Thursday, December 15, 2016

Jack


My dog, Jack Waterman, died yesterday. He was an older dog; 11 years. He had been having some bad arthritis pain, which I expected to nurse him through for many more years. Yesterday, he was unwilling to go out to the park. I thought it was joint pain; I gave him a pain pill and he lay on the living room carpet, panting, while I worked at my desk.


After a little while, he moved next to me, lying on the rug by my chair. I came down to the floor and stroked his face, trying to understand what he was feeling. He was still panting, heavily, and I could see that his tongue was pale lavender instead of pink. I thought about getting him to the vet, but how? If he was unable to walk, how could I get a 65 pound dog in the car?


We have a local house-call vet in the neighborhood; their office hours begin at 10 am. It was just about that time, and I was keying in the phone number, when Jack got to his feet.

He staggered weakly into the bedroom, a distance of maybe 6 feet, and then he lay down. I touched him and felt his body move with his breath, then I ducked back to my desk to grab my phone.


When I got back seconds later, he was gone.

Thank you to my good friends Linda and Scott, who helped me get Jack's body to the veterinarian clinic. Jack's ashes will be spread in a national park somewhere.

Thanks to all my good friends who hugged me and let me cry and tell stories of Jack. Thanks to all my friends online who sent me good wishes.

Jack and his friend Franny
Jack was a good dog.


15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sorry for your loss.

—A reader in Galway, Ireland.

NE/ME said...

So sorry to hear about Jack. I enjoy your blog and always looked forward to seeing pictures of Jack and hearing about him. He was a beautiful dog. So hard to lose a beloved pet. Thinking of you and Jack.

scout said...

So sorry, Glennis. I know how much that hurts, and he was such a good companion to you. My Scout also died at 11; yet her life seemed no longer than the blink of an eye. Love to you.

David Duff said...

Sorry for the loss of your 'friend', it's amazing how they work their way into our affections.

Trudy said...

So very sorry for your loss....

Mingus said...

Thinking of Jack Waterman every minute here.

Ellen Bloom said...

So sorry, Glennis. Jack was a good dog and an excellent photo model.

Happydog said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Jack had a sweet face and I loved seeing photos of him on your site.

Jenny said...

Right after your lovely day at the dog park! I am so sorry.

Judy said...

I am so sorry for your loss. But, what a great way for Jack to go!

Jeanne Hendricks said...

I know he will always be in your heart.

Anonymous said...

I have been following your blog since the Derfwad Manor days and this is my first comment. I am so sorry to hear about Jack. We are so lucky to have our beloved pets in our lives and I'm sure that you will always carry his memory in your heart. A heartfelt wish of love and comfort to you. The Other Kay

Anonymous said...

I too have been reading about Jack for years. Especially painful having lost my old guy Joe just last week. Mournful for us both. Grateful for our luck - being so loved. You are in my thoughts.

Cheryl

Anonymous said...

So sorry about your handsome pup, they're dear friends. I've been a reader of your blog for some time.

Janet said...

Oh Jack...oh I'm sorry, so sorry, Glennis. I loved reading about him. 2016 can fricking suck it. Jack was a beautiful boy, and lucky to be loved by you. I lost my sweet shiba Wolf last year on December 18th...my thoughts are with you and I'm sending gentle hugs.