Hard to Say Goodbye

Our loyal dog of almost 13 years died today.  So hard to say goodbye.  His health has declined as he's gotten older, mostly just this past year.  In September, he would have turned 13.  Ronnie and I got Boomer on November 2, 1999.  We'd only been married a little over four months.  We lived on the second floor of an apartment.  So dumb to get a dog; a puppy in that situation.  He cost $200 and we couldn't afford him when we first saw the ad from the breeder.  Looking back, I still wouldn't do anything differently.

Ronnie took him to the vet today for a routine check.  He essentially collapsed on the way.  Although we didn't think we had years left with him, we didn't really think today was the day either.  It would have been hard no matter when it happened.  The kids and I were able to make it to the vet in time to say goodbye and love on him one last time.  Ronnie and I stayed with him while he drifted off peacefully.  It was hard to see him that way, but I'm grateful for that time.

This was Boomer just a couple weeks ago....waiting patiently for Elena to drop some food from her highchair.  He was very predictable at meal times (if ill-trained!)  Just a little focused on the task at hand....never mind those blinds!

We have a ton of crazy memories with this guy.  He was a terrible puppy.  It was most definitely our fault.  We had no idea what training a Labrador puppy was like, and remember that apartment?!  But now, remembering him tearing the siding off our base house is just funny.  He destroyed the first piece of furniture we bought as a married couple too.  Countless memories we have of "Boomer Bad Puppy."  But....he was always loyal, always gentle with the kids, loved attention and being pet, and popcorn (among many other things!)  

This was the little tyke not long after we brought him home.  I mean, have you ever seen a cuter pup?!

I hadn't come home to an empty house in almost 13 years until today.  I can't say I liked it....at all.  But....I also knew he couldn't make the cross-country drive that is coming in just a month.  He didn't have any particular health problems though either to justify not bringing him.  Seems God made that decision for us.  I'm glad that he won't have to make a journey that would be so hard on him.  How I would have loved to see him play in the real grass and shade trees of our new backyard in Virginia though for just a day.  

Miss you my sweet, sweet boy.  Thank you for all the years you loved us.