Boo Boo’s 15 Minutes of Fame

~ Becky Ross Michael

National Walking the Dog Day – Who knew there was a special day on the calendar to celebrate walking the dog?! When I saw this announcement,  I thought back to a newspaper picture from 2012 I had saved in an old, decorated picnic basket. On the day captured above, I took my dog, Boo Boo, for a walk near what was then my home in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. I remember that autumn afternoon in mid October was beautiful…sunny and mild with plenty of colors remaining on the trees and ground cover. I can still smell that musty scent of fallen leaves.

A gentleman from The Evening News drove by and stopped to ask if he could take our picture. I agreed, thinking this would somehow immortalize my aging Shih Tzu. I spelled our names for the man, and he went on his way after clicking this photo. As you might notice, when this was published in the newspaper, my name is misspelled, but Boo Boo’s is not. Seems only right, since it was my faithful friend’s 15 minutes of fame.

I loved taking this sweet dog for walks, even in cold and snowy weather. We both benefited from the exercise and fresh air. It gave us time to be alone. I often talked with him about the things on my mind, and he was a wonderful listener. We had some adventures on our strolls, as well, such as near misses with skunks and snow plows. Over the years, we met many cute kids and sometimes scary stray dogs, who always wanted to come close and say hello. I was lucky to share many hours with such an affectionate and determined little guy and miss him more than I thought possible! I still walk, but it’s just not the same.

Younger Days with a Shorter, North Carolina Haircut

Children’s author, Elizabeth Stevens Omlor, and illustrator, Neesha Hudson, have captured the joys of walking our furry friends in their adorable book, Walk Your Dog. Important themes of teamwork, cooperation, and patience are beautifully addressed. You might want to look for it at your local library or bookstore!

63 thoughts on “Boo Boo’s 15 Minutes of Fame”

  1. Aw, what a dear little dog! I can imagine how much you miss him.We used to have a soppy Irish Red Setter and he lived for fifteen years. It’s always so sad when they go. Nice to have such pleasant memories. Hugs x

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  4. Your post brought me to tears as I could sense the sadness in your words. I, too, miss some cute little doggies as well as a lovable rescue cat named Muffin What a nice picture of you and Boo Boo!

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  8. I never walked my cat — that experience probably would have resulted in a horror story. But I loved seeing Boo-Boo, and you, out on the trail. From what I’ve observed, the routines associated with dog ownership are as valuable to their humans as to the dogs!

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  10. What a wonderful memento of your time with Boo Boo! I’m in complete agreement about walking with dogs versus without. They add a whole other element to the experience. I’m glad you had those years with Boo Boo and sorry for the hole he left in your heart.

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    1. Yes, they are, Bernice! He was actually named that when my former husband surprised me by bringing him home as a puppy. I screamed (shock more than joy:) and the puppy made a “boo boo” puddle on the rug, probably because I scared him!

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  13. What a cutie – that’s great that he was immortalized in that way. 🙂

    Lol I didn’t realize you used to live in Sault Michigan! That’s (relatively) close to my city (Thunder Bay)!

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    1. Yes, I lived there for many years! I could see the St. Mary’s River from my front window (sigh). I don’t think I’ve ever been to Thunder Bay. Just across the water, I was pretty close at Copper Harbor:) By road, probably the closest I’ve been is Duluth, MN. Based on your location, it must be beautiful there!

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      1. It is, but very similar in a lot of ways to Duluth. I love driving to Duluth – it’s a gorgeous drive! Well, so is the drive from Thunder Bay to Sault Ste. Marie, but Duluth is much closer!

        Oh, did you ever go to the Canadian Sault Ste. Marie? There’s a provincial park close to there called Pancake Bay – it’s got a gorgeous beach! 🙂

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      2. Yes, I’ve been to Sault Canada numerous times. One year my former husband and I stayed for a few nights in a lighthouse in Bruce Mines, which is southeast of there. We also went for a drive another time to Batchawana Bay, north of SSM; from a map I can see that Pancake Bay is right there, too. I must have seen it, but didn’t remember it being a provincial park. The whole area is beautiful beyond words!

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  18. What a sweet memory of Boo Boo and your walks together! I walk my cat daily in the summer and when the weather is warmer in the winter, and you perfectly capture those moments of adventure shared together. I’ve noticed incredible things in my yard that I may not have stopped to look at––and had my share of leaves in my hair from following my cat under big bushes and low-hanging branches. Definitely good times!

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    1. Great to hear from someone who walks their cat! Did you start this when your cat was a kitten? Do you pass others with cats on leashes? I love this idea, Kath! You should write a story about this experience!

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  19. Oh Becky, so many blessings to Boo Boo. I can imagine that walks aren’t quite the same. :). Thank you for sharing him so we can experience his blessings too. All the best to you – hope all is well! (I’ve been mostly off blogging and it is lovely to reconnect with you.)
    Debbie

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  20. A national walk the dog day!? If you have a dog, they want to be walked every day. I still miss mine after 9 years. Just couldn’t bring myself to get another. The only days I didn’t walk her were when I was shoveling through 6′ of snow so she had a potty spot till we could shovel out of the front door. She hated going potty in the back yard. We’d walk 2 miles a day twice a day and visit all her friends. They do leave big holes. I miss her more than both husbands. 🙂

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    1. I know what you mean! My dog’s last back yard was fenced, but he would only pee out there if it was “after hours” or very early in the morning. We always had to go for a walk, otherwise! I also can relate to your last sentence:)

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  21. Sorry to just be getting back to people/their posts … it’s just been like that. How sweet that your Boo Boo got famous! I would rather they get my pet’s name right, too. I am not good at remembering people’s names, but I ALWAYS remember their dog or cat’s name. Isn’t that all that matters?

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  22. There’s nothing like a sweet, close pet. You have been lucky!
    I did chuckle when the article with Boo Boo’s picture was saved in a picnic basket. I loved Yogi bear when I was a little kid; Yogi, Boo Boo and the picnic baskets.

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  24. I’m sorry to read that BooBoo is gone, but clearly not forgotten. I just saw a Facebook memory of mine tonight of my beloved Riley when he stopped eating 4 years ago. Dogs are the best. My current BFF, Charlie is such a source of joy for me, and one of my nicknames for him is BooBoo! ❤️

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  25. Boo Boo was adorable. I know you miss him. I have a bichon that is 13 and I dread the day that she leaves this world. I’ve been able to go on more walks with her now that I’m home & it has been great. Usually my hubby walked her during the week and I’d get to tag along on the weekends. I’m so glad you had Boo Boo for some long! 😊💕

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    1. I know what you mean, Lisa, and I worried about that during his last few years, as well. That’s certainly a bright spot to this whole thing, being with your dog more. I also had that, in a different way, because I retired from teaching while Boo was still alive and was around more during the day.

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      1. I’m glad you had that extra time. I haven’t retired. I lost my job due to COVID19 but I’m working on the blog and am knee deep in research for my novel. It’s been quite awesome actually. I have about 10 years before officially retiring. 😊

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