This is Luke
This is Bo
In October 2006 a wonderful family adopted Bo and Luke as a pair. Unfortunately Bo was not happy there (OK, he was trying to eat their parrots and was not being very nice to his brother, Luke). We took Bo back on a trial basis. The night Bo came back to us Luke blew a disc in his back....he never did regain full use of his legs yet lived a very happy and loved life until the end of 2009 when we went to the bridge.
Bo happily became a member of the Ritchie family. He joined the pack along with Bosco, Bucksnort and Bullet. Over the last year we saddly lost both Buck and Bullet....but also added Snickers!
Before Bo came to live with us he suffered from an auto immune disorder that affected his facial muscles. The only treatment involved high dose steroids....which in the end affected his strength. Over time Bo has gotten weaker....he is unable to hold up his head and has a large hump in his back. We've been lucky - we have a great vet who knows we do not want any extra measures to "extend his life." We just wanted to keep him happy and as pain free as possible.
And now, it is time to say good bye to Bo. He cries in the mornings when he tries to get up. He isn't eating as well as he usually does. He is incontinent and is wearing a belly band. This is just not the way for him to live. He isn't happy - he just tries to make me happy. He is my chemo buddy. When I'm sick Perry puts him on the bed with me so we can cuddle. Bo gently licks my face as I fall asleep. He is always there for me....and now we need to be there for him.
Bo is one of the most gentle bassets I have ever met. As an example take a look at this photo - Cailin was curled up on her puppy taking a very safe and restful nap.
On Saturday, January 9, Perry will take Bo to our favorite vet and hold him close as he crosses to the bridge. I cannot be there. I guess I'm a wuss! But I need to remember him as he is right now and when he leaves my home...happy-go-lucky and wagging his tail.
Please say a prayer for my Bo. Light a candle to help him find his way to the bridge...
I love you so much, Bo! Luke, Bucksnort and Bullet are there waiting for you! No longer will you be in pain! You can run free and be happy. Watch over us until we meet you there!!
