His Name Was Bodie, but We Called Him 'Baby'

by Teresa Rice
(Scottsburg, IN)

I sit here with my heart aching so.

I had to say goodbye to my baby yesterday after 15 years and 4 months of "protecting me."

My husband said it best just a while ago. He said "His (Bodie's) whole purpose in life was to "protect" mommy. And he did ferociously for all his life right up till the end. Even when he could no longer stand, he would growl at anyone or thing because he wanted his mommy all to himself.

He was a Jack Russell Terrier born on May 2, 1995 in Mt. Sterling, KY. We picked him up when he was 6 weeks old and he immediately attached to me. No obedience training, professional or on our part could break that bond he had.

I came across a poem right after we got home from the vet's office where we had to take him to say goodbye and it just was so fitting and comforting. It is titled "If it should be," author unknown, which is a shame because the person who wrote it surely deserves credit for bringing so much comfort to me as well as many others I'm sure. It reads:

If it should be that I grow weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand;
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years -
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come, so let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend
And please stay with me until the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve - it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years -
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

Bodacious Ramshot, born May 2, 1995 died Sept. 10, 2010

You will be forever in my heart. I miss you so, my baby.