“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.”
Leonardo DiCaprio Puppychow Heek Boyer (Leo), our dog, had been in our family for 14 years.
When I was married my ex-husband he was never very interested in having a dog, not that he doesn't like dogs, he just thought that we weren't ready for it and it wouldn't give us the freedom to just get up and go.
It was the day after my husband had told me that he didn't want to be married any longer, that he just was never in love with me, that Kelly, my then neighbor, along with Bryan who was 5 years old and her son Mitchell who was 3 and a half, took a trip to the mall. Kelly wanted to get me out of the house, to focus on anything other then reality, being February there wasn't too much to choose from, so window shopping it was. Since, the 2 boys were with us they naturally gravitated towards the Kay Bee Toy store. I had been in another world, pacing toward the front of the store, just numb from my world getting turned upside-down, when a young girl came in holding puppies, her name was Asia. She said that the puppies were up for adoption. Her grandmother's dog had given birth to a litter a few weeks ago and they couldn't afford to care for them for much longer. I took her number, went to my mom for advice & took the night to think about it. It didn't take too much convincing or thought to decide that a puppy was exactly what Bryan & I needed. After all, Bryan was at a great age to start learning responsibility and I couldn't really see a downside. I phoned Asia and met her the next day, she had one male left and we were blessed with our first dog. Leo was only 7 weeks old so I had to spoon feed him baby cereal and take him to get his shots. The veterinarian gave us a clean bill of health and so began our journey.
I had never had a dog before much less a puppy and I had literally no idea what I was doing. It was a bit if a rough start for us, I had NO IDEA the work that goes into having a new born pup. I quickly caught on (like any puppy-mother does) and figured out that all they really want is love. Leo became Bryan's best friend instantly. Leo was very willing to be wrestled with, tackled, chased and used as a pillow. He was always so happy when visitors came over, because they were obviously there to see him. (DUH! Why else would people be over?!?) He was an attention hog and jealous as all get out. He was always in everyone's business and ready to give you every toy or half chewed up bone that he had upon your arrival.
KISSES ALL OF THE TIME!! The kisses that once annoyed me I will miss the most. He was so loving and loved to give kisses, to the point where I had to correct him when he went to town on certain people (others could fend for themselves! that, or it was just funny to watch...). Look at me. Look at me. I will give you kisses anywhere until you acknowledge me; arm pits, jeans...just pet me you fool.
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| Leo kissing my niece, Hadley. Hadley saying "NO MORE!" |
Leo was so full of energy. I actually had to warn people about his high energy. He wouldn't think twice about corning someone and demanding to be pet. He really was quite hospitable (on his conditions) OH! Let's not forget that ALL food was up for grabs, along with tobacco of any kind, it didn't necessarily have to be legal, alcohol, Chapstick, lipstick, prescription medication, or really anything that might be in your purse or jacket draped over a chair, but it wasn't his fault that we didn't know his rules. Learning his rules had led to many ridiculous, memorable and some embarrassing stories. I am so thankful for all of them. We enjoyed this craziness and by craziness, I mean CRAZINESS!!! up until last year when it came to a screeching halt. Leo had slowed down immensely.
One of Bryan's friends who was over recently said, he went really hard for 13 years and now he's just so tired; another nicknamed him "The Lone Majestic Wolf". They all loved him as much as we did.
Unfortunately, this weekend I had to make a decision that no one ever wants to make. I had to decide that it would be more humane to euthanize our family pet then see him suffer everyday. UGH!!! The day had come and I had to put my big girl pants and put what was best for this precious animal who I loved like family, first. Breaking the news to Bryan was heart-wrenching.
Leo was a part of us and it is going to be hard, but I know he had a good life. He stole our hearts and became the perfect fit for our tiny family and has been through so much with us. Bryan and I didn't have an easy start, but once I committed to Leo, I was all in. We may not have been rich, but that's the thing with dogs or any pet, they don't care about any of that, rich or poor, fat or thin, it is all irrelevant; what they want is completely free.
Leo, you will be missed more than I ever thought possible. You are forever in our hearts. R.I.P. my friend.
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| Leo Boyer, (January 3, 2000 - February 12, 2014) |
“Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day.
It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.”
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