13 years ago today the cutest little puppy was born, a yellow lab retriever, in Prescott, Arizona. I know he was the cutest puppy ever because everyone who saw him told me so. Of course, we were completely unaware of his existence on that day, and what he would come to mean to us over the years.
We were absolutely aware, however, when 2 days later our 1st grandchild was born in Prescott!
We drove to Arizona for Jake's blessing in September, and (SuRpRiSe!!!) came home with the little pup I named Jack, a birthday present from Soren and Rachele. Their logic: I had never had my own dog :) I haven't kept an accurate count, but since we started our family we've had no fewer than 10 dogs, all inherited or rescues who needed a home and a bunch of kids to run around with. I'd never thought about how I had actually never had a dog that was all mine, but how could I not love this little bundle of fur?!?
Jack & Jake
Labs & retrievers are considered the happiest and friendliest breeds, and Jack lived up to the reputation. He seemed to have a perpetual smile and wanted always to please. At the time we brought him home we had already inherited George, Sonja's 3-year old boxer. (Sadly, I can't remember if we still had Chiquita, an aging Bouvier who came to live with us when her 1st family moved to Boston). George was still enough of a puppy but patiently endured Jack gnawing on his legs during his first year. George had done the same thing to Chiquita, so I guess he knew it was fair. They would have tug-o-wars with old rags and romp around the yard together. It wasn't long before Theo & (intermittently) Tofi joined us, and the boys became the best of pals. There were a few great escapes, but fortunately there was always a happy ending.
Over the years there have been many walks along the ditches and the Rio Grande, and none of the other dogs could match Jack's enthusiasm for the water. Water dog and retriever, he would bring us surprises all the time. The best was when Jen Larson and I were taking a walk and he brought us a slightly bloody, very dead muskrat. He was so proud of himself, and so deserving of recognition. We screamed like girls and ran like crazy. I've always been a bit ashamed of myself for that.
Jack didn't ever seem to want to spend much time inside, but he did like coming in to say "Hi!" He would immediately look for a shoe to hold in his mouth and then he'd run up the stairs, shoe in mouth, and jump on a bed or two and then run back, obviously very proud of himself. Especially if he had found someone in a bed. Or another shoe. I've always been impressed by his soft mouth. Anything he carried in his mouth was safe (well, except the muskrat). He didn't chew things up, he would just retrieve them and bring them to us. I think he would have been an excellent hunting dog.
In 13 years I can only remember one incident where he did any damage. Hyuna and I were watching the boys play in the pool. I had left my cellphone on some towels next to my chair, and didn't notice when Jack got hold of it. The results were awesome! The people at Verizon were equally impressed, and we were all really glad he hadn't swallowed the battery.
I don't think there is a Jensen grandchild who doesn't love to take the dogs for walks. Jack was always very gentle with the kids, even the smallest ones. The most anyone could fear would be a slimy kiss.
Handsome Jack
His favorite place to sleep in the fall and winter was in a big pile of leaves!
Late last summer we noticed that he was struggling a bit to get up, and by early this year we could tell he seemed to be in pain. The vet put him on a great regimen of meds that helped immediately and immensely, but it was just a matter of time before they would no longer be enough. Two nights ago I knew we were close to making a really tough decision when Jack didn't want to leave my side after I fed him. He followed me right into the house and stayed in the family room the rest of the evening. At bedtime he did not want to go out, so I did the only thing I could do. I brought my pillow and a blanket downstairs and slept on the couch next to him. He didn't look like he was in a lot of pain, but his eyes just looked sooooo tired.
Yesterday wasn't much better. The vet told me to add another dose (we were already doubling his doses), and that helped him to be able to go outside to go to the bathroom. He spent the day close to the misting system while I did yard work and made sure he was getting water and lots of TLC. Last night he again came in to sleep; this morning he could not get up at all. I gave him a double-dose again, and a few hours later he jumped up like a young 'un and started coming up the stairs! My heart sang, I was so hopeful that we might be able to keep him for a few more months. He pranced outside, did his business, and then collapsed on the back porch.
Our vet has told us in the past that we will just know when it's the right time. At that moment I knew, but I so did not want it to be. It's always so hard to say goodbye to a four-legged friend. They give such unconditional love, and their trust in us to take care of them is complete. This time was the absolute hardest, but only because I am selfish. I'm really happy for Jack and know that he is swimming and running his giant heart out (probably with George) this very minute.
Happy Birthday, Jack! You and I had a bacon party this morning, but I'll bet that's nothing compared to the treats you're getting now.
My Jack
Thanks to Ayrel for helping me get some of the story straightened out - feel free to let me know if I've mixed up anything else!
Post Script - November 29
Today Keven and I attacked the thick blanket of leaves in our front yard. There are still some left in the trees but the majority of them have fallen. How I missed my Jack and how much he loved to play in them when we would make the big piles on the side of the house.
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