We are very saddened to tell you of the passing of BTRC alum Solo. Solo’s indomitable spirit was inspiring, and she truly lived her best life despite her health challenges. Solo’s mom, an integral part of our BTRC team, has written a beautiful tribute to her beloved Solo and we want to share it with you:
On Sunday I said goodbye to my sweet little old lady Solo.
Solo came into my world in 2018 at the age of 12 looking for a place to crash until she found her new family, but health issues prevented her from being adoptable, I had already fallen in love and so she never left.
Solo’s journey was not an easy one. You’d look at her resume on paper and think how is this dog still here? But she never failed to make everyone eat their words. She’d march into a vet appointment, nibble anything that got near her face in the off chance it was edible and continued to persevere despite all odds. Many times I thought I’d have to say goodbye to her, and she would prove me wrong each and every time. She was and is the definition of stubborn. She was a fighter and because of that I fought hard for her too. We were a team. Over the years I have done everything I could to help her live a comfortable life full of love and adventure. I can’t even begin to describe how much she has taught me. I am a better dog owner, pet professional and human because of her. I know I gave her a wonderful life and did all that I could and then some for her, I know she was old, I know we were on borrowed time but so much of my days were dedicated to Solo and her needs I feel utterly lost and broken. There’s just never enough time.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of Solo’s journey with me, from fundraisers to endless drives to appointments, her amazing care team (especially Krista) and our friends who helped her see a world of adventure. I know some of you will miss her just as much as me.
Rest easy little lady you deserve it. Give little Lee a nibble for me. I’ll carry you with me forever. Miss you always.”
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May 1, 2006- Oct 3, 2021
No sooner had Solo put her paws inside her new home than she swiftly captured the hearts of her new mom Candace and her two doggy siblings.
“Still terrific at the age of 12, sweet Solo entered our lives with very limited vision and poor dental health. Further examinations revealed a heart murmur, and most recently, mainstem bronchi collapse that, at times, causes her to have severe coughing fits. This prohibits her from having her much needed dental work done and requires her to use a ‘puffer’ for the rest of her life.
“And yet, Solo surprises us daily with her high spirits, strong will and feisty independence. She enjoys being pampered with regular baths and nail filings to keep her feeling and looking fresh. And despite her limited vision, she zooms around the yard, moving and pushing anyone in her way! Then, when the back door opens to let her know it’s time to come inside, she flies as fast as she can to her crate anticipating a treat or dinner.
“She loves joining our hikes on the easier trails, always being sure to lead the way with great purpose and intent. At times like these, it’s easy to forget her age and her ailments since she certainly doesn’t let them slow her down. She gets along tremendously with her 11-year-old Pug brother and 2-year-old Boston sister, although she prefers her own space and will show a bit of her Boston sass should either of them attempt to use ‘her’ bed.
“This always amuses anyone who witnesses this fiery old girl’s antics. On the flip side, though, she loves attention and will quickly paw at you to remind you to pet her. She’s famous at the vet clinic for her ‘love nibbles’ because I think she assumes all humans are holding out food for her and she’s giving them a quick nibble to sample their wares.
“For me, Solo’s story is one of inspiration. Despite all of her hardships, she has continued to thrive and enjoy life – filled with spunk and with love. Whatever amount of time she has left, I have no doubt that she’ll continue to show the world just what it means to be a tenacious terrier.”