Thursday, September 18, 2014

Boz, One Year Gone


I've been thinking of today as a milestone, the day I'd stop grieving for Boz. I'm incorrect about this, of course. You don't just hit the one year mark and say, "OK! Done! Whew!"

In some ways I don't want to stop missing Boz. I'd feel guilty. Call me silly. And guilt is only part of it. I don't think I'm going to stop missing him no matter what.

Boz's all-time favorite thing was to run in water. It even beat treats and belly rubs. We took him to Hahamongna several times a week and he'd run up and down in the rivulets, biting the water and getting as muddy as he could.

The times we took him to the beach were just as joyous--more so for him, because the ocean stinks more than fresh run-off from mountain rain.

Boz wasn't always old.

We thought of walking at Hahamongna today and sprinkling some of Boz's ashes in the water to commemorate his time with us. But it's too hot to be outdoors, and anyway, there's no water there now. Maybe we'll take his ashes there in the spring. Only a little bit of them. Neither of us can part with the whole batch, the whole dog.

I don't know if we'll ever be able to let Wilma off her leash to run in the water. Wilma would love it and so would I; there's nothing like seeing a domestic animal running free. But her safety comes first.

John and I are dog people. We love dogs, love to be around them. I was eager to adopt Wilma and she's wonderful. But Boz will always be my sweetie. I wonder if all pet people are this way. Are you? You love them all, but there's that one, that special one, who will always be your love.

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Remember, the Pasadena Humane Society's Wiggle Waggle Walk is September 28th. You can sign up to walk or donate money at the PHS site, or do the same with my friend Paula Johnson's Rose City Sisters team (a.k.a. pack).

24 comments:

Kalei's Best Friend said...

I can't believe its been a year!. And yes, each pet I have had, the feeling is different... but one thing I know for sure is how much love I had for them.. Each personality is different, even down to their quirks... I have to admit my feelings towards animals are more affected.. I guess because they are such unconditional beings.. they're reaction to others, or themselves is so instinctual. They definitely let u know where u stand w/them..

William Kendall said...

He was a handsome dog.

Yes, we all have that one pet, more than others, that we feel closer to than the rest.

Petrea Burchard said...

KBF, I agree with you on every point. That's been my experience.

I'm glad I'm not the only one, William. I've heard it from a few people.

Kalei's Best Friend said...

Petrea, I feel so stupid.. at the time I didn't think to ask the vet to have my Cairn's ashes... I wish I had..the only other excuse I have is at the time I had too much on my mind- dealing w/lawyers, grief, etc..
I am glad that the office was very sympathetic. I'll never forget the receptionist crying as I handed Lady over.

Diana said...

I don't think one ever stops missing a great dog like Boz. I think all us dog people have a special dog or two like that in our lives, if we are lucky, and they live on in our hearts forever, which is just as it should be.

Petrea Burchard said...

KBF, I'm sure you're forgiven. Ashes are just that, anyway. Ashes. We are the ones who place meaning on them.

You're right, Diana. And I've already got a second special dog, blissfully chasing squirrels around the back yard.

Bellis said...

I somehow think the squirrels would be happier if Boz was still there. Can't believe it's been a year already - I have such a fresh memory of him. The dog I miss most is Tessa. She was so much fun. I got her when she was 6 weeks old, and brought her out from England when she was 12. The people that were caring for her in Durham while we were looking for a house here didn't want to give her back to me as they were worried she wouldn't survive the flight, and they loved her as much as I did. It was painful wrenching her away from them, but she did survive and we had 3 happy Californian years together. Half labrador, half Welsh border collie, she eventually didn't want to go anywhere without water to swim in, so I soon found all the year-round rivers, and dog beaches. Believe you me, it's very difficult to find water in the San Gabriels during the summer. I think of Tessie every time I revisit her favorite places. I should scatter her ashes when there's rain again., perhaps near Boz's, in Hahamongna along the river course.

Ann Erdman said...

Boz will always be in our hearts. When you walk in the Arroyo once the water comes back, if you hear a splash, it will surely be your happy boy's spirit, frolicking once again.

Petrea Burchard said...

Bellis, you always call her "my Tessa." That's how I know she's the special one for you.

My happy boy, Ann! That's the phrase.

TheChieftess said...

Oh yes Petrea!!! Daisy is still heartily missed, regardless of how much we love Kelly-girl...
My very first dog Blondie was another one...(I think she might have been a golden mix!)
And there are a couple of special kitties that I miss too...

Now that we're down here permanently, Kelly and I need to find some of those water spots around here...she's really missing the lakes!!!

Petrea Burchard said...

There aren't many water spots right now, Chieftess. Maybe Eaton Canyon, if you don't mind leashing Kelly.

Glad you're back.

Pasadena Adjacent said...

Tess - she was and always will be 'my girl'

Petrea Burchard said...

A car, I will guess, knowing you.

Ms M said...

Yes, there is one special kitty I had for 19 years who I still miss. But we're very glad to have our Macie with us.

A toast to Boz, and all those special 4-legged ones who have been, or are, part of our lives.

Petrea Burchard said...

A toast, Ms M. Trapper and Burt (cats) were special too, and Marshmallow and Loki (dogs). All loved and missed.

Pasadena Adjacent said...

Tess was my first Siamese. I lost her to cancer.

Petrea Burchard said...

Now I see my typo. Tess was no car.

The Sage of Altadena said...

It's true. Ben, who we adopted as an elderly dog, gave us four good years. First dog I ever had I could walk without a leash. A sweet spirit. We once had to leave him with the vet, and they called us just to say they didn't have to cage him -- he just lay down on a towel in the open, didn't bother the resident cats -- "We just wanted to tell you HE'S SUCH A SWEET DOG!"

Not that we don't love our current fur baby, Hansel, to bits. I can walk him without a leash, too, but it's more about him not wanting to cross Alpha Dog rather than just thinking it's the honorable thing to do. Hansel's very sweet, tolerates abuse from the children, and we love each other madly -- but Ben was my dog and my friend in a deep way. Hope I get 'em both after we all cross the bridge.

Petrea Burchard said...

My dear Sage, though Boz was perfect off-leash I can't top you on the phone call thing. But our vet did once tell me that Boz was her favorite patient.

fritopi said...

Hi. I don't know you or Boz. I just want to say that Boz looks like an awesome dog. And I can't imagine ever getting over a dog like that. But I hope it gets easier with each passing day.

Petrea Burchard said...

Hi fritopi. Thanks for visiting. I guess, like parents, we all think our pet is awesome. But Boz really was!
Because I don't know you I clicked on your bio and lo and behold, I'm from Chicago, too, where I did improv comedy. Welcome.

sonia a. mascaro said...

Boz was a sweet and adorable boy!
He will always be in your heart and sorely missed.
Lovely pictures of your dear Boz.

Petrea Burchard said...

Sonia, you know the feeling, I think.

sonia a. mascaro said...

Yes Petrea, I know the feeling...