After 16 years, I Had Say Goodbye to My Best Friend

jive1 · #1 10-10-2009, 08:05 AM

Last night, I had to say my final goodbyes to by best friend, Bozo. He's my faithful friend of 16 years, and I'm blessed to have the guy in my life for that long.

An amazing dog, one of the smartest ever. Found him in Mt St. Helens over 15 years ago. Within 2 weeks, this dog found his way 40 miles from Red Rocks to Boulder, CO when he was lost. From that point on, I knew he was meant to be my dog. And in those years, this dog has allowed me build a collection of stories to fill tomes. Truly, and an amazing creature.

Lately, he lost his mobility and was bed ridden for a couple months. He started getting bedsores, and was uncomfortable. We talked about putting him to sleep in June, and I had a long convo with him and basically asked if he was ready. He perked up the next day, and I knew he wasn't ready. But when I saw him yesterday in discomfort I knew he was ready. He wasn't sleeping well the last couple of nights, and from the look in his eye, I knew it was time for him to go. He ripped one of his bedsores wide open, and I knew it was hurting him and it wasn't going to get much better. So we called the vet.

The vet came over to the house, where I was holding my friend and comforting him during the process, telling him what a good dog he was. And he was till the very end, no fussing with shots or anything like that. He looked ahead as he was sedated, as if looking forward to his next stage. And then after the second, shot he breathed his last. But he was with the ones he loved, being loved and loving until the end. What a way to go.

So now the house seems to be missing something, but so is me. Having this guy for as many years as I have, he's really grown to be a part of me that can't be replaced. He's more of a friend than I expected, and more than I deserved. I miss my friend.

Please give your dogs a hug, because even 16 years seems like too short a time. I wish dogs could live 200 years, and be passed like heirlooms.

RWP · #2 10-10-2009, 08:09 AM

RIP Bozo. As a dog lover I know the pain you feel Jive. Best wishes my friend.

TallLankyBastyd · #3 10-10-2009, 08:13 AM

Sixteen years! That was a good run for a dog and his human!

Still... it hurts... I'm so sorry for your loss. Thanks for bucking up and doing the right thing for you buddy!

I will definitely give 300+ lbs of Haus & Hagrid many hugs when I get home from work this afternoon.

Take care!

fo shizzle · #4 10-10-2009, 08:23 AM

So sorry, Brother. I'll give Bo extra hugs tonight.......

bassteban · #5 10-10-2009, 10:30 AM

Pets are family. Sorry, man.
[hugs cats, kids & fish]

Darkstrike · #6 10-10-2009, 10:34 AM

My condolences.

A very sad thing to go through.

thumpbass1 · #7 10-10-2009, 10:36 AM

I'm sorry about your loss.

Valerus · #8 10-10-2009, 10:38 AM

Dang man, you lost a trooper for sure. But always remember the near two-decades in which he was in your family

thebasssponge · #9 10-10-2009, 10:45 AM

Sorry to hear that, My Condolences.

NJL · #10 10-10-2009, 10:48 AM

I'm so sorry, Jong

Call if you need to talk.

xbmedic · #11 10-10-2009, 10:53 AM

Condolences, brother.

jazzbo · #12 10-10-2009, 11:28 AM

I'm so sorry.

JansenW · #13 10-10-2009, 11:31 AM

Terrific picture of Bozo.

My condolences.

Jim Campbell · #14 10-10-2009, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jive1

Last night, I had to say my final goodbyes to by best friend, Bozo. He's my faithful friend of 16 years, and I'm blessed to have the guy in my life for that long.

An amazing dog, one of the smartest ever. Found him in Mt St. Helens over 15 years ago. Within 2 weeks, this dog found his way 40 miles from Red Rocks to Boulder, CO when he was lost. From that point on, I knew he was meant to be my dog. And in those years, this dog has allowed me build a collection of stories to fill tomes. Truly, and an amazing creature.

Lately, he lost his mobility and was bed ridden for a couple months. He started getting bedsores, and was uncomfortable. We talked about putting him to sleep in June, and I had a long convo with him and basically asked if he was ready. He perked up the next day, and I knew he wasn't ready. But when I saw him yesterday in discomfort I knew he was ready. He wasn't sleeping well the last couple of nights, and from the look in his eye, I knew it was time for him to go. He ripped one of his bedsores wide open, and I knew it was hurting him and it wasn't going to get much better. So we called the vet.

The vet came over to the house, where I was holding my friend and comforting him during the process, telling him what a good dog he was. And he was till the very end, no fussing with shots or anything like that. He looked ahead as he was sedated, as if looking forward to his next stage. And then after the second, shot he breathed his last. But he was with the ones he loved, being loved and loving until the end. What a way to go.

So now the house seems to be missing something, but so is me. Having this guy for as many years as I have, he's really grown to be a part of me that can't be replaced. He's more of a friend than I expected, and more than I deserved. I miss my friend.

Please give your dogs a hug, because even 16 years seems like too short a time. I wish dogs could live 200 years, and be passed like heirlooms.

it's always sad to see them go.....i lost mine this july after 14 years

LCW · #15 10-10-2009, 11:34 AM

Thats a bummer but a good run, my dog is sitting next to me and at 5 i all ready see the graying , short lifes

GeneralElectric · #16 10-10-2009, 12:21 PM

I've had my dog for 15 years. He's a big dog too, and I'm surprised he lasted this long. He still has his mobility and can run up and down stairs and onto my bed every night.

Dogs are painful animals to own. They become your best friend, and you have to accept that they'll only be in your life a short while.

My condolences man.

scottice · #17 10-10-2009, 12:24 PM

Cherish the time you had together and never forget!

DanAleks · #18 10-10-2009, 12:56 PM

So sorry to hear.
Take care of yourself.

Pilgrim · #19 10-10-2009, 01:32 PM

Wonderful story, and a good run with a faithful friend. Peace.

Bassman316 · #20 10-10-2009, 01:35 PM

The time you have with a pet you love is never enough. Sorry about your loss, man. I know it hurts.