It’s been 4 months and I’m still in shock.
I adopted boss from a rescue when I was only 17 years old. He was a foster dog staying at the boarding facility I worked at. I fell head over heels in love with him. My childhood dog had just passed maybe a month prior, and it was really hard on my family. I tried for weeks to get my parents to warm up to the idea of bringing this guy home, but my dad insisted it was too soon. We had another family dog who was about 6 at the time and she was VERY selective about her dog friends (as well as human). Plus he was a pitbull, which we had never had before… you know the stigma. “Moving out will be impossible with a bully breed…” etc etc
Every day for a few weeks I would go to work and I got to spend my shifts with him. 30+ dogs in a yard at a time and he rarely left my side. I knew I couldn’t let the rescue pick him back up once his stay with us was over. I knew I needed this dog. I was only 17, and my parents weren’t into it. Guess what I did?
Took his ass home. My family immediately fell in love with him. He was perfectly receptive to my other dog’s weird behaviors and need for distance while also wanting to play from afar. He did everything he needed to do to fit right in, against all odds. My initially hesitant father? He fell in love the hardest. They were two peas in a pod until the very end.
Best. Decision. Ever.
Here’s to 9 years of love. We were just barely robbed of a decade. The pain I feel in my chest hasn’t gotten any lighter in the last few months. I find myself wailing when I return home from work most days. (I am a dog groomer, so it is lovely being around pups all day, but still makes everything so heavy.)
I think I will cry for him for the rest of my life. He hated when I cried, so I feel a little guilty for it. I miss him more than I knew was humanly possible. I have lost multiple people close to me in my life, and it feels a little crazy to say none have compared to the loss of this animal.
Every single day from the age of 17 to 26 I was with him. We grew up together. Through break ups, from state to state, house to house, and everything in between. We kept each other safe. He was my reason; my constant. My absolute best friend.
I encourage you to share pictures of your babies who have passed so I can see who he is running free in the clouds with. He loved friends. ❤️
Edit:
Wow. You people are amazing. Your dogs are amazing. I am so thankful for all of the kind words, and honored to read all of the beautiful tributes in the comments. Long live our babies!