Bosco

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 I’m grateful for 12 frustratingly beautiful years with Bosco. He’s the sort or dog that makes or breaks you as a trainer. Maybe even as a human. He’s built me, my career...who I am. He’s that One Dog. The heart dog. While many more will come and go, there will never, ever be another Bosco. I’m grateful for the lessons he’s taught me and all the things a million books, research or seminars never could. I’m grateful for the experience of a difficult dog, made into a great dog. The kind that creates this kind of recognition - of the immensity of what you’re about to lose. Knowing, without a single doubt, that you’ve spent a great amount of time with the thing legends are made of. A legacy...he’s left a huge one.

Bosco has given me the opportunity to not only become an exceptional dog trainer, he’s also helped me meet some pretty incredible people. Though many have come and gone over the years, I’ve a deep gratitude for all of them. They’ve all played a pivotal role in the person I am today and who I will continue to strive to become. As challenging as young Bosco’s behaviors were, many people stepped up to help in countless ways. The people who allowed me to introduce him to their dogs, slowly. Those who watched him when a conventional kennel couldn’t. And the ones who shared their homes and lives with us. Never wavering in their belief that we would make something great of ourselves. And boy did we.

I’m grateful that through Bosco, I learned how to become flexible. To train with an open mind and an open heart. To train the dog in front of me. To never think for even a moment that you know how the training session is going to go! To keep horses in line, and let cats get away with playing with your tail. To be firm, but fair. To be tough, yet kind. And to never let ANYONE push you around. To stand your ground, always remaining beyond loyal to your tribe. Allowing others into your circle, even when it’s hard. Pushing through the stuff that made you so...rigid, and being willing to learn a new way. Never giving up. And loving your besties-fiercely.

Thank you Boss Dog-for the moments that became days, the days that became years, the years that became a lifetime. And a lifetime that is full of my most precious memories. Thank you for being That One Dog. The One that made me.

 I’ll learn new things in your absence, like how to adjust to life without you. Because all the things you have taught me, have prepared me for the rest of my life. You’ve set me up, given me the skills, the tools, the knowledge...to keep calm, and train on.