Monday, March 26, 2018

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. 

30 comments:

  1. What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful dog.

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  2. One can certainly feel the love and kindness you showered on Bo. It's so sweet that he got tossed special treats in the kitchen to smell down! Loved this tribute.

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  3. Bless you both! I'm so glad KB suggested the nose work.

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  4. So glad that your Bo had so many more good days and happy moments with you and that he found his sense of smell in his nose work.

    It is good to know about that for future dogs too, I would think?

    Much love to you and yours. :)

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  5. So sad to hear that you have lost Bo - such a beautiful boy.

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  6. What a nice tribute to a wonderful dog. God bless Bo.

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  7. Your words for Bo are so full of love, he was surely meant to live with you for that short time, and be given the best of his days to the very last. Let the trumpets sing loud and clear, as he walks to meet the others.

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  8. I am so glad that he spent his last year with you.

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  9. Hello, Goodbye and God Bless Bo. Wonderful tribute to Bo! I am glad Bo spent his last days with you.

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  10. Beautiful Kim . . .
    What a gift “you and family” were for Bo the

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  11. . . . oops . . . these past eight months!

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  12. Hope you find comfort in the fact that you saved him from hell hole and gave him love. Gail

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  13. Enjoy your new "life" where you can run and play and bark with all your friends who have gone before. You were loved.

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  14. I'm so sorry to hear about Bo's journey to the Rainbow Bridge. As with all of the residents of Golden Pines you gave him the best life he ever had. This was such a lovely tribute to him.

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  15. God Bless you for the love you give the dogs that need it the most. May Bo run free with your love and support.

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  16. How wonderful that Bo had the opportunity to use his doggie powers to expand his world. I found with both Tsar and Fudge that working with me as a team made them more confident and relaxed. Thank you for giving Bo the attention he needed and deserved.

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  17. Thank you for giving Bo the best home he could ever have. Peace, sweet boy.

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  18. I'm glad he had you even for just a short while. {{{hug}}}

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  19. We are so glad that you made that decision to give Bo some time. He must have really enjoyed those few months you gave him. Thanks to our good pal KB for helping you find a way to bring some joy into Bo's life. Soft woos and gentle hugs from all of us.

    Woos - Lightning, Timber, and Misty and Mom

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  20. following this wonderful blog is guaranteeing heartbreak.
    but it's the BEST kind if there can be said such of heartbreak.
    these kindest of souls who live with you have no idea of time. they live for now.
    and those months with you and Bo and his family at Golden Pines were his best memories. and such memories!
    " 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."
    bless you darling bean. bless you real good. XO

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  21. Kim....you have suffered way too many losses in the last few months. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss of Bo. Blind pups are always very special as we learned when Amber lost her sight. Holly was also blind over the last few months of her life. Sending you lots of hugs.

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  22. Sweet Bo, we are so glad you got the extra time to get to know what true love is. Kim, we are sending you lots of pug hugs and prayers
    hugs
    Hazel & Mabel

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  23. Oh dear, Kim, I'm sorry. I know all dogs have limited time with us but I have a special affection for labs. Bo had a great time once he landed on your doorstep and in your hearts. So many hugs!

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  24. Oh Kim,,, what you wrote is beautiful. What you gave to Bo, was so much more than can ever be described.
    And you gave him a chance to feel happiness,,, when he even searched for a scrap of food..
    He can see now, and is not sick and hurting anymore.
    love
    tweedles

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  25. Oh my, such a sad post. I know all the animals that come to you for love are truly blessed and you are blessed in return with their love and devotion. Every loss is hard and I am sure you have heard it many times but they are very lucky to find you and to give them a second chance at happiness. Xx

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  26. Dear Kim - I have been off the grid but had to reply as soon as I saw your title. I have a soft spot in my heart for your Bo and all that you did to bring happiness into his life. You were the blessing that made his life wonderful. I admired you so much for starting nosework with him - I'm so glad that it opened him up to interacting more. I have a huge lump in my throat realizing that he's gone to the bridge. Sending love to you and your departed Bo. You are an angel on Earth for Bo and others like him.

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  27. "Truly saw and trusted with his heart" Oh, what a gift you gave to Bo! You allowed him that ability which had to give him peace. Wherever he was before, he was not allowed that right.
    Each pup you and Carl touch with your heart is such a blessing for them. They were created to feel and give love and you have allowed their true nature to blossom.
    Thank you,
    Gus' Mom

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!