The Story of Boss

Thirteen years and nine months ago, a wonderful friend came into our lives. He was energetic, friendly, funny, kind, and loving. Although he had the physique of a dedicated bodybuilder with a broad chest, small waist, and thick neck, he was surprisingly gentle until he felt the need to protect us. When a perceived threat appeared, protective instinct took over. It was time to use his physical abilities to act as a deterrent to anyone or anything that might want to harm us.

This special companion was our Boston terrier Bossman. His coloring was brilliant white combined with total blackness. His colors were perfectly distributed and outlined which contributed to his handsome physique. Boss was a rescue from Boston Terrier Rescue of East Tennessee. I still cannot believe that we were able to adopt him before someone else did.

The very special day that I spent with Boss was in January, 2023. Buzz and Rusty had already crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Boss and I were at home alone for two weeks while Katrina taught back-to-back week long classes at John C. Campbell Folk School. Boss was missing his mommy and suggested that we take a trip on the Saturday during the middle of the two classes and surprise her in Brasstown, NC. We were living in Peachtree Corners at the time. It was a GREAT idea, but it was not so surprising because Boss was always looking for a way to show his extraordinary love for us.

We got up early, had our morning walk, ate breakfast, and headed for Brasstown. Our plan was to surprise Katrina in Murphy, NC. She had mentioned plans to meet with a friend for lunch to review the topics for the class. We couldn't ask for too many details because that would give away our plan.

Our guess was that arriving around 1:00 PM would be a good time. When we got to Murphy at our scheduled time, I called Katrina to find out where she was. The planning meeting did not last as long as we guessed that it would, and Katrina was already back at the Folk School. At that point, we had to tell her where we were, and that we were on the way to Brasstown. I think that she was still surprised although we were not able to 'just appear' in Murphy.

When we got to the Folk School, Boss was so excited that he couldn't be contained. He was so ready to see his Mommy. He stayed by her side the entire two hours that we were there.

Boss and I went back to Murphy from Brasstown. Fortunately, it was a mild, cloudy day and Boss was able to stay in the truck comfortably in his bed while I ate lunch. I never saw him display any anxiety when left alone like he was that day. He never feared that we would abandon him. Mommy and Daddy will always come back for me.

Another part of our plan for the day included going to the RV park outside of Blairsville and check on our RV. We got there around 4:00 PM and found everything was OK. At this point I realized that I failed to bring any water or a bowl for Boss. He had nothing to drink since breakfast. The RV was winterized, and there was no water available there. I went to the park pavilion and filled a cup with water there. Boss was not able to drink and there was no place close by to buy a bowl. I poured a small amount of water into my hand over and over again until he stopped drinking. I still feel so guilty about not thinking about his need for water. I think that he forgave me, but it still bothers me. If Boss could talk, I know that he would say, "Don't worry about it, Daddy. I am OK."

Today is September 15, 2026. As time has marched on since we took Boss home with us in 2012, Father Time took away Boss's youthfulness as it does to all of us. Over the past year and a half, Boss's aging became more and more apparent as he was diagnosed with a tumor in his chest cavity and a stage 3 heart murmur that progressed to the highest measured level of stage 6. He continued to be energetic and playful until a few months ago. The decline in his strength and endurance were evident. However, there was NO indication that his love had subsided.

Over the past few months Boss slowly reduced the amount of food that he would eat. He gradually lost about 30% of his body weight and ate almost nothing for the past week. It made no difference what we offered to him. He didn't want to eat. Two days ago he drank almost nothing and even less yesterday.

Today we took Boss to Nottely Oaks Animal Hospital. The wonderful, loving staff there helped our Boss painlessly Cross the Rainbow Bridge. He was in his favorite bed with us rubbing him until his last breath. He was so calm and relaxed. I think that he was telling us, "Mommy and Daddy, it's OK. It is time to go be with Buzz and Rusty. You are doing what is right for me. It's time."

We left Boss at the veterinary clinic. He will be cremated, and his ashes will be returned to us is a sealed box designed for pet ashes. We will also receive and plaster paw print.

There is a place in the country outside of Blairsville called the Rainbow Bridge. A colorful bridge was built by someone who loved his dog very much. He has invited other dog owners to share their mementos with each other. We took Boss's harness there this morning and hung it on the handrail with the many other tokens of love already there.

A part of my life has passed. The grief is difficult. I know that Boss will not greet us at the door nor sleep with us again. He will not quietly ride somewhere with us and be so happy when he gets to a new place with new smells for him to investigate.

Do I wish that I did not feel this pain? Of course, I do. Would I trade the years that we had with Boss to make the pain go away? NEVER.

"Little Boy, thank you for being such a special part of our lives and loving us unconditionally. I will always love you." -- Lee