Another day...

Ugh. And here we are. My family's first day without Boomer. I know I haven't lived at my parents' home since June 2000, but it's still weird knowing he's not there. I feel worst for my dad - who I'm sure had a very hard time this morning knowing he didn't have to go and take Boomer out for the first time in over 13 years. Boomer really was "man's best friend" when it came to my dad. My dad never stopped trying to teach Boomer new tricks and was convinced he would someday be able to send him out for the paper without worrying that he'd run away. Somedays he'd do fine and other days my dad would end up chasing him down the street in his pajamas. Pretty funny if you got to see that. But in the end, Boomer brought my family together. I spoke to both my brother and sister last night and of course, to both of my parents too. Kind of nice to have talked to all 4 of them in one evening - rarity these days when we're all so busy. So with that, I'm going to put my Boomer posts to rest here in my blog and move on. He was such a happy dog, I know he didn't like it when any of us were sad. That and I can't take starting to cry everytime someone comes into my office today and can tell that something just isn't right about me. I'll leave you with just a few more pictures - ones that I love most of all because they include my babies. The first one is of Caroline at almost 1 year old with her buddy, the next two are of Caroline when she was 20 months old. You can see how much she loved him and how easy going he was. The last one is of Boomer and Bryce on Sunday. Bryce was just starting to really like Boomer - I'm sure Bryce would have enjoyed wrestling with him, much like his Uncle Kevin always did. At least you know that I won't be putting any memorial to him on the back window of my minivan. I hate that. And by the way, I do know of some very happy news right now. I just have to wait for the "clearance" to share it! (It definitely cheered me up!)

RIP Boomer - 11/22/1993 - 7/16/2007

I am very, very sad. But he was so sick again this morning and my mom and dad just knew that this is what they had to do. I am sad that he still seemed to have some life left in him, but I can't imagine how much his stomach must have hurt and how worn out he must have been. He still managed smiles, tail wags and walking around begging for food yesterday and today - food that he'd have a lot of trouble digesting - so we got a few pictures of him. My parents took him to the vet at 5pm today - Dr. B said he couldn't believe how much weight Boomer had lost since the last time he'd seen him. The vet tech that assisted him even brought Boomer a plate of chicken and turkey for his last meal - a meal my mom said he happily ate up. My mom said it happened very quickly and peacefully and they held him the whole time. I'm glad he's not suffering anymore. He was such a happy and good dog. I miss you very much, Boomie. I will never, ever forget you. Boomer, yesterday on 7/15/07 :

Boomer and me sometime in the early 2000's:

I think I'll have some happier news tomorrow.

All Knowing Bryce

It seems all of a sudden, Bryce knows everything we're talking about. For example this morning, I said to Jay that he needed a hair cut and to which Bryce chimes in, "Finn!" You see, Finn, is a boy at daycare who just got a really short haircut this week. We're realizing we really can't talk about stuff anymore without Bryce being involved in the conversation. He's really interacting. And then the other night I was talking to Jason about Boomer (Caroline was in another room) and Bryce says, "Boomer. Sick. (Makes barfing sound) MESS!" This was him recalling what happened a week ago when he was over at my mom's house and Boomer barfed in front of them. I'm telling you, he doesn't miss anything anymore, much like his ever attentive sister. Finally, on this Saturday, I'll leave you with this picture which I just love. It's how most of our weekend mornings start. Jay reading the paper and Bryce having to be up in his lap with him constantly saying things like "Daddy. Paper." or "Daddy. Hot coffee."

Boomer Update

My mom spoke with the highly competent vet, Dr. B, the other night about Boomer. He's like one of the best vets around and everyone I know in the area seems to take their pet to see him. Boomer's been going to that practice for a while, but it's made up a lot of vets and it's rare that he's seen Dr. B, but my mom got in touch with him for a consult.

Dr. B reviewed Boomer's file and believes what my mom does that it's some kind of upper GI problem since he's not having any lower GI problems. He said that really the only way to figure out what is going on is likely surgery and given that he's 13 1/2 and that the surgery would likely only show a very bad diagnosis, it's really not the way to go. He also commented that he was concerned over the fact that Boomer has lost 20lbs in the past year through no specific diet changes by my parents. Also, not a good thing.

My mom told him about how now that he's throwing up so often that she has to keep him confined to the basement and a VERY close eye on him any other time, so he's not getting his usual social time that all labradors love and need. Dr. B agreed with my mom that it's just not fair to Boomer and that his quality of life is very low at this point. And he said that he's in complete agreement if my parents decide to put him to sleep - which is likely to happen very soon.

I totally agree with my mom and with Dr. B too, but it's just so hard to think about doing that to a dog that other than his throwing up, seems like he's okay. He looks okay and he still walks around and wags his tail happily when we visit - but I know he's dying inside.

