Tribute to Bolo

Bolo is a dog - just a dog some would say - they would be so wrong in saying so – he is much more than just a dog.

Bolo is my son’s dog – he has been an intricate part of my son’s life for eleven years – he is sick – he is dying.

He is noble – nasty to almost all but a very select few – I am honoured to be in the count of the ones he loves.

He has a very aggressive cancer that started in his jaw – it is spreading making his face swell – he is sick most days – some days throwing up his food two or three times – it is getting worse for him daily.

As it gets worse for Bolo - the worry and sadness grips me – leaving me weak with grief – grief for Bolo – grief for my son who I fear will be lost without his "buddy" here.

Bolo still eats - goes to the bathroom - goes for walks with Rod and April - still plays fetch with a stick even though chewing on the stick causes his mouth to bleed - he still barks and harasses the mail man - he still has a quality of life even though it is getting lesser each day for him.

I have learned to love this dog – a dog that scared me so much five years ago that I could not be near him – now I can stroke his head – look him in the eye – he has only ever allowed Rodney and I to look into his eyes – I am honoured that he chose me to be the one other person that he truly trusts.

I know this question has been asked trillions of times by trillions of people and I am asking it now – how do you let some one go that you love so much?

Just thinking of the day that Bolo must leave us brings me to my knees – I will need some one to hold me up that day as I will not be able to stand on my own – the pain I will feel will be too great.

Already I am crying - for myself and the loss that will be with me for a very long time - for my son who has been through so much these last four weeks since his daughter was born - soon he must make the decision.