Tears for Boogie

Today was a sad day for us at Pet Haven.  Our little Pekinese boy, Boogie, was euthanized after a week of deteriorating health.

We took him in last June knowing he had a heart murmur.  He came to us from the Animal Humane Society because Pet Haven has such a good track record of caring for special needs dogs and cats. Our  veterinarian said Boogie was stable but that his life expectancy was six months to two years.

His foster home was wonderful, faithfully giving him his medication and all the love and cuddling this affectionate dog wanted.  Boogie surprised us all but burrowing under the fence shortly after arriving at his new home and being discovered a couple of hours and several blocks away -- outside an ice cream parlor.    He was bright and friendly and we always loved seeing him at our adoption events.

Last weekend, Boogie was hospitalized because he was having seizures and had a very low glucose level.  When he was released, his foster parents followed all the doctor's orders, feeding him more frequently to try to stabilize his blood sugar level and keeping some honey on hand in case it dropped too low.

Sadly, it became clear today that Boogie did not have much time left.  His loving foster mom and dad were with him went he peacefully crossed the Rainbow Bridge.   The hardest thing for us to do is to let go when it is time.  It takes courage and resolve to take the final step and help a dearly loved animal out of the pain and into peace.

Thank you to Andrea and Jeff for loving Boogie as their own dog.  He knew he was loved until the very end.  Tonight, say a prayer, light a candle, do something nice for a living being in honor of this cheerful and loving dog.  Boogie, you will be missed and never forgotten.

Boogie: A real lover and a real joy

Update from Boogie's foster:

"Boogie came into our lives as a foster who continually brings us surprises and smiles. We were initially concerned about Boogie’s age and health but both issues have had little impact on our daily routine. Boogie loves going on walks and can actually go quite a ways for a little guy. He makes us laugh every time we get out his leash for his walk. He runs around our place with such excitement and exuberance; we continually get a kick out of it. Once out the door he trots along like a little show dog who is so happy to be out in the world

If we are outside in our yard, he does like patrolling it with the resident dog. If a dog is walking, he likes to let them know his presence. He gives out this howl that isn’t annoying but rather humorous.

Another one of his favorite activities is getting petted. He literally cannot get enough of it and once we take our hands off of him; he paws at us to continue. He also loves to roll on his back. He will wiggle around all over the floor on his back swaying his head from side to side (another moment that brings us constant smiles).

Lastly, he really enjoys his meal times and treats. He looks at us with this big brown eyes just waiting for dinner. After some experimentation with his food (he needs to stay on a low-sodium diet), he has become a champion eater.

As far as his demeanor goes, Boogie is extremely sweet. He always comes to us when we call him and looks at us with his adoring eyes. He really is just looking to be loved, and it is hard not to love him.

Overall, Boogie is a real lover who is surprisingly low maintenance. He has been a real joy in our lives and will make an ideal pet."

For more info check out Boogie's bio or email dogs@pethavenmn.org.

A Special Boy with a Special Need: Boogie

What’s not to love about Boogie? He’s about 16 pounds, just right for lap sitting and snuggling. He’s a mature 9, so there will be no folderol or fiddle-dee-dee. Just a happy, well-mannered gent who wants nothing more than a good belly rub now and then and to be with you.

Boogie is housetrained and would be perfect for apartment or condo living. He’s calm and quiet and wouldn’t mind a canine companion who was equally laid back and gentle. Sleeping near you or even on your bed would be heaven for this great little guy.

A short walk would make Boogie’s day. He can’t go terribly far as he has a heart murmur. Daily medication will help keep this lovable boy in the pink as well lots and lots of hugs, kisses and attention. Low stress living will also serve him well. So probably no kids, though we suspect cats would be just fine.

So if you’re interested in a low maintenance, huggable, snuggable canine companion, come meet Boogie. He’s waiting for a belly rub.

Boogie will not be at adoption events, so anyone interested in adopting Boogie could meet him at a home visit. If you're interested in this sweet boy, please email pethavendogs@yahoo.com