I believe all dogs occupy a special place in the family. My family has always had a dog – or dogs, and all of my kids now have their own. I love the quote –

“I aspire to be the person my dog thinks I am.”   it truly indicates who you are to them – no matter what you do.

In 1999, when my mother was terminally ill with pancreatic cancer, and nearing the end, I needed “life” around me. We were 16 months into what would be an 18 month journey. In March of 1999, I decided on a puppy to lift all of our spirits – you know – their unquestioned love, their excitement to see you – no matter what and their exuberance – that can cheer about anyone up. As Jack Russell Terrier – Jackie brought even more to the table – energy and spirit along with a great deal of intelligence.  A little mischief as well.

She gave me peace during some difficult times. I associate her with my mothers passing in April of `99, and she represented a key element of getting through that period of my life.

She had lost her sight and hearing over the past few years and she had been worsening over the past 2-3 months with added major medical issues. At 15 1/2 years of age, she was experiencing a form of intestinal cancer (1st thought to be IBS) and had tumors in her liver and spleen.

I had to let her go. One of the hardest choices I have ever made.

The picture here is when she was just a couple of years old.  I’ve lost a great friend.