Little did I know that the day after my last blog we would lose our rescue Boy Bo the next day. Here is his story with Donn and me.
You already know the beginning from last week. What I did not share was that I initially did not tell Donn about getting him because he was not ready for another dog. But when I told him, he said, “Just bring him home!” All we knew about Bo was that he was 5 years old, weighed only 68#, was part Black Lab and ?, had been picked up in South Phoenix on Hallowe’en, and was friendly.
Bo the Runner: Just as I got him out of the shelter, he got away from me and bounded. Fortunately, I had a fast foot and stepped firmly on his leash! When he first met Daddy, he dived for me in the front seat of the car. Daddy was able to coax him out of the car, and within an hour, they were totally bonded!
We had to watch him closely because he was always ready to go for the open spaces in the first year. One day he got away from me and joyfully bounded across 3 lanes of traffic; he only stopped because a woman had stopped and reached out for him with me close behind. The next time he ran, he bounded across 6 lanes of traffic at 6:30 pm in rush hour! It was as if the Red Sea parted and he was not hit! He finally went up to a friendly guy who grabbed his collar till, out of breath and hearts in our throats, we got him.
It took him a long time to fully bond with us. We discovered he had PTSD as he would absolutely PANIC with any loud noise, or growl and jump if approached unexpectedly. When we took him on a 1900 mile car trip with us to Wyoming, his unconditional love for us finally grew and grew.
Riding in the car was his MOST FAVORITE ACTIVITY with Mommy. He also LOVED to look at Christmas lights! When Covid hit in March 2020, we would go for rides at least 3x a week. Then, after I had my concussion in May 2020, and could do nothing for months, we hung out together, and he became my best bud.
The last few months of his life, he just wanted to be with us all the time. He would dive-bomb his daddy joyously and follow me everywhere. Proof that to me that animals always know when it is about time they have to go. He was only unwell for about 2 weeks, and we were going to the wonderful Norterra Animal Hospital. But on March 15, the Ides of March, he could suddenly not breathe, and I rushed him to 1st Pet Vet North Valley. It was found he had a mass near his lower tummy. He Rallied, much to our surprise/relief, but then suddenly declined and the decision you never want to make had to be made.
He had the most wonderful care and love at Ist Pet, and I was able to sing him The Angel Song and Precious Lord and hold him. He had what we called in hospice a good death. He crossed the Rainbow Bridge with our Baron to guide him. Daddy said “We were a little family unit,” and that, “Bo did it right, going so fast with little suffering.” Bo also visited my bestie Janie to let her know how much he loved us, did not want to go, and another doggie would come soon. This was so comforting. Yes, I believe in After-Death Communication with our loved ones!
We love you FOREVER BO! And we will be together again!
Love Your Daddy and Mommy
Bo’s first visit to our vet – 2017
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Bo with Daddy
Bo at Christmas with Matt
Bo doing his favorite thing with his mom: A ride in the car!
Bo’s favorite ride
Bo’s paw print
