My "Tribute" to Bowie… My Beloved Angel without Wings.

On October 28th, 2021 an elderly friend of mine that had developed severe neuropathy in his legs, asked me to take his Great Pyrenees, Bowie. Since Bowie was over 100 lbs., he was afraid that he would accidentally knock him down. I was hesitant at first due to Bowie being 10 years old. I knew that large dogs did not have a long-life expectancy. I told him I could bring him over to meet my dogs to see if they would get along… and of course, they did. Bowie acted as if he had been here for years.

I knew that Bowie had a lot of health issues … severe anxiety, separation anxiety, fear of thunderstorms, allergies, you name it. He was on so many medications (sedatives) that his eyes just looked sad and glazed over. I just did not realize just how much they affected him until, shortly after he arrived.

It began with a cough that was so consistent he could not catch his breath. At first, I thought he was choking, but it continued. The noise coming from him was terrible. Disregarding all speed limits, I rushed him to the vet, calling them to let them know of the urgency he would require. Upon arrival, Bowie was immediately taken back. A temperature of 109 degrees indicated my sweet boy was suffering from a heat stroke that ultimately sent him into a panic attack.

Not until later, when they looked at an x-ray, did we realize the amount of scar tissue on his throat from a previous procedure they had done on him when he was a very successful show dog. 'De-vocalization'- meaning; his vocal cords had been CUT to keep him from barking in the show ring. I was sick at the thought of this having been done to him.

Thankfully he survived and I immediately took him off ALL his meds that were meant to keep him in the state of sedation I had noticed. Within a few short weeks his eyes were bright. He was running and playing with the other big dogs while never losing consciousness of those smaller than he was, careful not to step on them. A true "Gentle Giant." Perfect in the house and just an absolute DREAM to be with.

In March of 2023, Bowie suffered a stroke in which he lost mobility in his hind legs. The vets did not think he would live, much less, walk again. They did not know how determined Bowie was or my faith in God. With the help of a belly strap and harness, approximately 12 times throughout the day and night, I would lift him up and take him outside. With a dog his size, it was not an easy feat. If I knew he wasn't ready to give up, I wasn't giving up either. He also had pneumonia that required a nebulizer three times a day to help him breathe. After only two weeks Bowie was walking on his own! What a blessing it was! I stayed near him in case he needed assistance but he continued to try and against all odds, my sweet boy was successful!

He was still terrified of thunderstorms and had tremendous separation anxiety so I took him everywhere with me. Thankfully, he loved going for rides in the car. When it became difficult for him to jump in the backseat, I ordered him a ramp to help him.

He was known as the "Church Dog." Accompanying me to choir rehearsals and bible study. He played a part in the children's nativity scenes and just last year he walked up the aisle to the stage and sat right next to a very nervous little "Mary" at last year's pageant.

He went to restaurants with my mom and I and was the perfect gentleman. Everyone in the restaurants; servers and guests, always asked if they could pet him, of course, I said yes. Bowie was the mascot of our local GOP and attended meetings as well as participated in the annual Daffodil and Guinea Jubilee parades. Recently, I had to move my mother into Riverside Convalescent home in Saluda, Va. Myself as well as Bowie visited her frequently. Bowie was accepted and loved by all the staff and residence here as well. He was always ready to accept all the hugs, pats and attention from children and adults alike. Didn't matter if they were friends or strangers.

In July of this year, I could see him begin to really struggle with getting up on his own. I placed rugs over the hardwood floors of my home so he wouldn't slip and had begun to help him in getting up again. He would walk about 10-15 feet before becoming exhausted. . . I knew his time was limited. I was determined he would die here with me by his side. For now, he was still eating his food and waited patiently for his scoop of yogurt after each meal.

It was Wednesday morning, Bowie ate and stayed with me while I worked grooming dogs. Roughly 2:30 he laid down on the huge bed I had for him at my front window. Every 15 minutes or so I would walk over to make sure he was ok. He had not eaten since that morning but would still lift his head so he could see every move I made. At 11:30pm., I went to my room to read my Bible. Afterwards, I took my mattress topper down to be able to sleep by Bowie's side. I didn't want him to be alone. I had given him a dose of sedatives and pain pills to make him comfortable.

As we laid there, together on the floor, Bowie's breathing became faster and faster. I kept patting him and telling him what a wonderful boy he was and how much I loved him.

Thursday July 20th at 12:45 a.m., surrounded by his little pups and me, Bowie peacefully fell asleep for the last time. Without a struggle and pain free.

Later that day, my neighbor helped me load him into the car and carry him to River Country Pet Loss and Cremation Center where he would be cremated. Although, I knew in my heart my sweet boy was finally at peace, it was still so hard knowing this was my last ride with him. . .

Upon arriving at River Country Pet Loss, employee Maggie Martin and my friend, Lisa helped me get Bowie inside. My emotions kicked in. The unbelievable loss of such a beautiful and kind pet that always looked as if he was smiling. He never had a bad day towards people or other animals. As difficult as it was, I will never forget the kindness and respect that Maggie showed to Bowie. The comfortability I felt was like we had known each other for years. Like she knew Bowie was more than just a dog. Eventually, I left him to go home to a house full of other wonderful dogs, but empty of such a huge beautiful presence, that was Bowie. I saw and still see him everywhere, and I know, one day, I'll see him again.

Bowie may have come to me with a lot of problems. Problems I accepted all responsibility for. I will never regret ONE SECOND I spent helping him. He readily returned that love EVERY day.

After the positive experience I had with River Country Pet Loss and Cremation Center, I decided right then that I would Never bury another dog. I'll always go back to River Country when the day comes to say "goodbye" to another one of my precious babies.

On July 20th, 2023, I lost my beautiful Bowie. Two weeks, to the day, I lost my beloved mother. It has been a very difficult road, one that I will continue to walk every day…

Thank you for all you did for Bowie and for showing me so much kindness and sympathy during this sad time.

Sincerely,
Claudia Lamb