Boomer, Our Canine Dignitary: Gracing Clients’ Lives

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
– Anatol France
The fear in her eyes predicted the future. The competent emergency room Veterinarian at justly famous Ryan Small Animal Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania looked worried as she reported about the health of our nine-year-old dog, Boomer.
“Boomer collapsed on us as we were trying to draw blood. But we got him back by draining 100 ml of blood that was surrounding his heart, and he is sitting up. Would you like to visit with him?” As we entered the emergency room, Boomer sat, lines taped on his front paws, smiling his affable smile at the sight of his family. Mild relief washed over me but I knew better: instability is a mark of emergencies: things could get worse at any time.
Nevertheless, we had a lovely visit wishing him well over the weekend; he would be kept safe in case he cratered again. His attention was on the jangle of a stainless steel dish as it announced breakfast. We took that as a good sign and joined Oakley, Boomer’s beautiful young niece, who was waiting for us in our car.
Both cell phones rang, signaling an emergency had already developed. Boomer had a severe case of pericardial effusion, called “the great pretender” because it often gives little if any warning before killing the victim. Returning quickly, we met with the Veterinarian again. This time, the tears in her eyes gave away the end of the story: Boomer’s chest cavity had been drained four times and he could not survive the hour.
I drew breath to get my bearings, aware of the depth of the sadness I felt at the thought of losing the dog that everybody honored. I wanted to scream, “But you don’t get it… this is a famous dog. He needs to live to be with clients and be part of our family. Marlene Nicewander spent years helping Boomer gather championships in confirmation and titles in agility, rally, water and obedience, Boomer has fathered prize winning offspring who now continue the remarkable tradition he sired. Like Marlene said, “Boomer’s kind and loving personality have been cherished by hundreds who knew him. Spinning and bowing are characteristic behaviors for Boomer. He simply loves to steal the show.”
But there was no use railing against death. There was work to be done. “Are you definite? Can we ease the end? Can we do a necropsy to see cause of death?” All answers were yes. Boomer’s fate was sealed. He had managed to live symptom free while a deadly illness consumed his body. Boomer died peacefully minutes later, while I stroked the salt and pepper afro that covered him.
I left Boomer, reassured that his ashes would be strewn into the ocean at The Point in Stone Harbor, where Boomer loved to run on the beach and play in the waves.
The crafty Boomer was the gentlest canine soul that most of us will ever meet. Visiting with delighted clients at The Coche Center, LLC, he politely waited for pats before lying at the feet of male clients whom he had come to trust. His striking salt and pepper curls framed teddy bear eyes that looked straight into yours, creating a bond of trust with Boomer that was both immediate and intense. There are no words for how much we will miss the beauty, kindness, skill and gentility he brought us all each day.
After his sudden death, I spoke with clients who have loved Boomer as he greeted them at The Coche Center, LLC, my practice in Clinical Psychology. Boomer loved to hang out in the waiting room and say “Hello” and “Got any snacks?” He was a gentle force in the treatment room – he often lay down beside the knee of male clients, who related to his strong and gentle ways. Therapy dogs have a profound impact on those clients who meet them during their treatment.
Clients reported how Boomer had contributed to their lives. Our therapeutic dogs are a central part of our work. Below, a few comments.
“He had a calm and accepting presence. I am really going to miss him.”
“Boomer was always warm and comforting. He would always center me.”
“It is homey to have the dogs here. It makes me feel at ease.”
“Boomer seemed like a Reverend Emeritus.”
Like many therapeutic animals, Boomer was our canine dignitary. He graced the lives of all who knew him with a power far greater than his nine years of life.
To Consider: Do you know any therapeutic animals? How do they impact your life?
To Read: David Frei: Angel on a Leash. 2011.
Dr. Judith Coche has trained, owned and loved therapeutic dogs for 25 years. Join her and meet her dogs at The Coche Center, LLC, a Practice in Clinical Psychology in Rittenhouse Square and Stone Harbor.