Saying Good-bye--for The Third Time. (very Long Post)

[lilpup]

They say third times the charm. For me, it's the most difficult. The story begins back in late 1995 with a Yellow Labrador puppy named "Boswell", given to me to train and raise as a service dog for a visually impaired person. This program had been a big part of my 4-H days and the beginning of my career in animal handling and animal law. At that point in time I had seven dogs under my belt in the guide dog program...five German Shepherds, one Golden Retriever, and "Boswell" my first Labrador. I fell in love with "Boswell" the first time I saw him: he was huge, all paws, big block head, and his eyes were almost human. He was bred from two Canadian Labradors. They build 'em big up north.

I worked hard training him. "Boswell" went everywhere with me...school, work, restaurants, you name it he was with me. About 14 months later it was time for "Boswell" to return to Guide Dog school and begin his formal training. Over the last year quite a bond was developed and was tough to say good bye. Even after raising other dogs, the process never gets easier. I told "Boswell" to make me proud and become a working guide dog...somebody out there needed him far more then me. I cried when I gave him back to the school.

Over the next six months I tracked "Boswell's" progress. He did very well and adjusted to formal guide training easily. In fact the biggest concern was his size...he was very well built and the guide dog harness barely fit him. This can disqualify a dog from guide work, or becoming breeding stock. Then one day I got the call: "Boswell" had passed his formal training and was ready to graduate as a working guide with his new master. A graduation date was set and I was to present "Boswell" to his new master (they had been working as a team for the last month...the graduation ceremony is a way for the puppy raiser to see his or her pup grown up and meet the 'new' master).

I met "Boswell's" new master and presented him to the young woman. "Boswell" was her second guide dog; her first had been retired some months before. She had a family with a little boy. It was a perfect match, "Boswell" loved kids and the young woman was a teacher. "Boswell" graduated with ten others in his class. The graduations are bitter-sweet occasion...you meet the new handler and pass the leash for one last time, knowing you might not ever see the new master or dog again. I cried again when I handed "Boswell's" leash to his master. They were tears of joy and sadness.

"Boswell" was a guide dog for just over seven years. Out of the blue in late 2004 I got a call that "Boswell" had been retired...his master was un-able to keep him as a pet, and did I want him? So there I was three years ago picking up "Boswell" after not seeing him for the last seven years. "Boswell" joined me and my two kids--"Brandy" a rescued German Shepherd, and "Casey" another Yellow Lab. For the last three years he enjoyed his retirement. I spoiled him rotten.

Over the last several months "Boswell's" rear legs had gotten very weak and unstable. He had a difficult time getting up and moving. The walks with my other dogs didnt include "Boswell" anymore as he was unable to walk very far (100 yards was pushing it). His body was worn out. On Thursday I tried to lift his rear half and he tried to bite me. "Boswell" was in pain. He couldnt move, and I couldnt lift a 125 pound dog (I just had back surgery). I called "Boswell's vet and my personal friend for advice. I just needed to confirm what I already knew.

On Friday, I said good bye to "Boswell" for the third and final time. I had "Boswell" put to sleep. "Boswell' was cremated with his Guide Dog Puppy coat placed over his body and several Oreo cookies (his favorite) placed in front of him.

Once again I cry over the loss of "Boswell". He has past over the rainbow bridge, and waits with all my other dogs for me to join them again someday. Until that day comes I have "Boswell's" cremated remains, pictures, and the memories knowing that he touched many, many people in a positive way. He will be dearly missed. R.I.P Boswell--I love you. (8-26-95 to 2-15-08).

[Eric D]

Sad stuff. I'm sorry for your loss - dogs are great companions. and loss hurts - but be merry for that boswell seemed to have been a dog enjoyed good masters and had a useful life. something quite few dogs lack.

take care.