Jackson is in Doggy Heaven.

Jackson

Age 9, May 09, 2002 - January 07, 2012

Nickname: Buddy, Pooh Bear, Jacksonwacksonwoo, Jackson pants

Jackson loved the beach and his babies more than life itself! He was a quirky dog with a strong ability to love and be loved. I remember the day I got him, when he was just 3 weeks old, because his mama, being a puppy herself at just 8 months old, had abandoned the litter. Initially, I had wanted his sister, who was all black, but in addition to that dog already being spoken for by my cousin, Jackson had really already chosen me. He had followed me around and bit my shoes and pants enough that I caved. What a sweet boy he was, even then. We made the voyage home with him snuggled safely inside a towel lined box in the front seat of my car. His little head barely reached above the box edge, just enough for him to rest his chin on...and so began Jackson. He continued to sleep this way up until his last day.

I have so many memories; it's hard to focus on just one. There was one time in particular, when Jackson was about 1 and just the two of us went to the beach for the day. It was always that way in the beginning...just the two of us. I cherish those days. We just strolled the beach, played fetch, and watched the ocean and passersby. Another time, when we had a girls weekend at the beach (plus Jackson), there was a terrible storm, full on with thunder and lightning. My friends thought it was a free show, courtesy of Mother Nature, but I chose to hide in my room...with my dog. He always made me feel safe, no matter where we were or what we were doing. He made my heart bigger, he made me love stronger. What a remarkable companion he was...through EVERYTHING.

I miss him. I miss some of the things I used to complain about...like vacuuming his ever-shedding coat from my carpet, letting him out and then back in right away for no good reason, and putting the garbage in the laundry room so he doesn't get into it in protest of being left behind. I miss hearing his paws scratch the floor as he playfully ran in his sleep. I miss the smell of his "chocolate" ears and how he nuzzled his nose between my knees so I would scratch them. I miss the way that he would get SO excited when my parents or sister came over. How he'd bark and run to the kitchen the instant we opened the drawer the foil was in, the way that we couldn't use a flashlight (or anything that gave off a reflection for that matter) in the house without him going crazy. "Getting the silly out" after he chomped down a bowl of food. Most of all, his big warm body that was just the right size for my daughter and I to cozy up to on his dog bed. All in all...I miss my friend, deeply.

Thank you for sharing your heart and affection with Jackson. He will never be forgotten, nor will he ever be replaced. He's simply one of a kind and I'm grateful that he was mine.

I love you always, buddy.

Mama