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.

[Leslie and Halas]

Love you!

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

Oh, this is just makes me cry for you! And him. He lived such a beautiful life right up until the end. What an honor it was for you to be the mom of such an extraordinary dog. The love that you gave each other will last for the rest of your life...

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

A beautiful tribute. 

[Bonnie and Kona]

Happy Birthday to Jack Doodle. We all knew you because of your beloved Karen. And through her eyes we loved you dearly. I don't think I have ever cried this many tears over the loss of a dog that was not my own. Karen's devotion for you and the resulting knowledge and wisdom she gained from researching how best to care for you has graced the lives of DK members. You were worth every bit of effort Karen put in to learn the very best way to care for you, but for her to share that knowledge so selflessly with the rest of us has been an incredible gift. I know you are fine now Jack and for that we are grateful. Now I am praying for Karen. There is no getting over this deep loss. There is just the hope of getting through it to a place where the happy memories prevail and the pain is less. Sending so much love to you Karen.

[Nancy (Chelsea and Harley)]

Dearest Karen,  My heart breaks for you.  I am so sorry for your loss of Jackdoodle.  Having lost my Harley this past July, I know how painful it is.  As with many DoodleKisses members, I feel like I knew Jackdoodle.  His passing will be felt by many.  Know that his beautiful spirit lives on and is there by your side as you mourn his loss.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Here are some comforting words from "A Dog's Prayer":

"Remember me always, but do not grieve for me too long.  I have tried always to comfort you in times of sorrow, and have made every effort to add joy to your life.  I never wanted to cause you pain.....You loved me very much and I loved you.  My spirit will always be with you, and no matter how deep my sleep, My grateful tail will always be wagging for you."

Hugs

[Lauria Orr]

That is just so beautiful, Nancy.  I am so glad you posted this from "A Dog's Prayer". !

I continue to think of you daily, Karen, and share with you this profound loss, even as I am glad you had so many years with your Jack, and he with you.  You are both beloved...

[Sebastian and Chester's Mom]

Karen, I just don’t have adequate words to express how very sorry I am to hear your devastating news.

Sebastian, Chester, and I are sending you much love and healing energy during this unimaginably terrible time.

[Gail and Bailey]

Happy Birthday, JackDoodle! Thinking of you and sending up a special birthday toast! To Jack, the best boy ever! We miss you! And to Karen who, through her love of you, helped so many doodles live better and healthier lives!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you all so very much.

[Ellen aka BeauBeau's Mom]

Karen, I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your beloved Jackdoodle! May he run free at the Bridge. Lots of love from Beau and me, Ellen Weintraub

[Adrienne Allen]

Happy Birthday Jackdoodle!!  Karen my heart goes out to you during this difficult time.  I will be praying that all of your great memories with Jackdoodle will bring you comfort.  Sending hugs and prayers your way. 

Adrienne Allen & Dougie!!

[Curt]

Karen, you're loss today is our loss and we are so sorry for that.  Your Jack lived a beautiful life because of your love for him.  I pray the Lord will give you a peace right now that surpasses all understanding.  Know that there is another doodle out there than needs you now as much as Jack needed you.  May Jack live always in rich pastures of tall green grass in the presence of all doodles that went before him.