Bowser's Memorial Tribute:
Bowser changed the course of my life for the better. He opened my heart in ways I never thought possible. He taught me the true meaning of unconditional love, and the ripple effect of that brought me so much happiness I otherwise never would have known.
After years of living in rentals where pets were not allowed, Tim had long dreamed of having a dog. I, on the other hand, was convinced I wasn’t a dog person. Then, in July 2012, shortly after we moved into our first home, Bowser came into our lives and proved me completely wrong in the very best way. His affection and funny little quirks lifted me up even on the hardest days, like his “monstering,” as we called it, when he would roll from side to side on his back while making the most hilarious sounds. He would have so much fun splashing around outside in his shallow baby pool. The joy he found in the simplest things encouraged me to do the same. Bowser’s love of food meant we had to be extra careful in the kitchen not to drop anything on the floor, not even a piece of onion. He was never the athletic type, but the second food hit the floor, he suddenly moved faster than we ever thought possible and ate it before we had a chance to pick it up.
Behind his sweet, silly face was an incredibly smart dog. Bowser caught on to tricks very quickly. He could sit, lie down, crawl, shake a paw, give high fives, roll over, catch treats in the air, and even close cupboards and doors. If we asked whether he loved us, he would bark. My favourite trick was saying “Mario” and hearing him growl at the mere mention of his nemesis. It was especially funny because Bowser was truly the kindest dog. He loved giving the biggest slobbery kisses and would wrap his tongue around your whole face if you were willing to receive them. He was a sensitive, deeply loving boy who never wanted to be left alone. Even when I took a shower, Bowser would wait just outside the door and let out his crying bark until I came back out. At that time, we took Bowser to dog parks often, but we could tell he was still lonely. So, in August 2013, we brought home a little sister for Bowser: Peach.
Peach was bossy with Bowser, but he was always so patient with her. He truly loved her and was the nicest, gentlest big brother she could ever have had. Although Bowser was much stronger than Peach, he never used that against her. When she was a tiny puppy, he would let her win tug-of-war with his snake toy, dropping it so she could celebrate with her happy little victory dance. I only remember one time, years later, when Bowser held on long enough to show how much stronger he really was. Even then, he let her win.
Bowser had 3 very different barks. One was a soft, upset bark that sounded more like a cry. Another was his excited greeting bark whenever someone came to the door. He was never afraid of visitors and was always thrilled to see people. The third was fierce, a bark we very rarely heard. I will never forget hearing it when an off-leash dog attacked Peach in Calgary. He was always protective of her and would have done anything he could to keep her safe.
When we moved across the country from Calgary to PEI in an RV, Bowser was already well into his senior years, but you never would have known it. At 10 years old, he was still incredibly healthy. Bowser and Peach loved having a bigger backyard, and they kept us on our toes by jumping off the large rocks whenever they thought we weren’t looking, as though they had forgotten how old they were. Looking back now, those memories make us smile because they show just how good they still felt. They loved chewing on the ornamental plants, sun tanning together on the deck, and eating dairy-free ice cream outside on hot summer days.
Bowser would get so excited to open presents with Peach on birthdays and at Christmas, but he was happy to let her have the toys because all he really wanted were the treats. They were both always so good about dressing up in cute outfits. Bowser’s favourite was his rubber-ducky coat, which kept him dry on rainy days. More than anything, Bowser wanted to be wherever his Daddy was. Tim cared for him with such devotion, always doing everything he could to keep him healthy, comfortable, and happy. That dedication played a big part in helping Bowser reach the remarkable age of 14. Unfortunately, during his final year, he began showing signs of dementia. It was heartbreaking to watch such an intelligent boy stare into the distance, pace restlessly, and forget most of the tricks he once knew. Even through his confusion, there were moments when his familiar spark shone through. He could still solve his treat puzzles, and even the most complicated ones took him almost no time at all.
Bowser and Peach became seriously ill around the same time, and losing them only 17 days apart has been completely devastating. When it was time to say goodbye to Peach, Bowser did something we had not seen him do in 4 years. He somehow found the strength to stand on his hind legs and place his front paws on the chaise so he could see his little sister. He knew something was wrong and, in his own way, tried to watch over her.
Despite everything he was going through, Bowser fought so hard to stay with us after Peach passed. He knew how broken our hearts were, and his was too. His kidney disease made him so sick and caused his appetite to fade, which was especially sad because food had always made him so happy. His lung disease made every breath a struggle, and the effort caused him to swallow so much air that his stomach became painfully distended.
On Bowser’s last full day with us (though we did not know it would be), he did something he had never done before. I was with him in the kitchen when he quietly walked away from me and into my office, where both of their kennels are. Bowser would never willingly enter a kennel unless Tim and I were both leaving the house, but that day, he went into Peach’s kennel, lay down on her blanket, and stayed there for 2 hours. I immediately burst into tears. I knew in my heart that it was a sign Bowser was ready to be reunited with his little sister and a reflection of just how deeply he missed her.
As incredibly painful as it is to have lost them both so close together, it brings us comfort to know they are together again. They loved each other so much. We know our little angel Peach was waiting for Bowser, ready to help him put on his own wings and give him a tour of Heaven. She had a new stuffed hedgie for him to hold in his mouth for comfort, just like he did when he was younger. She was ready to play with him and his stuffed snake and, best of all, show him where all the unlimited treats are.
Bowser, Mama and Daddy love you forever. Thank you for being the very best boy and the kindest big brother to Peach. Thank you for giving us more love than we ever knew was possible and for teaching us what matters most in life. The answer was, and always will be, you and Peach.