Our Boo

This photo was taken in 2008, when he was only three years old.  What a handsome guy he was!  You can barely see his signature snaggle-tooth on the right side (his left).

We got him in May of 2005 from Wanderers Rest.  I was looking for a "black fuzzy puppy" because I had a "white fuzzy puppy" named Sebastian for 14 years.  There was no replacing him, so I wanted a different dog.  And Boo was.

We found out from his groomers at Von Skauton Kennel in Weedsport when he was about three that he was a black and tan English shepherd.  No AKC recognition, but if you go online you'll see others who look like him.  And their description fits him....laid back, loves to ride in cars and hates to get out of them.

After Bob had carried Sebbie up and down stairs for about a year and a half, we had wanted a smaller dog. Boo was supposed to be it - but he grew to be 90 pounds at his heaviest.

He was with us at all times.  For years he roamed the road at the lake with his pal Koko, my mother's dog. They visited the Browns daily for their treats.  Neither really liked the water, but they loved the deck where they could watch the goings on and invite other dogs to come up and visit.

But home was his favorite place...and especially the trails he traversed every day with Bob, and occasionally me.  They got to the point where the deer would note they were passing, but not run.  They stopped at "the treat tree" so he could get his mini treat.  Sheba and Charlie had gone there before, and made it an institution.

In the house Boo was "the sheriff."  He watched over the cats, keeping them in line.  Or thought he did.  Last September he failed to break up a huge fight and I knew something was horribly wrong.  I took him to Doc at Weedsport Animal Hospital and he was operated on successfully.  Another couple hours and we would have lost him.

As we did on Saturday.  He was slowing down the past few months, despite pain pills and our insistence (and his) to keep walking.  Another tumor most likely got him...

We miss him horribly.  He was so very much a part of our lives for over 11 years.  He went with us to the Adirondacks and North Carolina.  The last time the kids were here Liam walked him, and cuddled him. He was a favorite of anyone who met him or cared for him if we were out of town.  Intrepid Janet brought a mum, Cat and Barb sent cards. We have realized in the past few days how many people knew him and appreciated him, as big as he was.  Our days feel empty, and everywhere we turn there are reminders.

I have a friend who tells me she won't get a pet because the endings are so hard.  But the years before, to us, are precious.  We wouldn't have had it any other way.