I was a very fortunate child growing up. I had everything I could have ever asked for. I had the best family in the world. My mom and dad loved me unconditionally, they were understanding, strict when needed, and just good people. They were the perfect examples of role models my brothers and I needed in our lives. I have two brothers that I grew up with. During our childhood, my brothers and I never really had problems or issues you’d sometimes hear around other siblings. We spent tons of time together playing video games, exploring the outdoors, and camping. My family lived in a great home with a huge yard and a bonus wooded area for exploring. And to top this all off, we also had a dog. As an adult, looking back to those younger years, I now realize how lucky I was that we purchased the puppy while I was still a young boy. I was impressionable and gained an understanding of how a dog could enrich your life and the people around you. I’ve come to the realization that the opportunity I had with my childhood dog helped me become the man I am today. I never really sat down and understood the benefits of that until recently. I also believe the experience I gained with my first dog is what allows my current dogs to have such a great life.
This post is dedicated to my family’s dog, Boofy.
Boofy was this dog’s name. His legal name was Goldie because as a young child, my ideas for names were terrible – and still am. But the Boofy name was adopted when he was still a pup. I remember taking Boofy outside to use the potty when he was still a pup, in the middle of those terrible New York winters. I’d be walking him on a leash and we’d trod on over to the right side of our driveway where the huge propane tank sat. While standing there, freezing my hiney off, he would get in a little squat and let these little barks out. He was a small dog with a small bark, but he wanted the world to hear it. When he would bark, it would come out as a pronounced “boof boof”. The entire family caught on to his “boofing”, enough so that is caused the name to stick.
We originally picked up Boofy in South Carolina at a farmer’s market in the early 2000’s. It was crazy how small he was. I remember our trip back to New York with him. We rented a hotel halfway up the east coast and we kept him in a box similar to those boxes from Aldi. Not a closed box, but one with the top and side removed that allows you to see inside. We let him play on the bed with us in the hotel that first night and when we went to bed, we placed him in the box just in case he had to potty in the middle of the night. We did not want to wake up to a mess on the hotel bed! I don’t even recall him whining that first night. He may have been exhausted from the trip and activity before bed, or I could have terrible memory. When we arrived in New York and got to our hometown of Horseheads, the first thing we did was show my grandma Boof. My mom was able to fit him under her coat while knocking on my grandma’s door.
Boofy was supposedly a mixed breed between a chow and collie. I now question if that was his breed. I’ve seen some pictures recently of a mixed lab breed online that look very similar to him. Boof’s life was that of a typical dog’s life: He’d get treats for going potty – especially for pooping; he loved sticks, running after a ball, sitting near bon fires, barking at squirrels (especially if you started saying squirrel and drug out the “s”). And of course, he couldn’t go without his belly rubs. I learned from observing how my parents interacted with Boofy. Through my time with Boofy, I learned what dogs like, what they dislike, what they love, what they’re scared of, and how to get their attention. I learned what responsibilities came with owning a dog – feeding, watering, nurturing, playtime, etc. But the thing that sticks with me all these years later, is the deeper connection you make with these additions to your family. Even though these dogs can’t speak human dialect, you can still understand them, and they understand you. It’s a special bond you get with these amazing companions.
I believe Boofy had a great life. When we lived at our home with the four acres of land, he would run that yard every day. He always loved being the center of attention, messing around with my dad and my brothers. But he was a compassionate soul, always excited when you’d finally arrive home. Even after a long tough day, you couldn’t help but cheer up from Boof’s excitement. Whether you were gone 5 mins or 2 hours, Boof was just so glad you were home.
Writing this article was hard. It took me almost an entire year to finally come around to finishing it. I started writing this article about ten months ago and each time I came back to it, I’d feel that pit in my stomach when I’d attempt to work on it. My emotions wash over me simply thinking about him. I easily tear up when I think or talk about him. The memories about him still tears me apart, which it shouldn’t as it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.
Towards the end of his life, a vet visit brought to light that he had major arthritis. The veterinarian was surprised that Boofy was still alive and stated that he was in definite pain. At the time, Boofy was falling, his back legs weren’t working, and he’d potty near the back door and the hallway. He was slowly losing control of his bowls.
I wish I was with him during his last couple years. I was in college and not at home as much as I should have been. Especially during his final moments. Because of his state, the vet recommended to put Boofy down peacefully because of the pain he was in. My mom told me my brother Brandon spent the night with Boof, petting him and spending time with him one last time. My mom was by his side, holding him close, when he was put to sleep. She said it was painless and she could tell he wasn’t in any pain anymore. I miss him.
Up to this point in my life, I’ve only ever had one dog, Boofy. My wife and I decided that we’d like to give our first dog an opportunity to have another dog companion in the household. We now have two dogs that compliment each other. That has come with its own challenges and real benefits too. I’ll talk more about my current pups in later posts.
Going through these raw emotions – they make you stronger. You appreciate the time you spend with these companions, with these family members. They’re not even human beings but yet they leave such a mark on your life, your mind, your experiences, your outlook on life. I wish I had more pictures of Boofy. He made me better for our experience together. He is the reason why my dogs and my mom’s dog will have great lives.
So – thank you Boof. You taught me everything I know for what a dog can be; a friend, a companion, and a loved one. I think the saying goes “a dog is man’s best friend” and Boofy… you proved that correct.
In 2014, he was laid to rest in my mom’s arms.
Rest in peace my friend.
