Burlington Public Library MA

The legacy of Beezer and Boomer, lessons on living and dying from my canine brothers, Doug Koktavy

eng

index present

non fiction

The legacy of Beezer and Boomer

617461625

Doug Koktavy

lessons on living and dying from my canine brothers

"When Doug Koktavy reluctantly brought home two sibling Labrador retriever pups on his wife's urging, he was sure the dogs would create upheaval in his already hectic life. He could not have known the dogs would become cherished family members and take him on a wild ride that would change his life forever. The trouble began when Beezer, at age nine, was diagnosed with kidney disease and given ninety days to live. Doug, by then divorced and self-employed, tried to manage the downward spiral of his beloved pet the way he did everything- by controlling it. As Beezer worsened, Doug agonized over what he might have neglected in caring for him. He also began to listen to his buddy. As Beezer was dying, he was teaching Doug about life. The story does not end there. Not long after Beezer passed, the universe had another punch for Doug. Now Boomer was ill. Had Doug learned Beezer's lessons well enough?"--Dustjacket flaps

Four-legged family members -- Let the games begin -- The illusion of ego and control -- My hair's on fire (and I'm holding the match) -- Beginning the long journey -- Evenings with Beezer -- Anticipatory grief -- Leap of faith -- The fork in the road -- Listening to the animals -- Teacher becomes the pupil -- Are there lessons here? -- Somebody's inside that fur -- My branch office is a cage -- The daily appreciation -- A milestone -- The gift of today -- The circle of life -- A new version of normal -- Honoring the bonds with caregivers -- Death, dying and living with balance -- The gift of being wrong -- The paintbrush incident -- Whose master am I serving? -- Boomer's salute -- Helping others help me -- Melancholy fall -- A dog's life -- A Christmas of hidden treasures -- Fiduciary duty -- Three-legged dog -- The Hang With Boomer club -- To fear is to fuel -- Dealing with the monsters -- Transforming into the Big Kahuna -- Nooners with Boomer -- Trightrope or trailhead -- Happy birthday, big dog -- Mets -- Hope vs. hopelessness -- Lights, camera, action! -- The farewell tour -- Surrender does not mean defeat -- The Sunday morning picture