thank you. we love you. we are forever changed by you.

Farewell Bogart, little dude, bo-man, bogurt, bo-jangles, squishy, billy bob, BIG BOY!, PhD (from Spain--he had so many stories about his studies and travels!), pansy (per Ross), skipper, little buddy. . .

A few of our affectionate names for a little guy that won our hearts the moment he waltzed into our lives. And so we have this little tradition, I do anyway, of occasionally recounting to our doggies their beginning-of-our-life-together stories. They always listen as though there is some sort of new twist (or a cookie) at the end! 

Bogart's story is really very dear to us. It was a Saturday morning. We were going about our day when we heard the loudest, strangest noise. I said "what is that?" and Ross said "I'll go see." A few moments later I looked out to see Ross chatting with our neighbor across the street and with them was a little dog.  Ross came home with this little dog and told me that he found him sitting outside BARKING at the top of his little lungs. I looked at him and did not even know what kind of dog he was (did not KNOW what a beagle really looked like). I told Ross that we needed to find out who he belonged to. Even though he was absolutely adorable, I was recovering from the loss of my little soul mate, Bentley, and it never occurred to me that I would think about a new family member.  

So I went about doing the right thing. I made signs and we posted them around the 'hood. I even posted a description of this "brown dog with black and white spots" on the internet--all within hours of meeting this little guy. Also within hours of meeting this little guy--we were smitten! I wanted to make sure that nobody would miss out on loving this darling little guy but, WE LOVED him now! Long story already long -- we asked if he would be willing to join us and become part of the Kenwood street clan. He agreed and we started building the story of our lives together. WOW--we love you so much Bogart! SO MUCH! 

Even though I was a little bit angry after we spoke our final goodbyes, because I wanted him to live to be at least 20, we started sharing our memories. We have so many entertaining, hysterical, humorous moments--sharing them through hysterical sobs and tears has been somewhat of a task . . . 

Ross remembers the first day he waltzed into our lives and for some reason Ross felt the little guy needed a bath. Ross later proposed that he and Bogart bonded that first day . . . he knew Bo was staying on Kenwood Street!
 
I bought a new water bowl when Bogart was still getting used to food and water locales. I put the bowl down, filled with water, and Bogart put his nose in the bowl and started blowing bubbles! It was so cute and I just stood there in awe--I did not want him to stop! He looked up at me and I swear I could understand him thinking "did you just see that?" And with that he did it again! I told him how adorable he was and watched him over and over, even through the years, hoping he would do it again.

For several years now Bogart and Emme have started each morning with this little sparring match. Nobody was ever injured--it was all good fun! We have only had two mornings without him and I can say that mornings have been too quiet. We will find a new routine. Little Em is struggling with the rest of us.

And Bogart is how we met Emme's mum! Bogart and Ross were on a morning walk when the new neighbor at the end of the street introduced herself and explained that she had a beagle named Maggie. A few months later one of the darling little boys came to our house and told us to come see the puppies . . . Emme was one of the new puppies. Already a Kenwood street doggy! Bogart and Emme are truly yin and yang and truly each others best friends.

One time, several years ago, Redge came for one of his visits. The doggies LOVE Redge! So Redge and Bogart decided to take an afternoon walk--Bo was SO excited to have a walk with Redge to himself. When they returned Redge explained that Bogart stopped walking and seemed like he wanted Redge to carry him. . . all the way home! And that was back in Bo's "barrel" years (we prefer not to refer to them as "heavier" years). We still giggle about Redge carrying Bogart all the way home--and that Bogart somehow had this endearing little way of convincing all of us to want to do anything for him.

Everyday when Ross comes home from work Bogart would immediately start doing his little whining and dancing "ROSS IS HOME--HE'S HOME--HURRY!!"  I know he was saying all that! As soon as Ross walked in Bo would go over (after the other dogs pushed their way in front of him) and give a little kiss on Ross' hand. It was another tradition. Ross would put out his open hand and Bo would give a little welcome home lick.

We will miss our Bogart. Finding a way to tell all our stories is impossible. I am now wishing I carried a camera around my neck to paint the stories of our lives together. We have long memories and grateful hearts. Our many friends and family have played such an important role in our lives and for that we are also grateful.

We love you Bogart!