In Memoriam

October 13, 2012 On January 31 of this year our sweet, wonderful Bogie passed away, the victim of a very swift and undiagnosed disease. Just a few days before, he was chasing Cricket, our male Iggie, around the yard in good fun. But, two days later, in a flash, we knew that the end was at hand. His hind legs just weren't working as they should have. We had been there before, and knew that no medical intervention or hopes and prayers would intercede. Bogie was a truly special fellow. We had just lost Dobbs, our first, and Donnie, an old foster who had never realized life in the free world until then, to cancer, two weeks apart back in 2002. What else does one do but to ask Cynthia for another Grey to foster, one who would hopefully respect our little Iggies. So along came Bogie several weeks later. On to the abridged story of Bogie. The first time we met Bogie (track name - Tattoo 'Em, track moniker - Bogart, after Humphrey, one of a very few great actors of our age) was in Cynthia's back yard. He was one of those "shy" Greys, or so we thought. Bogie, after four months of fostering, turned out to be a pretty serious case. He spent the first month in his crate, refusing to come out unless he had to relieve himself in the yard or maybe to spend a short bit of time breathing fresh air. In time he improved, and would even walk in the neighborhood, if he was ensconced in a pack of fosters / dog-sit Greys. It all changed in 2006 when we finally realized our dream and moved west. Bogie traveled west like a pro and his life improved dramatically when he settled in western Colorado, away from the noise of the crowded eastern suburbs. Not completely, as he could always detect a cow fart in Utah or Wyoming and be sent scurrying into the closet, but his last five years were his best, the age when he finally realized that being a canine can be great fun. Canyons, mesas, plateaus, alpine lakes to wade and sip, local dog runs, Bogie enjoyed them all, and bless his spirit and his ability to overcome his fears and to welcome all newcomers. Bogie, you worked yourself into a very special place into our hearts, we miss you awfully, but take solace in knowing that we'll probably meet again in those crowded celestial skies whenever fate dictates that the time is now. Till that time we miss your being here with us.