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.

[Janet & Jaxson]

Karen, I haven’t been on DK for a while and I am heartbroken to hear the news. I am so very sorry. JackDoodle, I know you are running free on the other side of the rainbow bridge.

Hugs & Kisses,
Janet & Jaxson ❤️

[DonMarie and Picco]

Oh geeze, now you just made me cry!

[Mark Wilson]

I'm heartbroken for you.  In tandem, you and Jackdoodle have touched a thousand lives and made our community a much better place for both human and dog alike.  I know there are no words I can offer to ease your grief, but in a small, completely inadequate gesture of thanks and respect for all you've given, I will love and cherish my two Doods with every fiber of my being in the same magnificent manner in which you cared for your beloved Jackdoodle.

Rest in peace, sweet boy.

Mark

[Jill, Woody & Maxi]

Karen,
I am so incredibly sorry to hear this. I shed tears with you on the news of his passing. To say that he touched the lives of many would be an understatement..because of him, and your dedication, we all have learned so much..myself included. This does not make anything any easier, but I pray that you will find comfort in knowing what an amazing life you gave him, your patience, dedication, and knowledge that you (and we) have all gained from him is profound...and will go on and on..in his legacy!!
Much love to you,Karen. And Happy 13th Birthday JD
Love,
Jill

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you all again. 

[Lori watts]

Karen,
My heart grieves with you as I understand the pain! So sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my daily prayers!

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

Karen, I am so very sorry to hear about Jack's passing. This was a beautiful tribute to him. He made it this far because of you and all your love and due diligence as his advocate. We all make wiser and smarter decisions regarding our dogs health because of you and Jack. Heartfelt condolences to you and yours. 

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

So very beautiful Karen.  Happy Birthday Jackdoodle and you were one very loved Doodle.   My heart hurts for you Karen.

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

Such a sweet letter to Jack.  I can't imagine the void.  My eyes well with tears and my heart aches for your loss.  Happy Birthday Big Boy...know you gave to your mom that oh so rare unconditional love... sweet sweet irresistibly unique, amazing love.  

Take care Karen

[Sharon & Monty]

I'm so sorry to hear about Jack Doodle. Thinking of you.

[Rosemary Iorio]

Karen, I'm so sorry about Jackdoodle.  I cried through you're beautiful tribute to a wonderful dog.  Jackdoodle & you were a perfect pair & he knew how much you loved him with all you did to keep him healthy.  You are a wonderful person who helped me find Lucky from Massachusetts almost five years ago & I'm forever grateful.  You're in my thoughts & prayers.

[Mary ann & Lincoln]

Karen, I have not logged in for a while due to some health issues and was not aware of your loss.  so sorry for you.  You did so much for Jack to make his life better.  He could not have had a better Mom.