to be part of our family and lived inside with Jared and I it made a difference. I will always have a dog, and it will always live inside.
- Take the time for training. If we hadn't taken the time to work with Bo, we wouldn't have had him as long as we did. He made great strides and became a different dog.
- Enjoy the water. He loved the water SO much! Take the time to do what you love.
- Just being in the same room as the ones you love most can show how much you love them. Bo was ALWAYS by my side. He became my shadow. His absence is deeply felt by me, especially when it is quiet and I really am alone. Now I see that it was because I was his person, the one he loved the most.
- Love can come so easily. Loving Bo was never hard. Yes, he has aggression issues from the start. Yes, he hurt my daughter. But even with all his faults I loved him SO much. I mean as we were rushing to the ER with Rachel half the tears I shed were for him. And Bo loved us, even when we were disciplining him.
- Don't hold grudges. I'd yelled at Bo plenty since he had aggression issues, but he never held that against me. After the incident with Rachel, Jared hit Bo I don't know how much and I'm sure as hard as he could (who could blame him) but Bo never acted different towards him. He NEVER held a grudge. I hope to try to be more like that.
- Time goes fast, don't waste it. Sometimes it feels like we barely had Bo as part of our family, BUT he was part of our family for over 5 years. I didn't really see this coming. If I knew then what I know now, I would have taken him to the dog park every week. I would have given him treats daily. I would have sat with him more. I would have yelled less. From here on I will try to not waste the time I have.
There are so many more things this wonderful boy taught me and brought to my life. He came into my life at the most perfect time. I wouldn't have made it through those 3 years of infertility trying to get Rachel here without him. He kept me grounded. He was my protector and my shadow. I miss him each and every day, and I am sure that will not change. The pain of not having him here has gone from a sharp pain to a dull ache now. Each day I am grateful that he was a part of my life. Yes, he was a dog but he was more than that to me.
To you my Bo-regard: I miss you more than you realize. And I know you are still watching over me and being my protector. I will see you again my boy. I'll bring the ball. Love-Mom
