"A dog does not live as long as a man and this natural law is the font of many tears. If a boy and puppy might grow to manhood and doghood together, and together grow old, and so in due course die, full many a heartache might be avoided. But the world is not so ordered, and dogs will die and men will weep for them so long as there are dogs and men"
John, a beautifully written tribute to Jackson. He truly was Mr. Personality and we loved him so much, too. He was a precious gift who made a huge impact on our lives and we will speak of him for many years to come. He is greatly missed.
Sorry for your loss, John. Our yellow lab died in our arms in May 2019 after a battle with cancer. I know he would have stayed much longer but we couldn't ask. Then our son died, also in my arms at Christmas 2019. You article helped me cry again. Loss is such a major part of life, yet we avoid "conversations that matter" (as my mentor Larry Crabb said) about loss. Though Jesus came to lose, and conquer death by dying, even in church we skirt facing loss. Thanks for sharing, glen
As I recall our decisions to end the lives of our two loyal companions and best friends and remember that I knew that euthanasia was the loving and right choice, your beautifully written memoir to Jackson has touched my heart. As tears stream down my face as I understand your grief, I know that we will see our friends again. Until that time, please think about all the many joys you shared with Jackson! Prayers for your aching hearet!
My heart is heavy for you, John. Losing Jackson leaves a big hole where his heart used to be, but memories will fill it as time goes by. I believe you did the right thing for him. I was faced with the same situation 3 years ago when I had to have my beloved pet friend, KittyKritter, put to sleep. He was a wonderful friend, a foundling as a kitten who grew into a huge, beautiful Maine Coon/Orange Tabby mix who enjoyed an indulgent and adored life for almost 14 years. I held him in my arms as he passed. Much missed and irreplaceable as no doubt Jackson is for you.
Jackson was the best boy ever. Except that one time you were gone the entire day and he messed up your pillow. Not funny to you but it sure was to me. Lots of good memories walking and playing with him. Thanks for the pictures. I seriously forgot how little he was when you got him. ❤️🐾
You're story touched my heart; mainly because I'm a dog person and have loved and lost many good fur buddies. Most recently, we had to let my favorite best buddy go. We had a Hospice vet for 18 months. He lived a year longer than the cardiologist gave him.
He had a heart murmur since he was a pup but it didnt bother him until he was 13. He started having hard -sometimes even loud- and rapid and irregular heartbeats. He started hacking and we had him on 5-7 meds and found Lauren, the Hospice vet.
Even she loved Bean. Hes a white chihuahua with dark brown spots. His tongue didnt fit in his mouth. He had a personality like Jackson, and everyone loved him back. He didnt shake or nip or have any bad chi habits.
I was his favorite person. I took him to work and we were always together.
Near the end, he had gone blind and nearly deaf. He was hurting himself by bumping hard into things and it pained me watching him struggle. Us his heart was beating faster and louder.
The nice thing about a Hospice vet is that they put the pets to sleep at the house. Lauren cried a little too, because she had always said he was the best chi she'd ever known., especially not being neutered.
My husband picked the spot and dug a hole. We wrapped him in his blanket. I found a box that happen to perfectly fit the hole. We lined the box and bid farewell.
It been a month and two days. I will miss him forever; he is a part of me.
I am completely empathetic with you over your pal, Jackson. We are lucky people to have had such great companions.
My sympathies to you for losing your best friend. A dog doesn't promise to be your best friend for the rest of your life. A dog promises to be your best friend for the rest of his life. All dogs go to heaven.
So very sorry. I'm sitting at my desk at work crying for your loss. We went through a similar experience in May with our wonderful, beautiful Kira. Miss her so much...Prayers for you....
My heart breaks for you 💔The Rainbow bridge🌈God will take care of him until you join your furbabies🐾🐾💘🐾🐾💘
"A dog does not live as long as a man and this natural law is the font of many tears. If a boy and puppy might grow to manhood and doghood together, and together grow old, and so in due course die, full many a heartache might be avoided. But the world is not so ordered, and dogs will die and men will weep for them so long as there are dogs and men"
- Ben Ames William
Hang in there fella. You did the right thing 110%. Unconditional love is pure trust and you both had it in each other. Take care
John, a beautifully written tribute to Jackson. He truly was Mr. Personality and we loved him so much, too. He was a precious gift who made a huge impact on our lives and we will speak of him for many years to come. He is greatly missed.
