Mum adored our dog

Mum adored our dog Boo. And he absolutely adored her.

Mum died as a result of contracting Coronavirus. Like many before her, the coronavirus attacked mum when the government ordered care homes to provide care for elderly Coronavirus patients. She contracted the cruel virus at the nursing home where she was receiving care for her advanced dementia.

Because mum had spent the last few years of her life in a care home, and lastly in a nursing home, Boo had not seen her for few years before he passed. However, I am convinced that, if her spirit walked through our front door today, Boo;s spirit would wag his tail furiously. In addition, a beam would appear across his face and his eyes would be smiling (honestly).

Boo continued to visit mum when she was ill.

The last time Boo saw mum, she was staying in a care home within walking distance of our home. We visited the home often and he amazed staff with his gentle nature. In fact, they marvelled at the joy he would bring to the faces of many residents, despite his size and excitement at seeing mum.

. He was never a therapy dog. However, he was naturally warm, friendly and, despite his size, gentle.

Boo adored my mum. He used to sit at her feet, his tail making a loud thumping sound on the floor and his chops slobbering at the possibility of a treat.

Of course, not all residents welcomed Boo. So, staff were on hand to ensure that his presence did not upset anyone who didn’t want to meet him. Of course, we always kept him on his lead while there.

Eventually, mum lost her interest in Boo.

We knew we had finally lost mum to dementia during one particular visit to the care home.

It was absolutely shocking to see mum completely ignore Boo.

She no longer acknowledged him. And, when we invited her to give him one of his treats, she ate it herself!

It was truly terrifying for us! At that very moment, we realised that we had lost our mum and granny forever. She was still alive, but she was a victim of dementia.

My dad, mum’s husband, died suddently when she was just 47. She adored animals, especially Boo and she took comfort in him. However, as mum’s dementia began to take hold, she couldn’t remember if she had fed Boo when she was over at our house. And Boo, of course, took full advantage!

He happily and gratefully accepted lots of extra snacks, treats and, sometimes, extra meals from her!.

Boo and Mollie, our beloved Golden Lab who preceeded Boo as our pet, would have happily eaten themselves to death. My mum could never say no to either of their pleading faces, dribbling jaws and begging paws.

Rest in peace mum. We love you.