For Jackdoodle, On His 13th Birthday

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Dearest Jack,

Today would have been your 13th birthday. We were going to have a special day. You were going to see Dr. Maria, and get lots of treats, and later, we were going to play with your rope ball as much as you wanted. I was going to sing to you, all our favorite Jackdoodle songs. Tonight, you were going to get your favorite birthday dinner, chicken and salmon, sweet potatoes, green beans, and your favorite lima beans.

Instead, I'm going to spend this day without you, missing you so much I can hardly breathe.

I still can't believe you're gone. All of your things are still where they always were, your bed and your bowls, your meds lined up on the kitchen counter, your leashes hanging in the front hall, your toys everywhere, the hedgehogs you were playing with on that last night still on the family room sofa where you left them. I'm not ready yet to put them away for good.

You were the best dog in the world. The very best dog who ever lived. Even after all these years, your sister and I still marvel at the fact that the cutest, sweetest, best behaved, bravest, funniest, gentlest dog in the whole world lived in our house. How lucky we were to have you. How blessed I was to have the privilege of knowing you, caring for you, and loving you for almost 12 years.

I am trying very hard to focus on that now.

I am trying to think about you running across the grass at the park, catching tennis balls, your beautiful blonde hair blowing in the breeze, your face full of joy. Happy. I will remember you that way always.

I hope you are at peace now. I hope you know how very much you are loved, and how many lives you touched. I hope you know how very much you mattered in this world.

Happy 13th Birthday, my sweet boy. I love you with every fiber of my being, and I will love you forever.

[Carol and Banjo]

Oh Karen......I wish we could all stand together, holding hands to celebrate Jack's special day and tell him how much we loved him.   The magical bond you had together is something many can only dream of.    He may not be here in the physical space.....but I do believe he'll always walk beside you.    Hugs to you.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Such a beautiful letter to such a beautiful boy.
I am thinking of you always. May your happy memories help to relieve some of your grief. Time can be to short as well as to long.
Hugs

[BG and Gavin]

Beautiful tribute to a beautiful boy. XO Karen.

[Cathy and Daisy and Harper]

Your touching tribute made me feel like I knew him. I am crying for your loss. I am sorry!

[Stella]

Happy Birthday Jack. What a wonderful boy you were. And such a lucky boy to have a Mum that loved you to the end of the earth and back, who went above and beyond to keep you happy and healthy. Karen, I am crying with you (as many of us are), grieving with you the loss of one of the DK 'originals'. Sending virtual hugs, we are all here for you if you need us.

[Wendy and Myla]

I know that Jack is looking down on us all and really hoping that we can console Karen, the love of his life!  I know he did not want to leave her but he also knew that it was his time to go to the rainbow bridge and be free!  Karen, memories are priceless and I pray that sooner than later, Jack's memories will bring a smile to your heart instead of the heartbreak you are feeling now!  When you said that you cannot breathe, I knew exactly how you were feeling and I am almost feeling the same with the loss of "our Jack" .  You were the very best thing that happened to Jack and he has touched all of our lives!  Happy Birthday Jack!  You are Doodlekisses Mascot!!!!!  Hugs Karen, I know it's tough but he was the best!!!!!

[Camilla and Darwin]

You two were incredibly lucky to have each other, and we are all lucky to have you. Sending hugs your way and thinking of you.

[Lauria Orr]

Karen, what a beautiful letter to Jack, your special boy. The both of you are in my heart all day every day. I can't imagine love as pure as this ever coming to an end. I have heard for years now about The Rainbow Bridge, and I just have to keep that in the forefront of my mind....that a reunion will be the sweetest thing you can imagine. You took to each other immediately, and that is a bond that will always be with you....

Happy Birthday, Jack. Your life and your Mom's love have meant so much to me and so many others. Bless you, sweet angel.....

[Amy and Annabelle]

Happy Birthday Jack, and hugs to your mom, today was a tough one for her, she misses you so much. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

What a lovely tribute to Jack, Karen.  Jack left such a legacy, that he will be remembered forever by so many of us.  He was lucky to have had you for his owner and you were ever so lucky to have had the privilege of being owned by him.  Sending hugs to you both.

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

Karen, sending you much love and comfort during this time. I've read over and over the beautiful poem you sent me when Ripley died. I know Jack was so special. We are all grateful for your relationship and friendship which you've shared here. Big hugs to yoh, friend xoxo

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Karen, I am heartbroken for you. Because of the recent death of my husband and ultimate move across country to be closer to my daughter, I have not been active on this board so am just learning about JackDoodle. My fur babies are the only thing helping me get through the past 6 months, so can only imagine the emptiness in your heart and life right now. My thoughts and prayers are with you.