Boy waits at the Rainbow Bridge...

As we reminisce on 2012, the highs and lows have made for a wild ride. Sadly however, it seems an era is coming to an end. Not only did 2012 see the passing of Oscar, a Maremma, the most amazing livestock guardian dog to ever walk the Earth, it was also time for Boy, the Border Collie namesake of Boywood Border Collies, and the dog that started it all for Mary Lou, to cross over the Rainbow Bridge.

Boy was one of those dogs who was always happy and good natured, a willing worker, and honest as the day is long. He helped start young dogs learning their craft, tolerated their mistakes and cleaned up any of the inevitable messes an over-enthusiastic young dog can create. It was beneath him to get involved in any squabble that a young insecure teenager might want to pick with him, and would ignore the youngster with regal disdain.

Boy was a large Border Collie, and as such fifteen and a half was a ripe old age, a far cry from the large fuzzy bundle of puppy fur with the cowlick on his forehead that came home with Mary Lou and turned her life upside down. From a six-month old pup chasing sheep around the old farm house in an attempt to get sheep from the barn to the pasture, to just five short months later competing in his first sheepdog trial, Boy started Mary Lou on a journey that has taken her from her small farm and six sheep across North America and on to the challenging fields of Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England and representing Canada at the ISDS World Sheepdog Trials. Although Boy may not have been the dog that participated in all the international travels or earned the biggest prizes, he will always have the highest accolade any dog could ever have, the heart of his owner. Like a pebble that starts an avalanche, Boy was the dog that changed Mary Lou's life forever.

THE RAINBOW BRIDGE

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. 

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. 

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.


You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. 

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... 

Author unknown...