Bogart

Our dog Bogart, aka Bogey, aka Mr. Humphries, aka Moxie Dog, aka Mr. Furry Paws, went to his Orange Couch in the Sky on January 22, 2014, at 11 years old.

This was one special dog, the epitome of a guard dog. He did not love many, but those he did choose to let in to his life, he was extremely loyal to. Sure, he nipped most of our family members (kids included) and friends, and had his share of issues (refusing to walk on slick floors for years, dragging me through the neighborhood on every walk, etc), but he was such a good dog, we looked past all of that for the most part (he had a close call to not being a family member two weeks ago when he nipped Maggie above the eye…but it turns out, unbeknownst to us, that he was sick). He had developed a sort of celebrity in town, not just because of his grumpy behavior toward strangers, but also because we used him in all our Moxie campaigns, and his original vet used him in a few ads as well. People accused us of having “Bogey Goggles” on, because he was a child only a mother could love. But secretly, I think more people loved him than they let on, and vice versa (he always wagged his tail when he was threatening someone).

Last Wednesday, after spending a frightful 24 hours with him knowing he wasn’t well (which is rare, because for 11, he always was very healthy, at every exam), I took him to the vet where they did an x-ray and found the worst case scenario, an organ had stopped working (there are more graphic details, I will spare you). I had to make an immediate decision, and that was to have him put to sleep, to be out of misery.

It’s a hard decision, even knowing it’s the right one. My husband was in DC, so he couldn’t be there, but thankfully my sister came to be with us. I was able to sit on the floor with Bogey right next to me, and it was a bittersweet moment. Bitter because he left us, but sweet because I knew he wasn’t in pain any more. We received wonderful care and compassion from our vet, so much so that I look back now with more sweet than bitter because he was in such good hands in his last few hours on earth.

For a few moments after his passing, I still felt his presence in the room. Even at home, I can feel him lurking around the corner, or at the foot of my bed. I know his memories will last with me for a lifetime, and that comforts me greatly. He was such an integral part of our lives, that I kind of hope this presence will remain for quite some time. It’s almost comforting, thinking he’s still nearby.

Love you Bogey. XOXO.