03/10/2026
One of a kind, to say the least! The day you arrived at the Shantyplex, June 14th 2013, is one of those major before-and-after moments of which life presents just a few. I was in love the moment I saw you, much less held you over my shoulder, comforting you.
Four and a half weeks old; much too young to be away from your mom. You looked like a grey hamster, your eyes barely open. You trembled as I held you listening to hip hop classics. Finally, you relaxed as Rza's "Don't Be Afraid" played.
As I write this, that date was 4,647 days ago, and you sadly likely don't have many more. As immense as the pain will be from losing you, this is a tribute to your glorious life lived.
You touched too many souls to count over the years. Some for moments, some for years, mine for an eternity. Your spirit, so full of life and joy, affecting all of us around you. Every moment with you has been a gift I can't express with mere words. All the walks, trips to the cabin and your property in Columbus were never taken for granted, but now their meaning is greatly magnified. We all joke about you eating foods most of my friends couldn't even pronounce, let alone had tried. Your presence never understated, you kept us all laughing with countless ridiculous antics.
For all the joyous stuff, your ability to comfort me through times ranging from difficult to downright miserable remains the most important. You'd place your head up against mine as if to say no matter what, we'd stick together. Your love was all that could outweigh the pain of tragic relationships and the unnatural deaths of multiple dear friends younger than I.
Your love didn't stop with me though, your love reached many friends and family most important to me. I loved it when you'd make a complete stranger's day, although you never really allowed anyone to remain a stranger for very long.
The trajectory of my life has ascended beyond belief since that June night I first met you. I never would have imagined we'd have land and own a business. All the amazing places, from San Diego to London to Sicily, I've been just as eager to return to see you. I'd be naive to think your powerful positive energy didn't have a whole lot to do with me progressing in life. You've been my child, best friend, main walking companion, and my purpose. The warmest, brightest of lights in an otter cold, dark world. You've given me so much. Now I have to work to hold on to it.
Janis Joplin once sang the line "Would you trade all your tomorrows for just one yesterday?" Well hell yeah I would, Boogie, but it just doesn't work that way my boy.
Love you always and forever.
Rest in Peace Boogie,
May 10th, 2013 - March 7th, 2026
