Sunday, April 21, 2019

Sunday Post - A Very Sad Day


On Friday, April 19th at 2:20pm, we said good-bye to our best friend.   He was taken way too early and didn't even make it to see his 9th Birthday in May.  He loved playing in the fields in front of his local high school, walking with Dad, Mom and Brother through the neighborhood, eating and sleeping in bed.  Everyone who ever met him fell in love with him and as the usual case with pet lovers, most in our neighborhood know us as T's Mom and Dad and have no clue about our actual names.

I would like to tell you what happened but in all honesty, we don't know.  Wednesday we noticed he was having some minor trouble walking more than a few feet before dragging his leg a tad.  We went to the ER vet who suspected some sort of trauma to his back and who sent us home with pain killers, muscle relaxers and an order of no walks for at least 7 days.  By Thursday evening, he could barely move and by Friday morning, he couldn't use his back legs at all.  We tried helping him around the house and outside, which was no easy feat with a 120 pound pup.  However, if it would have helped, we would have gladly continued doing so for as long as necessary.  I was able to take off work to be with him Thursday and both Mr. Barb and I stayed home with him Friday.  We spent two nights sleeping on the floor beside him because he couldn't really make it upstairs.  


Our vet worked him in Friday afternoon.  He and Booker T's favorite vet tech and girlfriend Peggy examined him and although some possible causes were given (a ruptured disc in his back, nerve damage, some sort of nerve stroke) we didn't really hear what was being said.  Booker T's prognosis was not good.  He hadn't used the bathroom in over 24 hours and although he was being strong and acting like everything was okay, we knew he was suffering.  So we made the decision all pet owners hope they never have to make and helped him pass.  We were there with him the whole time holding his paws and kissing his face.  I promised him we would take care of Cass and more importantly, let Cass take care of us.  I also told him I would do my best to help his Dad through this.


Booker T was laid to rest in the flower garden in our backyard with the three boxers we have lost before him.  He is now in a place where he is healthy and feels no pain.  He's playing with lots of other dogs, chasing squirrels and playing tug.  We promised him he would no longer have to be afraid of thunderstorms and fireworks. We also told him there would be a tree in Heaven which grows his favorite treats - bone shaped Chew-lottas.  

We are trying to survive here at The Farm.  Everyone is basically numb.  Cass won't let us out of his sight and has comforted us and licked away our tears.  

I want to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and prayers.  Booker T will live on through Booker T's Farm.  Every time I do a "Can't Wait Wednesday" post it will be his face you see.  Cass will be more prominent than in the past because Booker T would want it that way.  

We love you Booker T.  You'll always be in our hearts!



So I'm doing things a tad bit differently this year and will be combining all of my regular weekend posts.  This will enable me to add more content on Fridays and it is just starting to make more sense.  I'll still be linking up with Stacking the Shelves at Tynga's Reviews and Sunday Post at Caffeinated Reviewer.  Both blogs are awesome so make sure you check them out.

49 comments:

  1. I am so sorry for your loss. (((Hugs)))

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    1. Thanks Renee. It will be sad reading the next Smooshie book without him.

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  2. Barb, your post has me in tears. I never "knew" Booker T except through your blog, but I feel as if I did know him. I'm so sorry for the decision you had to make, but I'm certain that he's at peace and is most likely enjoying his new life wherever that doggie heaven may be. Thinking of you and your family and sending virtual hugs.

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    1. Thanks so much Tammy for your kind words and support. I think a lot of my regular visitors "knew" Booker T in some way or another.

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  3. I am so very sorry, Barb. I have been worried about Booker since your post on Thursday. Booker lived a wonderful life and it is heartbreaking to know that he is gone so soon. You, Mr. Barb, and Cass are in my thoughts.

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    1. Yes he was definitely taken from us too soon. Of all our boxers, he was taken the youngest.

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  4. Oh Barb I'm shocked and sooo so sad for you and your family. Hugs and prayers and all my best wishes. i know there are no words. Take care my friend.

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    1. Thanks so much Greg. We were shocked as well. The whole thing happened in under three days. There really are no words but man, Cass has done a wonderful job trying to pick up the pieces for us.

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  5. Tears are in my eyes and my heart is breaking reading this post. I am so sorry to hear about Booker T...RIP sweet pup. My deepest condolences to you and Mr. Barb and Cass for your loss.

    ~Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum

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    1. Our sweet pup - yep, that he was. Thanks for the support.

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  6. So sorry for the loss of your faithful companion.

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  7. Oh Barb my heart just breaks for all of you. The poor boy isn't in any pain now and you gave him such a happy life to enjoy. I'm just devastated for you. Please give Cass a huge cuddle from Auntie Chuckles and know that I'm thinking of you all. *hugs*

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    1. Cass appreciates the cuddle from Auntie Chuckles. It has been nice to see so many bloggers talk about Booker. He truly was my "Dog with a Blog."

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  8. Aw bless you all.
    It's horrible to lose them. They're so much a part of the family... I still cry over the loss of our girl 18 months ago and feel her loss pretty much daily.

    Thinking of you all.

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    1. I don't think we ever fully recover. It's been a trying week that's for sure.

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  9. I was worried after reading your earlier post about Booker T. I'm so sorry, Barb.

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  10. Barb, I'm so, so sorry. My heart is breaking for you guys.

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    1. Thank you Charlene. The support here has been so helpful.

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  12. I'm so sorry! It's always so hard to lose such a beloved pet. :(

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  13. I'm so sorry, Barb. I'm sure he knew how incredibly loved he was and still is, and I can only imagine how hard this must be for you and your family. Thinking of you.

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  14. Oh no, Barb, I'm so sorry! My thoughts are with you and Mr Barb and of course Cass right now (hugs)

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    1. We will make it through - no one can take our memories.

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  15. I am really so sorry. This happened with us in September with our Gina, who was 16.5 years old.

    Anne - Books of My Heart Here is my Sunday Post   

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  16. I'm so sorry, Barb. You did the best thing for him. It makes it seem twice as hard, though. I wish I could be there to give you ((((((((HUGS)))))))) in person. 😢

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    1. Yes, as sad as the whole situation is, I know we did what was right. And being there with him until the very end and holding him is the comfort I hold on to.

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  17. Oh no. This is the saddest post ever. I'm crying.
    This has taken me back to my Jacky Paws and it makes me want to hug my other dog - Dude - but he's chilling so I'll leave him be.
    Literally, I am crying for you.
    Lynn :D

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    1. I love the name "Jacky Paws." How adorable. When he isn't chilling, give Dude a hug from me too.

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  18. It's so sad to lose them :( I'm so very sorry, Barb. He will always live on in our hearts.

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  19. Oh gosh, I'm so sorry to hear this. It really is like losing a family member. Our dog passed 4 years ago and I still get misty-eyed every time I think about him.

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    1. Thanks Suzanne and I still get misty-eyed over the ones we lost 18 years ago. They are always with us though.

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  20. I am sooooo sorry. I have a now 9 yr old dog that is getting slower and slower and I am afraid of the time I will have to do the same. I have had to do it before but this dog is different. She was our first family dog. Now we are up to three. If I could hug you I would.

    Mary

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    1. It's so hard seeing them age so quickly. We don't get near enough time with them. Thanks for the virtual hug.

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  21. I'm so sorry to hear this, but what a beautiful tribute. Sending you all the hugs! <3

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    1. Thank you Erica. The community has been so supportive during this awful time.

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