Bodhidharma, 7/4/96 - 5/2/08
We lost our special, darling boy today. Words cannot describe how wonderful and important this dog has been to our family, and he will be missed so intensely.
Everyone thinks their dog is the most special, and indeed that is how it should be. But let me just tell you a few short stories about Bodhi, what a uniquely blessed life he led, and how much he touched us all.
As a puppy, according to multiple witnesses, he used to talk in his sleep – clearly, and in English. After I knew him I heard him say, “I love you” - I could hardly believe my ears.
He never barked unless he was asked to speak, he never growled, and he never bit anyone, not even other dogs who bit him. That is truly amazing, particularly since many people think pit bulls are naturally aggressive.
The only other time he is known to have barked without command was when the house was on fire. He saved everyone, including the house.
He is the only dog ever allowed on Alcatraz. My husband put it in his contract when he worked on a movie there.
He was the only dog ever to be allowed out of his cage to play when he was in quarantine in Hawaii.
He is the only dog to be allowed to hang out behind the reception desk at the vet’s office.
He could climb trees, fetch the newspaper, pull us on rollerblades, and loved to chase kites high up in the air. He snuggled with kittens, bunnies, parakeets, and even our boa constrictor. They all adored him.
He was the center of our lives for so many years, the calm and gentle, happy spirit who only knew unconditional love and affection. He never left my husband’s side for many of them, traveling with him and snuggling with him every possible second.
We will miss you, Bodhi our friend, but we know you are now running, jumping and flying through green pastures with open blue skies, playing with our other old friends, with that big grin on your face again.
If ever there was an enlightened being in a dog’s body, it was Bodhi, whose name truly did justice to his loving and compassionate nature.
Save a place for us; heaven wouldn’t be heaven without you.
