By: Wendi Wan, Producer, Taboo USA
What is it about dogs that make us love them so much? It’s partly because of their loveable, adoring nature and also because we know they are loyal, protective, and great company. Heading out to small town in Pennsylvania to meet Boomer the Dog, I had no idea what to expect. Boomer sounded smart, lovely, and completely down to earth in our phone conversations; but I suspected that this picture of normalcy might be shattered when I met him in person. After all, Boomer truly believes that he is part-human, part-dog. As we approached his front door, we were greeted with a loud bark. The door creaked open and there in front of us was a tall, thin man, in his early 50’s with long, long brown hair, two pigtails on the sides of his head and the dopiest but most sincere smile I may have ever seen.
Over the next few days, Boomer the Dog both shocked and amazed us. He showed us his brand new doghouse and demonstrated how comfortable and convenient it was to sleep in the house versus in a human bed. He put on his full sized paper dog suit and frolicked around with real dogs. He opened up a can of dog food, got down on all fours and went at it… lapping up the dog food and slurping down water with complete abandonment, as though he’d never walked on two feet or held a utensil in his hand. He ran around in the backyard chasing after bones and hiding behind trees. And all the while, he seemed nothing but happy and free. We wondered if he’d found the answer that we are all looking for. Somehow, by taking on the persona of a dog, he had actually managed to release himself from the stresses and constraints of human society.
After three full days spent with Boomer (“Boom Time” as he called it), it was finally time to say goodbye. As I gave him a hug and headed for the door, I noticed for the first time, a trace of some emotion other than happiness cross his face. I knew Boomer was sad to see us go, but I also knew that the next time we were in Pennsylvania, we’d have a best friend just waiting to see us!
Tune in to Taboo USA: Secret Passions this Tuesday at 10P
