On pets. It has been 4 months since we had to say good-bye to our little Jack-Jack. I don’t think I know anyone who has talked about their feelings on losing a pet months after the fact. So I will.
On Pets
November 23, 2020 The Gent and I spent the last day with our little Jack-Jack. He was in the last stages of kidney failure. We felt like we had done everything we could for him. We bought special food for him, then went to three different medications for a month, giving him IVs at home, and he was not getting better.
We had to face the terrible truth, that he never was going to get better. He was declining quickly and nothing could bring him back to his normal activities. The vet had warned us. The vet was truthful and honest with us.
Jack was 12 years old.
A couple of my friends also lost pets around the same time we lost our Jack. Both of my friends went out, soon after, to adopt another pet. I understand this response. It crossed my mind but it was fleeting.
What works for others may not work for everyone. Isn’t that life in general? The Gent and I both agreed, without even discussing it, that we were not ready for another dog. The Gent brought it up first and he simply stated, “I am not ready for another dog.” And I was relieved to hear this because I wasn’t either. I don’t know that I ever will be. Jack set the bar high.
It’s been four months, and still, when I walk by something I think I see him out of the corner of my eye. Sometimes when I wake up in the morning my first thought is walking Jack. I miss hearing his toenails clicking away on the hardwood floors and that jingle on his collar. There are times I think I can still smell him.
We had his body cremated and have him here in the house and his collar is placed upon the little wooden box that holds his ashes. Every once in a while I will walk over there, pick up his collar, and smell it.
No, I am not ready for another pet. Maybe one day. We still have our cat (Jill) and she is the same age as Jack. Jill is still healthy so it’s not like we are totally empty-nesters. The cat has sort of been a saving grace through all of this. Even though sometimes I complain about her dander – I am allergic but manageable.
Jack was a good dog. A very good dog. He was super smart, loving, funny. He had his own personality that is for sure.
The Gent would walk him up and down the back alley every evening and our neighbors knew our routine, they would be waiting for Jack with a treat. And Jack knew where they lived too because on the occasion our neighbors were not out, he would try to get The Gent to stop at their garage door.
Perhaps there will come a day when The Gent and I will know when we are ready for another dog. Today is not the day.
Thanks for stopping by and reading.
