Bors, a.k.a. Booger Boy, a.k.a. Elder Dog, is no longer with us.
He had a seizure of some sort a week ago, but bounced back to normal very quickly. This morning, it happened again, only there was no bounce. He went quietly in front of the pellet stove, the favorite doggy spot in the winter, with all the other dogs nearby and us there to comfort him. He was 14 and in declining health, so it wasn’t a surprise, but it’s always sad when they finally pack their bags for Rainbow Bridge.
Unfortunately, it happened ten minutes before school bus time, so the kids are a little upset this morning, especially Lyra. Later this morning, I’ll be taking the Booger to our regular vet to have him cremated, and then we’ll have another long conversation about death and dying when the kids get home. It’s their first hands-on brush with mortality–Guinevere, Bors’ mother, went two years ago, but Robin took her to the vet for that last service while the kids were at school. This one was up close and personal for them.
Bors was a sweet boy, an eternal puppy, good-natured and easy-going. He was a therapy dog for a while–he visited the old folks in the nursing home and made the rounds with Robin while she worked there. (He was the New Hampshire Health Care Association’s Volunteer of the Year in 2011, beating out a bunch of humans for the title.) One of her patients used to have dachshunds before she moved into the nursing home, and that dog’s visits were the highlight of her week every time. She passed away two or three years ago, and in this instance, I’m pretty sure that Bors is going to have someone waiting for him at Rainbow Bridge already.
Farewell, Bors. We’ll miss you terribly, but we are glad you could join us for a while.
So sorry. That’s the downside to having them in our lives. They never live as long as we would like. It’s still worth it, though. Still worth it.
I’m sorry to hear it Marko, they never seem to stick around as long as we’d like. I hope the kids bounce back quickly.
I join the large group of people who share your grief. It’s a sad time, but also a learning time for the kids. Please share a hug with them.
Sorry to hear about Bors.
Suckage. Our best to your and yours from the the bipeds and fur-kids at Happy Flat Coat Acres.
My deepest condolences to your family. Went through the same thing with teh dog I grew up with when I was 19, and my mom was out of town — had to handle things before little sister got home from kindergarten. We may only have them for a fraction of OUR lives, but they give 110% of theirs to US.