Good-Bye to Our Boy Bo

A sad day for us as we said good-bye to our Black Lab, Bo. A diagnosis in July of last year of hemangiosarcoma left us with few options. The vet recommended letting him go that day, but I felt strongly that it wasn't his time. I was right. The last 8 months held almost all good days for him and I had my doubts that Bo had been given the correct diagnosis. But I continued on with the herbs to help control any internal bleeding, just in case.  However, in the last week or so, I began to notice changes in Bo, and I knew we were now fighting a battle that could not be won.

Bo came to us in October of 2016 from what was described to me as a "hell hole" in Ohio. He wouldn't interact with us very much, but that all changed when this past spring I was inspired by another blogger, KB at Romping and Rolling in the Rockies who does nose-work with her girl, Shyla.  I found a beginner nose-class and enrolled Bo.

It was a good experience for both of us, and while Bo may not have been the fastest, maybe in part due to his blindness, it connected him to us in a very unique way and changed him in ways I can't describe.

With his sense of smell fully engaged, Bo became a frequent face around the dinner table, and was always underfoot in the kitchen. Of course we never minded and we always tossed a piece of whatever we were eating for him to find. It was easy to see that he enjoyed the search, because we'd see that quiet wag of his tail at those moments as he soaked up the praise we gave him for finding his treat.

I have to admit, when I first met Bo, I saw him as a "blind dog."  But I forgot that when I realized that he truly saw and trusted with his heart. Bo will always have a place all his own in what's left of mine.

Godspeed Handsome Bo. I never heard you bark in this life, but I hope as you arrive all brand-new at the Rainbow Bridge that you have found your voice as you see and are welcomed by those who have gone before you.  We will hope to see you and the others there one day.