The loss of a loved one is never easy. And especially one as loyal as Boomer. I feel your sorrow and have much compassion for you. Even though Boo was only with you for nine years, that's nine fantastic years to him, for no one could have loved him more.
I have an aged Labrador, Teddy, who has been having hip and hock troubles for several months now. He'll be 13 in February. I only hope he can make it through our tough winter here in New Jersey. Teddy and I will pray for you and hope that someday you will find a new puppy that can give you the love and friendship that they all do.
Marion Porrino
Sussex, N.J.
I was touched and saddened to read your recent column about the loss of your faithful friend and barn buddy, Boo. I too have been blessed by the loving and generous personality of some very special Rotties in my life.
My first great love, Grunt, was a true "old soul," even as a puppy. She was gentle and kind with all creatures great or small, human or otherwise. Even though she was spayed at a young age, she had a nurturing, mothering quality. She raised many litters of barn kittens and had a special place in her heart for small children, no matter how much they jumped on her or pulled her ears.
Grunt was my rodeo companion, and she went with me everywhere. She loved to travel with her head in my lap as we logged countless miles on the road. She hated to be left behind, even on the shortest trips. She even went to the grocery store or to the movies, waiting happily in the truck, head out the window, greeting everyone as they walked by.
I can relate to the sudden and unexpected way in which you lost Boo. I took Grunt to the vet one day when she was just eight years old, after she had been sore on her right hind leg for a couple of days. She had some arthritis, but was usually only sore after a long ride.
The news was terrible. Bone cancer. It was too far along to be treated, so we chose to do our best to keep her comfortable and pain free as long as possible. We only had one more month with Grunt before making the agonizing decision to end her pain.
Like you, I sobbed uncontrollably and seemingly endlessly. I still do sometimes. We haven't just lost a dog, we lost a great friend and a part of our lives. I lost Grunt almost three years ago and have since been blessed by another great dog in my life. Hazel possesses many of the wonderful qualities that Grunt did, and in that way I know Grunt lives on. It was difficult to move on, but I was pregnant at the time and wanted my new son to know the love of such a great dog, just as I did. Hazel is gentle, kind and patient with my son even though at 18 months old, my son Owen is less than gentle with her. They go everywhere together, Hazel following behind like Owen's shadow, keeping him safe and playing like best buddies.
Even though Grunt can never be replaced, Hazel has helped my family heal through her kind and loving ways. I hope you can eventually move on and find another companion to enrich your life in the special way that only a good dog can.
I also wish that more people would see what great dogs Rottweilers truly are. They are so often misunderstood, as many of them simply wind up in the wrong hands. The breed is gentle, loving, kind and generous in nature. Rotties will always be a part of our family.
Again, I'm so sorry for your loss and I hope time will help heal your pain.
Dani Sheets
Via email
I just finished reading your write up about Boomer. As I was reading, I felt a somewhat familiar sadness, as the same thing happened to me and my family in May. I had a wonderful, beautiful Golden Retriever (Gram) that was about to turn eight years old. Two weeks prior to his death we noticed he was acting a bit strange. We also noticed that his left back leg started to shake and quiver. We would rub it and after a bit, he would start to act like himself. The vet told me basically that I should give him vitamin B for energy and to give him an antibiotic.
