We went everywhere together: to work everyday, (where he had lots of friends), to the dog park, on walks, on vacation, to the beach, to the City, to Mendocino, on our honeymoon, (he was the ring bearer in our wedding). The back seat of my car was his.

He had his stubborn moments, and every now and then we didn't see eye to eye. But all was always quickly forgiven with a cuddle, a cookie, and a kiss. Before his back got too painful, he would stand on his hind legs and stretch up to me for a hug.

More than life itself, Jackson loved tennis balls. They made his world go round. He would even "chase" them by sound when he was blind. He loved baby carrots, chicken strips from Trader Joes, cookies, and sleeping on the bathroom floor.

He was loved by his kitty sister Josephine, who crossed the rainbow bridge before him. He is missed (somewhat) by his kitty brother, Buzzby. He leaves behind so many human friends who are even now thinking of him. Most of all, his mom and dad are mourning his passing every day. We are trying to adjust to life here without him, but it is not really making much sense.

5/16/07 Jackson, my boy, the silver necklace with the imprint of your paw came yesterday. I am wearing it close to my heart. Your ashes, collar, tennis ball and pictures make up a little shrine in the living room. We light a candle for you when we are home at night. People have sent cards and flowers, and it is so gratifying to realize how much you were loved. I gave the rest of your cookies and one of your rawhide bones to Omar yesterday. I know that you would like that. I am still crying for you every day, and missing you feels like an open gash in my heart. I keep second guessing everything, wondering if I could have done more. I just thought you were so tired of fighting, so tired of being sick. I don't think that you would have wanted surgery, and Dr. Lori didn't even know if you would survive it, or the recovery. Fourteen years was not long enough for you to be on earth. Six years was not long enough for me to show you how much I love you. I miss you, my shmoo.

11/06/2007
My sweet boy,

It has been six months since you left. I miss you every single day, sweetie. I am so sad some nights that I still cry for you. You were one of the best things that ever happened to me, and I am so thankful that you came into my life, and that we were able to take care of eachother.

There are two new kitties here. I know that you would have mixed feelings about that, but the house was so still and quiet without you, and kittens fill it with life without "replacing" you. No one, ever, will replace you.

It was our first Halloween without you. I got out my witch hat and came across your skunk and devil costumes. I'm really sorry about those. I know that wasn't your cup of tea, but you were so darn cute. I don't have any pictures of you in the skunk outfit though :-(

Oh Jackson. My heart really hurts still. I miss you so much. I hope you know how much I love you.

May 6, 2008

Ah, sweetie.... I still miss your sweet face every single day, my boy. I miss your hugs, your quiet, sure companionship. I will never love another dog the way I love you. Jackson, my Schmoo, we have a new puppy here, and he enjoys some of your toys and uses your bed. I believe in my heart that you understand, even though you were never a puppy lover yourself. It's about having that sweet energy in the house. I just don't know how to be happy without it. I am always at my best when I am taking care of someone else. And you always took care of me, too. Thank you for that. I have been thinking of you all day. I love you my beautiful, amazing dog.

Sending hugs to you in heaven,
your mom