BOLO

I saw Bolo on a professional breeder’s website in Georgia. He was the sweetest-looking thing in the bunch. Joe had an eye on another pup from the same litter, but I was focused on Bolo. I finally said to Joe, “What about this one?” At first glance and one second later Joe was on the telephone with the breeder asking questions about Bolo’s personality. “He comes from champions,” she said. “He’s a spitfire and goes crazy for the broom,” she added. That was all Joe needed. Two weeks later, at eight weeks old, Bolo had flown from Georgia to New Mexico all by himself.

Bolo, police code for, “Be on the lookout” enjoyed camping, hiking, apple picking, and going to the farmers’ market. Bolo also took pride in dressing up for Halloween and marching in the pet parade. He loved to open his Christmas presents, tear up those presents a few minutes later, attack glittery Christmas bulbs on the tree, take pictures with Santa, and eat pieces of hearty turkey, chicken, and beef for Christmas dinner. I can say, with certainty, Christmas was Bolo’s favorite holiday. His favorite activity was Shutzhund training, but then there was running after the ball, eating his birthday cake, biting on every squeaky toy continuously, until it broke, and relaxing by the fire.

Sometimes I wondered if Bolo knew he was a Rottweiler.

At age ten we found out Bolo had cancerous tumors in his mouth. We had them removed but they grew back and then grew larger. He was on medication including CBD. At age 11 the tumors had grown too large and interfered with Bolo’s breathing and eating and blood often fell from his nose and mouth. It wasn’t an easy decision but we ultimately followed the Veterinary’s advice.

The entire thing completely tore us up. Bolo was the first dog I had from beginning to end. Bolo was the first dog Joe had from beginning to end. I have to remind Joe that Bolo had a good life. He was/is loved. He had shelter. He had food and a bed to sleep on every night. He traveled and did things, but most of all, he had one family, his entire life, who took great care of him, and that was us.

Bolo made an appearance in my dreams twice in one night. During Bolo’s first appearance, he popped up with a big smile on his face, as if to say, “Hi Mommy. I’m here!” In his second appearance he grabbed a ball and ran. Our Cane Corso and Boerboel do not sleep on Bolo’s bed. When Bolo was here the Cane Corso would lay on his bed just to annoy him.

Based on my dream, I am feeling that where ever Bolo is, he is fine and happy and, on this planet, he is missed.