Brookside's Blackjack: 1998 - 2010

Jack,


It wasn't all that long before you were born that I was a single guy on the verge of turning 30. Responsible for nothing but myself, obligated to no one, almost grown up but not quite.


I met a nice guy with a friendly dog named Kirby. Pretty soon that nice guy and I were a couple, and I decided that Kirby needed a best friend too. I'd chosen your name before you were even born, and Daddy and I couldn't wait for you to get here.


You were so tiny when we finally went to meet you and bring you home. I held my breath as we set the carrier on the kitchen floor and finally opened the door. Kirby looked at us like "You got me a puppy!" and you came bounding out of the crate ready to play. I think that moment was when I knew you weren't just a dog. You were the last piece, the part that took us from just a couple of guys and a dog, to a family.


I've learned so much from you over the years. You were stubborn, self-involved, demanding, and practically uncorrectable. Fearless, and handsome, always, with those Best in Show eyebrows and that glorious beard. You were also sweet and smart and loving, loyal to your dads, and perhaps most comforting of all, quite likely the happiest dog I've ever known. When I think of you I'll always remember that your reaction to almost anything was to wag your nub.


Your end came unexpectedly, and Daddy and I are both a bit shell-shocked, with schnauzer-shaped holes in our hearts. I truly thought that your last days would come much later, that we had time to spare. And I always hoped that as with Kirby, there would be time for spreading a blanket in the park and having ice cream. Being unable to mark your passing as a family is my only regret.


We loved you dearly Jack, and we'll miss you terribly. I hope you know how grateful we are for your being in our lives, and that we'll carry your memory with us for the rest of our days.


Love,
Your Dads

20 comments:

Lisa and pups said...

OH, So shocking and unbelievably sad. You were an awesome pupster Jack and will always be fondly remembered! Hope you are enjoying all your buddies at the rainbow bridge!

Sorry for your loss David! Lots of labby love and licks being sent your way!

anita said...

so so sorry.
this breaks my heart.

Martha said...

A big hug for you! Tears are streaming down my cheek --

I am so sorry!

Raina Cox said...

Oh David! Words cannot express.

I am so sorry for your loss and hope that time will lessen the pain.

Huge hugs from Denver headed your way,

Raina

Mrs. Blandings said...

I am so sorry. Really, nothing I can say can express how much I am feeling for you. Patricia

Toad said...

I too am heartbroken. My condolences to you both.

Karena said...

David I am so sorry, I can't believe how much the loss of a beloved pet breaks our hears, Thinking of you both with love.

Karena
Art by Karena

Living the life in The Little City said...

David,
I'm so sad for you. It is heart wrenching to lose a faithful friend and family member like your Jack, and there is nothing that dulls the pain except for time.
My condolences to both of you.
Kathleen

Unknown said...

David,
I am so sorry about Jack and so sad for you and Brett. I know what a terrible time this must be for you both. We lost our Phoebe almost as suddenly as Jack and we had only had 3 years with her, I can't imagine the heartache of losing her after as long as you have had Jack in your lives. I am so happy to have you, Brett and your vivacious doggies in my life. I love all of you and please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Lots of love,
Amy, Robert, Cooper and Chloe

Pookie said...

Dear David,

I just found you have a blog and I'm terribly distressed to read your sad news. Please accept my warmest sympathies (and Bryan's) on the passing of your beloved Jack. I hope that fond memories will bring you and Brett some comfort.

Fondly,
Amy Whitehead

Russ Manley said...

So very very sorry, guys. I do understand exactly what a doggy-shaped hole in the heart feels like.

home before dark said...

So sorry to hear about your heart break. Jack looks big enough and confident enough to tame a big guy. Sounds like he did.

shannon said...

Oh my Dearest David,

I am so so saddened by your loss. Tears are rolling down my cheeks, they started as I read the title of this post. Jack was a lucky pup indeed, to have you all as his family. Please know that I am here for you...sending the healing energy your way.

Namaste good friend.

PlazaJen said...

I found you via Shanny, and I just wanted to say I'm so sorry. Dogs are such wonderful, loving companions, and it hurts so much when they leave us. Empathy and hugs from a fellow KC'er, Jennifer

David said...

Jen, Tiny world, I read your blog from time to time. And I think I saw you in the parking garage of the building where I work (Park Plaza). I didn't realize it was you until you drove away and I thought "Mimi Murano."

Thank you, and everyone actually for the kind words, it's truly been a comfort to Brett and I both.

Amy said...

I'm so sorry. No matter the size of the pup, the hole in the heart is always so large.

Amy

Reggie Darling said...

My heartfelt sympathy, David. There is nothing like the dear companionship of a dog, and the loss of one so close is wrenching. My regards to you and your partner, Reggie

Pigtown*Design said...

David... i am so sorry to hear this news. There's nothing worse than losing a dog. my sympathies.

Decorina said...

So sorry to hear of your loss. There is nothing worse than losing a wonderful dog/pet...so sad. Bye Jack - for now.

ChrisToronto said...

David,
I write this with tears in my eyes. Just last week I received biopsy results confirming that my boy Punch has a malignant melanoma; this will be our last summer together. I can't imagine how Judy will fair without her brother to boss around. Difficult times to be sure.

I'm really very sorry for your loss.