How do you say good-bye to your best friend of so many years.  How do you let them go away when they've been your mentor and student, protector and confidant, constant companion and comforter. What will you do with the huge void left behind by their passing.   

How do you say good-bye to a large piece of your life.  When every memory of your existence for the past 14 years also includes them. Everywhere you go familiar places and things have a new meaning because of their absense. 

How do you say good-bye? 
Lori E. Tracy

BoomR was my first Aussie.  As a lot of stories go, he picked me when I accompanied a friend that was obtaining an Aussie.  I had no intentions of a second dog, having a lovely little Sheltie at the time.  BoomR came over to me, sat on my foot and growled at all the other puppies to keep them away.  I really had no say in the matter and could not leave without him since he stuck to me like glue, wherever I walked. 
BoomR has been my best friend, confidant, protector, entertainer, mentor, and partner since our lives meshed that day.   We competed in obedience together, played at herding, and were constant companions.  It was not easy to find where I left off and he started.   He had a sometimes scary intellect, devotion that brought tears to my eyes, and I have no doubt in my mind he would lay down his life for me without even thinking twice.  He was...special.  More special than words could ever describe. 
I am so grateful that I got to share almost 14 years of life with BoomR.  My life has been enriched and greatly influenced by knowing him and sharing that time with him.  We have been through a lot over the years, but always together. 
Rest easy now, my grouchy old man.  I'll meet you at the bridge when it's my time and until then I expect you'll keep everyone else in line up there as you did down here in life.  I miss you, my buddy but we'll be together again, someday.  Wait for me.