Saying Goodbye

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. 

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. 
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. 
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. 

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. 
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. 

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. 

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. 

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... 

On Monday morning the vet called us to say that Boss had taken a turn for the worst and was now in a lot of pain. They urged us to come in right away and we did. The doctor told us right away that Boss was declining and the most fair thing to do was to say goodbye to our furry pal. This was the hardest thing we've ever had to do. Boss was very calm, and came in the room and laid down right in my lap. His final moments were peaceful and I was relieved to know he was no longer in pain.We will miss him so much, he's been a huge part of our family for over 9 years. Its so sad to imagine that he wont be here for the next major milestone. We see his crate, his bed, his collar and we get so sad. Its weird to go from three dogs to two, the house seems eerily quiet without his huge paws clobbering about. Savannah has taken it pretty hard. At first we made a journal with some photos of Boss and her and spoke to her about Boss being on the rainbow bridge. She didn't cry but suggested we write him a letter. She started it "i love you boss." this melted our hearts. For the next several days she's asked about Boss and what he was doing on the rainbow bridge. Finally last night she cried about him, and said she misses him. I think the reality that he isn't coming back has finally hit her. He will surely be missed by us all. I found the rest of the great photos I have of Boss...my Bossy Boo. We love you.

He loved to be in the yard with us

He clung so close to me that he ended up in EVERY pic

Love this, dog sunbathing 

crumbs please??

She was only a few days old, he wanted to cuddle too

Hey who's this new addition?

Always near us

The ear incident..

Cuddle bug

Savannah was only a week old and was screaming her head off. He had to see what was up.

I'll take care of her mom don't worry.

MMM doggie ice cream!

Why do you dress me in these crazy hats?

Who's going to blink first?

A day without Boss

My dearest Bossy Boo,

            My protector, my cuddler, my always pacing the house nails click clacking on wood floor, big drolly lover, I weigh 70lbs but I think I’m a lap dog snuggle bear.. I realized long ago life is not fair. A great dog like you getting a brain tumor is more than unfair and unjust. I just can’t put words to how much I miss you already. Today you are resting at an emergency vet in Atlanta as they try to tame the seizures that started out of nowhere on Thursday. You have been in my life from the moment I met Kevin. I remember the moment I met you like it was yesterday. You came running down the driveway, ears a flopping, barking like a crazy dog. Then when you got to me you sniffed me and instantly we connected. I knew you were going to be on “my team” and the rest is history. You’ve never left my side…

Today, your whole family is missing you terribly; everything we see makes us think of you. We go to grab the garbage…something you loved….you could be in the other room and come running…YAY a trip to the garbage can OUTSIDE….but you aren’t here. We go to grab cookies, today I grabbed three, but you aren’t here I only needed two…I hated that more than anything. Kevin went to the store today and he always puts you in the back of the truck for a ride, your fave…but you aren’t here. I got into the shower this morning and thought of your silly butt wanting to lap up all the water in the shower after we would get out. We see your bed laying in the living room empty…it breaks our heart. Boss we miss you more than anything. You were truly the most loyal, people loving, sweet, protective, non-licking (hah!), goofy as hell dog we’ve ever had. It pains me to my deepest core that you will not live much longer. The vet says maybe only a few days, we are hoping more than anything you can recover enough to come home. We’d love one walk on the road, one more thunder down the stairs, one more slobber on the bed, one more stinky fart that fills the room. I’d give anything to have you home.

You’ve been here through several moves, two new babies being brought home, and countless other changes and milestones in our lives. We can’t imagine you not being here for the next. You are such a major part of our lives.

We miss you Bossy Boober Toobers…you are a great dog.

Here are some random pics of your life from the past 9 years that I’ve gathered (more to come)…Even these don’t quite show how much you mean to us.

Your family loves you Boss…get well. Hugs and Kisses.