I've been processing the reality of what time I have left with Bosco. Last week he was diagnosed with wobbles. Which is a nuerological disorder that affects the spine. Soon, he won't be able to walk. And when this happens, our time together will come to a completion. How...how do you say good bye to 11 years of frustratingly beautiful friendship? It's impossible. And yet, I will have to.
Bosco was...is...not an easy dog. Incredibly talented, extremely intelligent, unwaveringly loyal. He has also always been very dog aggressive. This guy taught me everything I know about patience, unconditional love, determination, perseverance, quick thinking, game plans, new game plans, dedication and never, ever giving up.
Bosco made me a better handler. He changed my life as a dog trainer. He pushed me to try things differently and to find the way when everyone else believed there wasn't one. Ten years ago, he was at his worst. He "couldn't" be controlled. I was told he wasn't fit for the city, and he should probably just be put down. So we bought an acreage and became a dog trainer...the rest, as they say, is history.
Bosco now lives with 3 other dogs. On top of that, he's met and cohabited with dozens more. I know this dog inside and out, and I feel like I've given him a very exceptional life for "a lost cause". I've tried to honour him, the best way I know how. He's been apart of nearly every aspect of my life. He hasn't missed out on much. From camping to horse back riding. Teaching obedience classes, 4H and canine safety, he's also excelled in every aspect of the working dog world I've introduced him to. He's participated in personal protection, tracking, herding, scent detection and even gun dog. There isn't anything I've asked this dog to do, that he wouldn't.
He's been my very best friend.
So, as I prepare myself for such a significant loss, I can't help but smile at the life he's given me. And as I've honoured his life, I couldn't live with myself if I didn't honour his passing. We have the most epic summer tour planned for Bosco. Last horse rides, beach days, visiting pals back home, BBQs with all the burgers he can handle...and then, when he's had enough...we will lay him to rest and thank God for this experience. For a relationship that made me who I am. For a lifetime of memories.
When you have 11 years together, you can't just pick one photo that sums everything up neatly. So here's to all the adventures we found...and the moments that became a life together.
Bosco was...is...not an easy dog. Incredibly talented, extremely intelligent, unwaveringly loyal. He has also always been very dog aggressive. This guy taught me everything I know about patience, unconditional love, determination, perseverance, quick thinking, game plans, new game plans, dedication and never, ever giving up.
Bosco made me a better handler. He changed my life as a dog trainer. He pushed me to try things differently and to find the way when everyone else believed there wasn't one. Ten years ago, he was at his worst. He "couldn't" be controlled. I was told he wasn't fit for the city, and he should probably just be put down. So we bought an acreage and became a dog trainer...the rest, as they say, is history.
Bosco now lives with 3 other dogs. On top of that, he's met and cohabited with dozens more. I know this dog inside and out, and I feel like I've given him a very exceptional life for "a lost cause". I've tried to honour him, the best way I know how. He's been apart of nearly every aspect of my life. He hasn't missed out on much. From camping to horse back riding. Teaching obedience classes, 4H and canine safety, he's also excelled in every aspect of the working dog world I've introduced him to. He's participated in personal protection, tracking, herding, scent detection and even gun dog. There isn't anything I've asked this dog to do, that he wouldn't.
He's been my very best friend.
So, as I prepare myself for such a significant loss, I can't help but smile at the life he's given me. And as I've honoured his life, I couldn't live with myself if I didn't honour his passing. We have the most epic summer tour planned for Bosco. Last horse rides, beach days, visiting pals back home, BBQs with all the burgers he can handle...and then, when he's had enough...we will lay him to rest and thank God for this experience. For a relationship that made me who I am. For a lifetime of memories.
When you have 11 years together, you can't just pick one photo that sums everything up neatly. So here's to all the adventures we found...and the moments that became a life together.
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