Bogey’s and My Journey
You can often see Bogey and me taking short walks in Villa Grande. And, if you’re an early bird, you can find us out and about with flashlight in hand (Sarah’s hand – not Bogey’s). It wasn’t that long ago that the two of us would walk up to the clubhouse and back home, but Bogey is slowing down and no longer able to walk that far. His days of trekking through the wooded trails of FDR State Park in Pine Mountain, GA or around Heath Lake in Columbus, GA are in the past. But I can tell he’d love it if he could still do it!
My late husband Mark and I adopted Bogey from the Humane Society in Columbus, GA on August 11, 2012. Previously we had lost both our rescue dog and my cat to cancer. When we started looking for our new companion, we never really considered a different route than a rescue. When I saw the cute little 4-month-old puppy online with what looked like eyeliner ringing his eyes (and a bit of trouble in his expression) I fell in love. We loved him even more in person and he cuddled right up (for about the last time – he is very affectionate and follows me everywhere – but he is not a cuddler). The information we were given is that he is a Boykin Spaniel Mix, born on April 12, 2012. He doesn’t look much like a Boykin Spaniel, so who knows what the “mix” part is.
But what a time we had when we got Bogey home! We decided they must have given him medication to keep him calm for the open adoption day, because he was an absolute terror once we had him home. He promptly chewed a hole in our new family room rug and proceeded to spend every spare minute biting my ankles. His energy was non-stop and he was (and still is!) very, very stubborn. We didn’t have any trouble with potty training, but didn’t have much luck getting him to listen to us or behave in any other way. We later learned that in addition to having been owner surrendered – he had been adopted and brought back a couple of times before we brought him home. We were determined to keep him as part of our family and started working with a well-regarded and experienced local dog trainer. She was wonderful and with her persistence and ours, we worked through it. So glad we did!
While I was at work, Mark and Bogey took many walks through our neighborhood, around the local parks, on the Chattahoochee River Walk, through Callaway Gardens, and through the beautiful trails at nearby Pine Mountain’s FDR State Park. I joined them on the weekends. I’m so glad they had that time because unbeknown to us at the time we adopted Bogey our lives shortly would change forever.
Less than a year later, Mark began having a variety of health difficulties that doctors could not explain. It started with muscle weakness and coordination and then problems with walking, writing and talking. Fifteen months later after countless more doctor visits, tests and an extended trip to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, we were devastated to learn that Mark had a rare and incurable condition, Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). We were told there was little which could be done and that his condition would worsen and ultimately result in his death. Bogey brought him (and me) so much comfort during the 19 months between Mark’s diagnosis and his death at age 62 in 2016.
Towards the end of Mark’s life, the first thing Bogey would do in the morning when he knew Mark was awake would be to put his head gently under Mark’s hand for Mark to stroke his head and get a few licks in return. He was a blessing as he stayed by Mark’s side and was so gentle around him. It was heartbreaking to watch Bogey continue to bound in to find Mark many mornings after Mark was no longer with us, and it showed what a strong bond they had built.
Bogey and I carried on and found new joys. We began walking on the River Walk and through the parks again and he was fortunate to have 3 awesome pet walkers and sitters during the times I was at work or traveling. We moved from Georgia to Florida in 2021 and found many new things to enjoy here. I was a bit worried Bogey would miss his 1-acre yard, but he quickly adapted, as always. He didn’t blink an eye when one day we were in GA and the next we were in a totally different house with no yard to play in. He loves going on walks—even what have become very short ones.
Mark used to toss Bogey a ball or frisbee to chase in the yard every morning. He started that to help get rid of some of that extra puppy energy Bogey had. I continued that and even after we moved—we’ve settled for throwing it in the house. Even this morning, Bogey came in and brought his ball to me. He only has enough energy these days to chase it once or maybe twice, but he loves bringing it back for compliments and a few pets. Well, honestly, sometimes he drops it and comes back without it but still gets compliments and pets.
He and I have our own language after all these years. I frequently tell him “Wait 2 more minutes” when it’s clear by his stare or sounds coming out of his mouth that he wants me to be doing something for him and I’m otherwise engaged. I can almost picture his eyeroll and telling himself, “Whatever, it’s going to be more than 2 minutes.” As a matter of fact, since Bogey is staring at me right now – it’s time for me to go.
A few last-minute things about Bogey. He loves getting pets, but wants to be warned in advance if you are going to hug him. His tail is very fluffy and a neighbor recently said it looks like a fox’s tail and it does! He loves treats, walks and snow (of all things, being a Georgia and Florida dog who has only been in it a few times in Georgia). He also destroys every single stuffed animal he’s ever had—in minutes. Forget those descriptions of “for tough chewers.” I should have signed him up to be a tester for one of the dog toy companies. Most of all, he loves to be around people and give and receive love. Say hello when you see him out and about. But don’t be surprised if he barks or is hesitant with you at first. He is still a bit anxious by nature.
