Abby and Bolo
Let’s face it, puppies are adorable. When you see them, you just want squeeze them. Since bringing BOLO into our lives, I have noticed something interesting occurring. It appears that the recent arrival of this adorable yellow Lab puppy has caused an outbreak of Bolophoria … and it is sweeping Southern California! The symptoms are immediately obvious- glazing over in the eyes, open-mouth squealing, the flapping of excitable hands, and the overt oooohing, ahhhhing, and begging to touch this oh-so-irresistable pup.
Beke and Bolo
What fascinates me is the extent to which people’s excitement elevates, and how I literally can’t walk 2 or 3 feet in a public location without getting stopped. It started in the airport when I first brought BOLO to California. As I walked with her in my arms, people were actually trying to walk backwards on the moving sidewalk to get their puppy fix. While out and about training, people literally stop what they are doing and beg to visit with her in hopes of getting a whiff of heart-melting puppy breath. When Jon and I took our daughter and BOLO shopping, a woman shocked her dinner date by nearly leaping over the bannister, which separated the restaurant patio from the walkway, to visit with BOLO. I think Jon secretly loves this type of attention. My 16 year-old does not.
Daniella and Bolo
Bolophoria is everywhere. During an evening dinner meeting, I was challenged to reach my table without being stopped by several other patrons who wanted to touch her and ask questions about her Leader Dog bandana. One poor guy became exasperated when the waitress joined his date, who was fawning over the puppy, and said “Great! This puppy is getting more attention than I ever have and now the waitress is involved – I can’t even get enough attention to order a beer”. Later that evening, a woman brought her family across the restaurant and proceeded to go crazy as she watched Bolo sleeping in someone’s arms. The pup never woke up, but the look on her teenage daughter’s face clearly indicated she was mortified by her mother’s Bolophoric behavior in public.
Max and Bolo
I suppose it’s understandable and not a little surprising that my handsome, single nephew would ask to “borrow” BOLO while spending time near the beach. As the protective caregiver of this young pup, I immediately denied his request with a resounding “absolutely not!”. BOLO’s job is not to attract women for single men. Rather, her purpose is much greater. Her destiny involves changing someone’s life for the better. Her puppy head, floppy ears, and her too-big-for-her body, clumsy paws will grow and evolve. We hope people will continue to be drawn to her, not only for her cuteness, but for the positive impact she will make in enhancing and providing independence in the life of one human being.
Bolo-mania creates Bolo-bliss and one might say meeting her is a Bolo-tastic experience. One thing is for sure – having her in this world makes Life Bolo-ful!