I know my MIL went through something similar with their dog, Casey, in 1999. Casey was the Irish Setter that Jason grew up with and she'd gotten to the point in January '99 that she was in such pain in her legs and hips, she could barely move. My MIL often recalls how they made the appointment and when she went downstairs, there was Casey standing up and wagging her tail. Talk about feeling guilty and questioning your judgement! But of course, like most dogs, this kind of behavior is something they will continue to struggle to do because they ARE happy to see you and even if they feel pretty bad, they will make an effort because they love you so much.

I know that is the same situation with Boomer. On one hand you feel terrible that you'd be putting down a dog that doesn't seem to be done living yet, but then do you really want to have to take him in when he is EXTREMELY sick and is a complete mess? I don't know what the best solution is. But I guess it's hard to make that determination when you love a dog that much and don't want them to suffer but you also don't want him to go. I'm just grateful that my parents will be the ones to have to follow through with this because I don't think I could do it.

Thanks for thinking of Boomer

Thanks all for your thoughts on Boomer. I've just been sad about it all day. My mom is waiting to hear back from the vet regarding his care.

The thing that really throws a wrench in all of this is that we are going on a family vacation in several weeks and the family that usually comes to my mom's house to care for Boomer is also going to be out of town. There is no way that he can handle a kennel right now, so it's one of the reasons we're talking to the vet.

It's amazing how many people have known him - but I guess when you're around for over 13 years, that is what happens. Katie got to meet/know him when she came to my house several times freshman year - I even have a picture of the 2 of them together. (I'm sure she'd be thrilled if I posted that, right K?) Vivian lived down the street from me and probably always saw us walking him or watching us chase him all over the freaking neighborhood. (Um yeah, he ran away a lot.) Heather always called him "Mr. Velvet-Ears" b/c his ears are so soft. And even Bracken always saw his picture on my shelf at work next to my human babies.

It's amazing the effect an animal can have on your life. Even if they aren't one of those dogs like Lassie that saved your life. When I think of him, I'll always remember the funny things he did and how much he made us laugh.

As for a dog for us, Jason told me once not too long after his dog, Casey, died, that that was one of the main reasons he didn't want to get a dog. Dogs are great, but they also come with lots of fur and the fact that you have to be home to take care of them. But even so, the hardest part about having a dog is losing them and he doesn't want to go through that again. I totally understand that now.

Good Old Boomer

My mom called to tell me that my dog, 13 1/2 year old Boomer, is not doing so well. For a labrador retriever that is past the age of 12 though, I really am not surprised. It seems that Boomer might be living his final days and I'm pretty sad about it. See, we found out we were getting Boomer in December 1993 when he was just a few weeks old. My parents had always sworn they'd NEVER get us a dog. But somehow, something changed. I'll never forget that evening when they shocked us and showed us 9 yellow pups and told us that one was going to be ours. I think I even remember crying, I was so happy. Over to the left is a picture of Boomer and I from March 1994 when he was still a pup - as crazy as ever. And hence, the C family became a dog family. I have hundreds of funny Boomer stories. Everything from how he would steal my dad's shoes to get his attention to how he helped Jay and I ring in the year 2000. He was there when we got ready for my wedding and was even in a picture or two - although he didn't make it to the ceremony. (Shoot, he was even there for the large majority of Jay and my relationship!) And he was there to greet my two human babies. I feel a little bad that once I had my own kids, I paid much less attention to him when I'd go to my parents house, but I guess that's to be expected. However, as soon as Caroline was old enough, she took an interest in him. In the pictures shown here, she was barely 9 months old and was having a great time since Boomer came to spend a few days with us. I'll have to find a few more photos of the kids with him because they really do love him. He's always been so gentle with them and has let both of them, especially Caroline roll all over him. Of course, she had to endure many unsolicited licks over the years, but I think they're even. Of course, the Boomer my kids know is not the crazy dog that I knew. And even though I didn't "grow up" with him because I got him when I was 17 and 8 months away from going to college, he's been a major part of my life. He was always there when I came home from college and was ready to greet me. I even remember that when I was missing home the first few months away, he was one of the things I missed the most. And now Boomer is at the end. He's hardly been able to keep any food down lately and my mom has been cleaning up a LOT of dog barf. He still gets up to greet you, wags his tail and shows you he's happy to see you but I don't think it will be long before he's too weak to do that. So my parents are in the process of deciding what to do. None of us wants him to suffer, but it's just so sad. He's been a member of this family for over 13 years. When I go to my parents' house, that is one of the things I expect to see. I can't imagine going there and him not being there. And then I hate to think that he won't be there for Caroline too. When Josie (my IL's dog) died a few weeks ago, she kept saying, "It's okay, because Boomer is alive. He's such a silly dog. I love him." I love him too babe, I love him too.

Happy Birthday Boomer!

I forgot to add, today is Boomer's 13th birthday. I just can't believe he's that old! He's still in pretty good shape for a 13 year old lab and has some pep left, but I know 13 is very old for a lab. Makes me sad just thinking about it. It seems like yesterday my mom and dad were surprising us with him a few days before Christmas. I'll never forget it. He was the best Christmas gift I ever got. (I don't count Caroline as a Christmas gift, btw.) ;)

Boomer and I circa March 1994 - excuse the huge caterpillars above my eyes.