My Jack

[Jackandgrey]

Five years ago last September, I set off on a two day drive on a stomach turning adventure. I had only ever met three greyhounds and I was going to get my very own. What was I thinking? There he was! My Jack. My greyhound. He was a black boy which I had asked for. And he was beautiful which I had hoped for. But he was so shy; so scared. I was too. We made our way back across the country from Calgary to Winnipeg the both of us scared to death.

 

 

I had no idea what I was doing and was so afraid I was going to ruin him. With help from my group, from friends in our local greyhound group and lots of patience and so much love, my sweet boy blossomed. At least at home. And he and his Grandma bonded over their lunchtime chicken soup and other illicit treats. Away from home, unless he was with his grey friends, the world was still a scary place for him.

 

 

Two years later his dear Grandma was dying. She was in a palliative care unit and desperately missing her Jack. I knew how scared he would be but she needed him. So one evening shortly before she died, I took him into this strange building, onto an elevator which he had never done before and then down the long hall into her room. She had saved him some food from her supper. My heart dropped. This ritual had always been so important to her but Jack would never take any food outside his own home, ever! I thought my heart would break with her disappointment. But my boy walked up to her, put his head on her bed, and took the piece of ham she offered him. My good brave boy. I loved him even more and was grateful for that gift he gave her, more than I can ever say.

 

After his Grandma died, we made the trip back to Calgary to bring his sister Jilly home. She provided a buffer for him from the world and gave him more confidence. He loved having a sister. He even got brave enough to lie down in his own backyard! The world never got to see his silly self. Flinging stuffies in the air. Chasing me down the stairs into the living room and pouncing. Giving me a huge smile as if to say I got you mum. He loved the night time and going for walks in the dark. I guess he thought no one could see him.

 

Then this May the limp. The diagnosis. The monster. Jack decided that he needed to stay around for longer than I hoped and dreamed. We had a wonderful summer. There were days when I couldn't believe he was sick at all, that there must have been a mistake. But as the summer wore on and his world got smaller, no more walks, no more car trips and his leg got shakier, it was very apparent that it was real. But he never really was in any pain till one day at the end and he was always happy. In his final months, he even forgot to be afraid. It was like he couldn't be bothered with that nonsense anymore.

 

His last evening he lay in my arms on his own bed in his own house with his sister and brother lying beside him and left us, peacefully, to be healthy once again. Where no one will stop him from running and his leg won't hurt.

 

 

Jack I will never forget how you would bound across the field to me when I opened my arms and called to you. I will be forever humbled by the trust you placed in me to keep you safe. I won’t forget how you would cruise in sideways like a docking boat for a cuddle. How you loved the girl dogs. How you would lie across the room and just stare at me like I was special and worthy. I will never forget your sweet white face that just begged to be kissed and that will live in my heart forever. You came such a long way my special boy. You were the best and most perfect dog. I was blessed with you. Thank you. I will love you forever. Nite nite sweetheart.

 

Edited November 30, 2008 by Jackandgrey

[Charlies_Dad]

What a beautiful boy. Those photos of him are precious. Rest well sweet boy, rest well.

[JerseyGirlInOz]

What a beautiful tribute to your gorgeous boy. I am so sorry.

 

[Guest KateWantsaGrey]

i'm very sorry for your loss.

[djsgreys]

Susan what a beautiful tribute for a brave and special boy.

[Guest KyGrey]

That was a wonderful tribute for a very special boy. I am so sorry.

 

Jack, you look out for momma now and send her a sign to let know you reached and crossed the bridge. She will worry until she knows you are safe and sound there.

[HopeForHounds]

He'll never forget you either Susan. He's there in your heart and in the world around you, all you have to do is pay attention.

 

Jack, we love you. Run with the angels, don't let Foxy boss you around too much. Some day we will meet and you will get a kiss on that beautiful white face. Godspeed.

[Guest Pipi5]

You can bet he's still got some adventures in line for you...and he's right there...snuggled in your heart, to guide you through the rest of your life.

There's something special about a greyhound named Jack.

[Guest SoulsMom]

In his final months, he even forgot to be afraid. It was like he couldn't be bothered with that nonsense anymore.

 

Oh Jack, what a beautiful and important part of our world you were. Thank you for sharing yourself with us

 

Susan, we're all grieving with you. I know nothing can take away your pain, just please know that you are not alone

[CaliforniaGreys]

Oh handsome Jack, how does one describe your presence? I don't have the words, but know this my friend, you are loved by so many. You were your mom's special boy, and nurse Jilly's special brother, and always will be. And you know that all your Unruly friends will watch over your family.You run with the angels Jack, and have a good time, for you so deserve it.You remain in our hearts forever, until we can one day meet. I hope that my boys and my girl get to meet you Jack. Run free of pain my friend And please watch over those you love you

Edited November 22, 2008 by cbudshome

[fliggie]

[dante2zoe]

What a beautiful tribute to your handsome Jack. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours at this time. Run free, Jack.

[JeaniesMom]

Susan I'm so sorry Jack was a special boy and I know how much you miss him . He is with Jeanie running at the bridge and their having a great time running pain free . Bye Jack I'll miss you ......

 

 

 

[Guest koolaidnconner]

I am so sorry Susan

 

Run pain free sweet Jack

[Guest multigrey]

That was one of the most lovely tributes I have ever read.

 

What a special dog he must have been.....and what a wonderful mom he had.

 

Godspeed, Jack....what a lucky boy you were to have been so loved here on earth.

 

[Guest argolola]

I am typing through tears as I read your loving tribute and look at the beauty of your precious boy. May God bless you and heal your broken heart.

[GreyTzu]

[jenners]

A lovely story and tribute to a very special boy. Fare thee well, Jack, until Miss Susan sees you again

 

Jennifer

[MarcR]

Farewell and Godspeed, Jack.

 

[Fiona3]

A lovely and moving tribute to a truly special soul. Jack, your dignified and gentle face will always be remembered and missed. Watch over your mom who loved you so dearly.

 

:f_pink

 

 

[KahluasMagic]

I'm so sorry. That was a very beautiful tribute to your beautiful boy.

[MerlinsMum]

Farewell, Jack. Your mum had to let you go, but you will live in her heart and mind forever. The bond you shared can never be broken... it is much, much stronger than death.

 

We will never forget you, Jack. Thank you, Susan, for sharing him with us for a time. Please know that we are here for you

 

 

 

[Guest Patti604]

Jack was so lucky to have you for a mom. What a beautiful tribute for a beautiful boy. I feel your pain.

[Guest vahoundlover]

What a beautiful tribute. I'm glad you had this summer to make lots of memories together. Jack was such a handsome special fella, keep the love you shared close to your heart and he will always be with you.

 

Run Free Jack, you will be missed by many

 

 

[RobinM]

I can barely see through my tears. He was a very special boy and will be missed by many. I am so sorry.

 

God Speed Jack.