A Tribute to Jack
Contributed by Noelle Seussy
Little Jack made his journey to the rainbow bridge this evening (May 2, 2008). His final moments were peaceful and filled with love. As expected, he was brave to the
very end. So many have stopped by to see him in the final days this week. Thank you to all who made the trip, made phone calls and sent your email wishes for his
transition.
I can’t share a lot about Jack’s early life as he was a rescue and came to me at an advanced age. His life with me was admittedly short but it was full and rich.
Once upon a time there was a little dog named Jack. Jack was found lost in the woods, scared and vulnerable and physically compromised. He was old, deaf, and
toothless, half blind, had a heart murmur, a tumor and his walking was less than spunky. You would think he would have been fearful and insecure but do not be
fooled. Beneath his tiny body was a brave boy whose silent confidence was clear to anyone who met him. He could not sit so he usually chose to lie down or stand.
But again, he never acted like he had any handicap. He used his other senses to do things like sniff me out when I came home, to always walk on my right so he could
see me through his left eye, to send a signal when he wanted to be carried, and to let off an indignant bow wow woof if I took too long to prepare his dinner! No
doubt many of you will remember that indignant little voice or the curl of that crooked lip.
Jack touched every person who ever met him. Looking into that face was like looking at an angel. That’s right, he could do no wrong. He was perfect and everyone
knew it. Even if he peed in the house. When he would pee on the floor, Tequila would say “No, uh-huh…Jack, Ooooh Jack!” That was usually my queue to grab the nature’s
miracle and clean the dining room floor. Miss kitty never missed an opportunity to cuddle with Jack in his bed, or follow him from room to room just to make sure he
was ok. And big sister Quinn was more than willing to give up a soggy bully stick or chewy item so that Jack could gnaw on it for a bit. We will try to forget about
the time Bailey nipped him on the head, she has always been a bit surly in nature; though I am sure she loved him too.
Even though our time together was short Jack never wavered in his relationship to me. He was faithful, loving and nonjudgmental. He followed me always, and despite
that “Terrier Attitude” had nothing but love to share. He never required long periods of attention. In fact, most of the time he would be happy with a lap time nap
and a few good nuzzles. Of course, priorities were always focused on nothing other than FOOD! He would wake up from a deep sleep ready to devour anything in his bowl.
Jack never had much to say, but if he were to speak now he would tell you to celebrate this life and all it has to offer. Do not fear the unknown, and do not dwell in
disappointment. Instead live for today and always, always eat hamburger soup and rotisserie chicken! A little bit of cheese would be cool too. Jack cheese, of course!
Oh yeah, and it IS too cool to wear a sailor suit just like grandpa did when he was in the navy.
Photo courtesy of Tonya Perme 5/2008
As you read this, Jack is already in a happy place. A place where he can run, and play, and CHEW!!!! He is sitting beneath a big apple tree; only instead of
apples it is full of nothing less than tender rotisserie chickens all within reach.
Please join me in honoring Jack’s memory. Take a moment and be thankful for the love around you. If you are so inclined, give to those in need and you will be
rewarded with gifts beyond your wildest dreams. If you can, consider fostering or adopting a rescue animal. If your life and home is full, consider supporting an
organization or make a donation to one. Two rescue groups that I have worked closely with are the Marin Cat Connection which can be found online at
http://www.marincatconnection.org/ and the National Yorkshire Terrier Rescue (YTNR) organization, where I found Jack.
YTNR’s site http://www.yorkierescue.com has many Yorkies in need of help or homes. I thank YTNR for placing Jack in my care. It was one of the
greatest privileges in my lifetime.
If rescue is not your passion and you still want to do something to remember Jack you can also go to the kitchen cabinet, pull out a shot glass and tip a bottle
of Jack Daniels in his honor. Cheers! If you don’t drink, the next time you cook a meal throw in a little Jack cheeseJ
Finally, a special thank you to the Alameda Pet Hospital and staff for all of their tender care with Jack over the past two years. Thank you to Dr. Anthony J.
Smith for his assistance in helping Jack to make his journey in the comfort of his own home.
Editor’s note: Jack was awarded the Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue “Smoky Award” in 2006.
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