John, I am so sorry for your loss. Our doggie buddies make our lives so much better!!
Sorry for your loss, John. Our yellow lab died in our arms in May 2019 after a battle with cancer. I know he would have stayed much longer but we couldn't ask. Then our son died, also in my arms at Christmas 2019. You article helped me cry again. Loss is such a major part of life, yet we avoid "conversations that matter" (as my mentor Larry Crabb said) about loss. Though Jesus came to lose, and conquer death by dying, even in church we skirt facing loss. Thanks for sharing, glen
As I recall our decisions to end the lives of our two loyal companions and best friends and remember that I knew that euthanasia was the loving and right choice, your beautifully written memoir to Jackson has touched my heart. As tears stream down my face as I understand your grief, I know that we will see our friends again. Until that time, please think about all the many joys you shared with Jackson! Prayers for your aching hearet!
All the to you my friend...this breaks my heart, but you made the right call...God Bless you and Jackson as he crosses the rainbow bridge!!!
My heart is heavy for you, John. Losing Jackson leaves a big hole where his heart used to be, but memories will fill it as time goes by. I believe you did the right thing for him. I was faced with the same situation 3 years ago when I had to have my beloved pet friend, KittyKritter, put to sleep. He was a wonderful friend, a foundling as a kitten who grew into a huge, beautiful Maine Coon/Orange Tabby mix who enjoyed an indulgent and adored life for almost 14 years. I held him in my arms as he passed. Much missed and irreplaceable as no doubt Jackson is for you.
Dogs - they fill your heart with love and then they break it. Couldn't live without one. Sorry for your loss.
Jackson was the best boy ever. Except that one time you were gone the entire day and he messed up your pillow. Not funny to you but it sure was to me. Lots of good memories walking and playing with him. Thanks for the pictures. I seriously forgot how little he was when you got him. ❤️🐾
Be well my friend. 🙏
You're story touched my heart; mainly because I'm a dog person and have loved and lost many good fur buddies. Most recently, we had to let my favorite best buddy go. We had a Hospice vet for 18 months. He lived a year longer than the cardiologist gave him.
He had a heart murmur since he was a pup but it didnt bother him until he was 13. He started having hard -sometimes even loud- and rapid and irregular heartbeats. He started hacking and we had him on 5-7 meds and found Lauren, the Hospice vet.
Even she loved Bean. Hes a white chihuahua with dark brown spots. His tongue didnt fit in his mouth. He had a personality like Jackson, and everyone loved him back. He didnt shake or nip or have any bad chi habits.
I was his favorite person. I took him to work and we were always together.
Near the end, he had gone blind and nearly deaf. He was hurting himself by bumping hard into things and it pained me watching him struggle. Us his heart was beating faster and louder.
The nice thing about a Hospice vet is that they put the pets to sleep at the house. Lauren cried a little too, because she had always said he was the best chi she'd ever known., especially not being neutered.
My husband picked the spot and dug a hole. We wrapped him in his blanket. I found a box that happen to perfectly fit the hole. We lined the box and bid farewell.
It been a month and two days. I will miss him forever; he is a part of me.
I am completely empathetic with you over your pal, Jackson. We are lucky people to have had such great companions.
Thanks for your post.
Kendra in SC
Such a wondrous gift you were given from our wondrous God. Thank you for sharing your love for Jackson with us.
My sympathies to you for losing your best friend. A dog doesn't promise to be your best friend for the rest of your life. A dog promises to be your best friend for the rest of his life. All dogs go to heaven.
So very sorry. I'm sitting at my desk at work crying for your loss. We went through a similar experience in May with our wonderful, beautiful Kira. Miss her so much...Prayers for you....
A hard decision, one I've had to make as well. I am sorry for your loss.