Boomer: The Heartbeat At My Feet

by Lee Redding
(Sperry, Oklahoma)

I posted a story in 2008 about Jeter: the spoiled child and didn't think I would be posting again but the unexpected death of my precious Boomer has drawn me back to the dark place.

My husband drove me 100 miles to a small Oklahoma town to pick out a Lab puppy for my birthday..that was in October of 2003. Boomer has been a HUGE part of my life and happiness since. What I remember most is the way he was MY companion. There was no doubt who he preferred to be with. He was loyal and pure love would shine fro. His eyes mixed with adoration.

He was such a gentle soul.. he loved everyone of every species except cats. He would lick the new baby foals, his two baby Corgi brothers and his mate Sugar. I can't ever remember him not being by my side.

I knew something was wrong the morning, he did not follow me to the riding arena. He had become deaf over the past year so I just thought he couldn't hear us and was in the shade somewhere. When he still wasn't with me after the ride I knew something was wrong. My husband and I looked in the last place I saw him which was running to the pond, his morning ritual. I saw his body floating a few feet out and I lost it.

I have cried off and on for three days and can't seem to get past this empty hole in my life he left. It's like a part of me died too. We think he had a seizure while swimming...he had them every now and then over the past year. The vet thought his heart was getting irregular. We have 2 ponds and being a Lab he loved them. He died doing what was in his soul

My only condolence is that I don't think he suffered. I will mourn and miss him until I die. I believe I will one day see him again. Love can cut across species and can be stronger than human to human love. Boomer proved that. I love you Bubba.