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BJ - aka Mr. B
Birthdate Unknown
My husband and I decided that we would foster BJ. BJ had the usual list of health problems. At age 15 he had never been neutered. He had hook worms, he was quite underweight, a bit arthritic and had an advanced dental infection. Through everything BJ remained stoic and was always my "southern gentleman".
He wanted to be buddies with our cocker "Air Bruce" and followed him around. If Bruce chased a ball, BJ chased Bruce! I think this helped keep him young. After a while he even played with toys himself!
After fostering BJ for a year we decided that it was time to make him an official member of our family and we adopted him on March 23, 2009.
He traveled with us to our part time home in North Carolina where he loved spending time outside with his buddy, Bruce. He enjoyed the house guests who came to visit us there.
Unfortunately, chasing Bruce could only keep him young for so long. His arthritis became worse and he began to fall and sometimes had difficulty getting back up. But still he tried. He had a few seizures over the past couple of months but bounced back from those episodes.
He continued to be happy to see us when we came home. He enjoyed going outside and sniffing the ground knowing our resident wild rabbit had been there again. He looked to me when he needed help.
In the end, it was not one thing but many things as his mobility worsened and his body gave out a bit at a time. His appetite went and he learned to spit out pills I put in his favorite foods.
But still his spirit shone. Yesterday he still wanted to go after Bruce- his body just would not cooperate.
Today we made the extremely difficult decision to end his suffering and sent BJ to the Rainbow Bridge where he could run without pain once again.
BJ brought so much joy to our lives. I would nearly cry as I watched him happily chase his buddy, Bruce. He came to us and lived a happy life.
We are so grateful to OBG and the board members who opened their hearts and welcomed this wonderful boy. He surpassed all expectations for the end of his life.
We love him dearly and will miss that sweet trusting face. He knew he was loved. He was surrounded by love as his life spirit left his old body behind. He will remain ever in our hearts.
Connie & Ralph Gay
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