Amidst news of firefighters killed by a vicious wildfire or the arbitrary brutality of plane crashes, it’s hard to call the loss of a dog a tragedy. In our case, we shouldn’t.
Yes it hurts the family as tangibly as a kick to the stomach but that’s because a dog like our Jack was anything but a tragedy; he was a family adventure, a comedy, a silly sideshow of joy. Jack was a jovial companion, content and ever affable. And that’s why his silent absence resonates.
We found Jack at an Alaskan Malamute rescue group in Joliet, Illinois. He shared nearly ten of his unusually long twelve year plus lifespan with us, a constant fixture in our family life. His large, wolf-like appearance belied an incredible gentleness. He could be a bit of a baby, encouraging you to stay and continue petting him by standing on your feet. He howled at fire truck sirens and wailed when the vet performed the most routine blood draws. In truth, he was anything but the paragon of health, requiring surgery for his lungs and all sorts of anti-seizure medications and trips to the emergency vet. No less than three times, we were certain we would have to say our goodbyes.
Sadly, today we had to. And our furry, snow-loving, ever patient boy is gone from our home though he’ll never completely leave our hearts.
Good boy Jack. Goodbye my good boy.
Losing a pet is so difficult because it seems to some so indulgent to grieve for these lovely little balls of joy. I think not indulgent at all. They add so much to our lives and ask so little. Humans should be so evolved. Jack was a lucky pup to have your family. Take care.
He looks a bit like Buddy!
I can’t tell you how many mornings my wife and I saw Maureen walking with Jack on Sheridan Road as we drove downtown. You could tell that they enjoyed being together. Losing a family pet is losing a true family member. You all gave Jack a wonderful life. As time passes, I hope that you can all manage to celebrate his life and the time you shared together. Peace.
Sorry to hear about Jack – indeed, he was a very lucky pup. You honor him with your words and us with the context.
beautifully written tribute to your “Good Boy” so sorry for your loss..Susie and Terri.
So sorry, d. Even with my asthma, I went through this several times. It’s always the worst days of life. Remember the good times with the good boy.
Sad, d. So sorry.
So sorry to hear this, Dennis. Jack was a very special Ryan. My heart is with all of you <3.
Aww, this made me cry. He obviously had a full life with a very happy family. Cheers to a great life!
“a silly sideshow of joy”, we should all be so lucky.
Thank you for sharing a little bit of Jack with us, am so very sorry for your family’s loss.
Dogs are love in a furry suit. So sorry for your loss, but so glad he graced your life as long as he did. 10 years is a lot of joy. 🙂
In the words of Will Rodgers, “If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die I want to go where they go.” So srry for your loss dennis.
So sorry to hear this, Dennis. I’m sure every time you think of Jack, a smile will cross your face.
consolations kind sir. I always think of dogs as the epitome of love; always caring more for you than for themselves. sorry for your loss.
oh Dennis, you made me cry. As fellow dog lover, I been in similar shoes and felt that pain but only you and your family lost Jack. Singular and so sad. I am sorry for your loss.
so sorry – we have great memories of seeing Jack in the neighborhood – he was a good boy.
hang in there –
I loved Jack .
He really was a Ryan, full of love, he made you happy, you wanted to see him, and when you did it was all good, no bad.