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Phantom and Michael

Regular watchers of our website know two things: first, we rely largely on your generous donations to keep Boxer Rescue Ontario up and running and able to help as many dogs as we can and, two, now and again an extra special dog will cross our path. This is a story about two such dogs: Phantom and Cowboy.

As you can see from her picture Phantom was spectacular, the kind of dog you would exclaim over if you were to meet her. Apart from uncommon physical beauty, she possessed a beauty of the spirit too, and although we did not get to meet Phantom personally, that beauty of spirit comes shining through in the messages we’ve received from her human companion, Michael.

We liken the pair to this: Phantom was Grace Kelly to Cowboy’s Jerry Lewis or Angelina Jolie to Cowboy’s Jack Black.

The Beauty and the Funny Man never got to meet but they shared many things: an unbending love for their human companions, an ability to charm anyone they met and – in the latter part of their lives – a debilitating disease called Degenerative Myleopathy which although not painful eventually robs the sufferer of all quality of life and dignity.

Cowboy was another beautiful spirit. He came to us when his owner could not longer meet his physical needs and wanted more for him. By the time Cowboy arrived with BRO he was suffering badly from DM, a neurologic condition affecting rear end mobility. The fact that Cowboy’s hindquarters weren’t cooperative didn’t dampen his joie de vivre one bit. Cowboy was determined to live life to the fullest and he, along with his canine companions Jake and Tucker formed The Three Amigos, a bundle of Boxer love such as you’ve never seen.

When Phantom lost her battle, Michael contacted BRO after seeing Cowboy in a video on our website, obviously suffering from the same problem Phantom faced. His offer was an extremely generous one and we were ecstatic: Michael offered the use of Phantom’s wheelchair for Cowboy. This would give Cowboy a new lease on life and we couldn’t have been more excited or grateful. The first time Cowboy realized he could run again, really run, well let’s just say many tears of joy were shed that day. It was a sight to behold and one which we will never forget.

Sadly, Cowboy followed Phantom across the bridge last year and he is very much missed to this day.

Special dogs come along now and again. All of our dogs are loved and cherished of course but occasionally, there comes a dog that touches our hearts in a very special way and makes us remember - especially when the going gets tough as it so often does in rescue - why we continue to do what we do. Cowboy was one of “our own” and although Phantom was not we hold her in our hearts as well.

To The Beauty and The Funny Man,
From Friend to Friend by Karen Clouston

You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.

That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner 'til the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.

I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
...a young dog once again.