My Dear Jax,
You were my first baby. You were the first adult decision I made, my freshman year of college. Your grandma and grandpa thought I was crazy for getting a dog at 18, but there was no talking me out of it. I had wanted a dog my entire life and now that I was living on my own, I could finally get one. I did tons of research on the type of dog I should get. And as soon as I saw the personality description of a Boston Terrier, I knew it was meant to be. Stubborn was the word that stood out to me, I knew we would be two peas in a pod.
I will never forget when we went to pick you up, 11 years ago. Amy and Rodrigo drove to Dade City with me and were just as excited. We were out in the boonies and the breeder met us at the end of the driveway with you. He handed you off and we were on our way. On the way home we stopped at Publix to get you doggy shampoo because you smelled so bad. As soon as we got home, I gave you a bath in the sink of my Campus Lodge apartment. From that moment on we were inseparable. I would bring you to work with me at You Do the Dishes. We would spend our weekends in Clearwater on the visiting Grandma and Grandpa. We were living the life, just you and me.
Jax, you were quite the dog. Hyper would be the first word everyone who knew you would use to describe you but I would say loving. Oh so loving. You loved people and wanted to kiss everyone you met. Maybe a little too much. You were known as Jumping Jax because you jumped on everyone. I’m sure all of my friends can tell numerous crazy stories that involve you. You were a little too much for some to take. But I wouldn’t change a thing, because that is what made you, you.
You taught me so many things over the years, the most important being unconditional love. You were such a loyal and loving dog. You also taught me responsibility. You were what I looked forward to every time I walked through the door. No matter the day, I was guaranteed an excited kiss hello. You were without a doubt, my best friend.
There are so many moments with you that I will never forget. I will remember the nights I would come to bed and you would be on one pillow and D on the other. We couldn’t say no to letting you sleep in the bed, as much as we wanted to. Every night you would go under the covers and curl yourself in the fold of my legs. I will never forget how smart you were. You knew where to go and when. You knew when we were leaving and always knew when we pulled into grandma and grandpa’s neighborhood. I will always remember how much you loved walking yourself. You would bring us your leash and the moment after we hooked the clasp you would grab it with your mouth and lead the way. You were such a special dog.
Over the past 11 years we’ve gone through it all together. We grew up together. And because of you, I was never alone. You were by my side through the good and the bad, through every milestone the past decade brought. There is no doubt that the bad was easier to get through because of you. When I was sad and cried, you were there. Right next to me, on my lap providing comfort. I always had you. I could always count on you. And when a new man came into your life, you accepted him and instantly became his sidekick. Your daddy loved you so so much. You were such a light in our lives. You were a part of our family. You were so very loved, so loved.
I knew this day would come, when we had to say see you later. Honestly, I had a feeling it would be this year. But I didn’t think it would all happen in 24 hours. Nothing could have prepared me for how hard this would be. I am so glad that you were able to see Avery come into this world and our lives. I’m glad that we have pictures of you two to show her one day. And I promise you she will know who you are, she will be able to look at a picture and say Jax. And when that day comes, we know it will be bittersweet. I feel like a part of my heart left with you today. But I am glad that I was able to be there with you, holding you in my arms, telling you how much I loved you and praying over you as you took your final breath. You are no longer in pain and right now, that is what is providing me comfort.
I love you sweet Jax.
Always. Forever.
So sorry to hear about your dog.
Such a sweet post for a sweet boy! So sorry for your loss. He was such a cutie pie and will be missed.
I'm so sorry! That is the hardest! Such a cutie will be missed for sure. Glad you have so many awesome photos and memories. Hugs!!
So sorry for your loss of sweet little Jax. Pets really do become our best friends, our family, our babies. You're in my thoughts.
Sorry for your loss, Leah. He seemed like a great dog!
You captured your love for him so well. I have tears streaming down my face…the thought of saying goodbye to our four legged family members is heartbreaking. I'm thinking about you all today!
So incredibly sad. Sorry for your loss. Cherish your precious memories.
So sorry to hear about jax! Thinking about you and your family!!
Saying goodbye to a pet is one the hardest things ever…thinking about you today!!
So sorry for your loss! Losing a pet is so awful! They're not a pet, it's a family member!!! So glad your sweet babe got to meet him though! Hope you're feeling better!
my thoughts are with you- saying goodbye to your pet is such a hard thing to do. this was a really sweet letter.
sweet sweet Jax! love you Lea
Prayers coming your way!
I'm so sorry about your dog. I know that losing a pet is heartbreaking 🙁
Oh no! What happened?? Soo sad!! Feeling for your heavy heart during this time!!! Take care love!!
I'm so so sorry. I know how hard it is to say goodbye to our fur babies.
Such great memories of sweet Jax! Hugs! xoxo
I remember reading this when we had to send our family dog of 10 years to Heaven and it comforted me, I hope it does the same for you, love you guys!
"A Dog's Purpose" (from a 6-year-old)
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.'
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life – – like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.'
Oh Leah, I'm so so sorry. It's heartbreaking to lose our four legged family members but they will always hold a special place in our hearts. Your tribute to him was so sweet and I love the pictures of Jax and Avery. Thinking of you!
Still thinking about you. xoxo