Jack

 

December 20, 2021

Jack

When our dog India passed away some years ago, I figured that we wouldn’t be getting another dog, losing a beloved pet was just too tough and India had been with me for 16 years and I was certain there was no way that we could ever love another dog as much as that little pup had worked its way into our hearts and lives. But fate would deal us another hand as my mother Marta had a sweet little Schnoodle that she had gotten as a puppy and named Jack.

Jack had lived comfortably with Marta for ten years since she bought him at a pet store in North Carolina appropriately named (for Marta) Gucci Poochy. She named Jack after one of her cancer doctors who had helped her beat cancer along with the promise that if she did, she could get a puppy to celebrate.

Of course, she did, and Jack was her constant companion for the next ten years, the most beloved pet in her condominium, Tar Branch Towers in Winston-Salem. Jack lived a pampered life with Marta and we would see him on our frequent visits to North Carolina giving us the chance to bond with the little guy.

Marta always would say that when she was not able to take care of Jack (and vice versa) that he would be sent to live with us in Key West for his retirement years. We never gave it much serious thought until just under five years ago when Marta once again was beset with health issues that led to Jack moving with us and living out a retirement that was a vast change from the life he lived with Marta.

He immediately adapted to island life, bonding especially with Kathy who is most certainly the Alpha of his new pack. His enjoyable, luxury life with Marta in a condominium expanded greatly as suddenly he was enjoying an entirely different routine that included a large yard, frequent trips to the beach or dog park, long walks, visits with other dogs and extensive travels- including numerous trips back to North Carolina to visit Marta.

He was like a young puppy and full of energy and vigor and was showered with attention from everyone who visited. He even had his own cadre of cat fans. It was the strangest thing I have ever seen as multiple cats in the neighborhood would come rushing out to see him every time we would go for a walk. One, Smokey, even eventually became our cat when his owners moved away and left him with us.

It was not unusual to see our cats walking along with Jack when we took him for walks and there were four others in the neighborhood who would always rush out to see Jack, attempting to rub up against him, jump on him or just vie for his attention.

Jack lived with us for a third of his life, until his passing last week at the age of 15. It was a tough, tough blow for Kathy and I (as well as all his lonely cat friends). He had been battling illness for the past few months, but would repeatedly bounce back just when we thought his time had come. Sadly, this most recent decline was just too much. He passed away peacefully last week and left a hole in our hearts that only the most special companions can create.

Jack was an amazing, wonderful, sweet and loving little dog and we feel so fortunate to have been able to share a portion of his life with him. Now he goes across the rainbow bridge to join my mother Marta again as she passed away earlier this year. Somewhere they have been reunited in a joyous explosion of happiness, something that brings a little solace to those he left behind. 

Kathy and I want to thank Dr. Lisa Bramson and everyone at All Animal Clinic for the excellent care they gave Jack during his time in Key West. Also those friends who developed a close bond with him when pet sitting including Martina & Jen,  Aine, Effie, Dora ,Kate, Julia and especially Renae who was there for Jack right to the very end. Finally,to Dr. Ronit Bergudo at Island Paws for her kindness and service to Jack at the very end. Much love to all who loved him.