Jessie is in Doggy Heaven.

Jessie

Age 9, ~2008 - October 25, 2017

"My" Jess forever in our hearts - Left us too soon

Nickname: Jess

So many memories I have of "Jessie", we brought her home from a shelter approximately at 2 years old. Immediately we knew she was a very nervous and scared pup. Not knowing what her life was like before her forever home with us we were very patient to her needs. She had separation anxiety but although she missed us when out she never damaged anything in the house. She rarely barked but cried and I mean cried. At first she would run away if she ever got loose not sure if it was the hunt in her or just wanted to get away... but after years she never left our sides whether outside or inside.

We traveled in the winter and the first day driving was a panic for her but the very next days she would relax and enjoy the trip. Spending 7 years with her in Arizona she had many buddies and they all loved the warm weather and attention they received. In the summer we went to Michigan in an RV where she spent so many days in the sun on our friends deck. She was so friendly would never hurt anyone or anoyther animal. She was so affectionate loved to be held and never took her eyes off me. We were so fortunate to have such a loving devoted companion.

At home she would be so sad when we would go out she would hide in the closet under the clothes but as soon as we would drive away she would jump on the bed and wait for us to return. We would walk every day she loved to sniff, that was her favorite thing. Sometimes I would get so annoyed at the hesitation for her to get one more sniff but I would give anything to let her sniff all day! I am not sure whether I will walk that walk ever again seeing all her dog buds and their moms and dads. How can I have walked one day and lost her the next?

She loved to lay on our bed whether at home or in the RV's cuddled in the pillows, it almost seemed like she was making a bed for herself. During the night when it was cold she would get under the covers and keep herself and us warm.

I realize now how needy Jessie was our days were always committed to her needs very rarely left her knowing she was so sad and it was difficult for our friends and family to watch her because of her issues but in time we found a few dog friends that had the patience and the time.

We lost Jessie on Oct 25 two weeks after being diagnosed with congestive heart disease. I look back and now I can relate to her tiredness the past few months but never thinking that it was nothing but aging.

We came home from a camping trip in Ohio when she began coughing 2 days later I thought it might be kennel cough waiting a week before realizing it was becoming harsher and I noticed her breathing more heavily. She was diagnosed with heart disease. Her lungs were filling with liquid making it difficult to breathe her breaths were way over the normal. I was told there was no cure she could live 2 days, months or years but we could give her meds to try and relieve her symptoms and hopefully give us more time.

The following week we returned for our next visit she seemed the same but her lungs looked a bit clearer. We left and that night she woke me with uncontrolled coughing and breathing by time we got to the vet she was In distress. I had 2 options one to let her go or to try oxygen and an IV but in her situation even if we stabilized her she would not last. I chose to stay with her and hold her and love her to the end I ended her suffering but in my shock I am living each day questioning my decision missing my Jess so much. Just one more day I wish I had.

We had a good life together there will never be another Jess, I need time to heal but I will never forget her unconditional love. - all our walks, our travels and our days together will remain in our memories forever. She needed us all these years but now i realize how much I needed her.