We said goodbye to a Good Girl this week. My family and I belonged to Jack Jack for about 13 years, and she was an amazing addition.
When Jack Jack was about 2 months old a friend of mine brought her into the office where we worked. The moment I saw her my heart whispered “mine,” and a few months later I got the call and I knew I would. She was part of our pack, and we were part of hers.
Jack Jack taught without trying, and set a good example for me and my children. Today’s post is in remembrance of her, and an update on an earlier post (here’s the link) about the guidance from our German Shepherd.
1. Be loyal. Everything Jack Jack did was because she was loyal to her pack. From the way she would stomp her feet at the chickens – not to hurt them, but to make them poop so she could eat it, the way she tamed Jacqueline (the cat) when no one else could get close to her, to the way she patrolled the house every night before settling in where she could watch over everyone. German Shepherds will love you and stick with you until their last breath. We returned that loyalty to her. We loved her fiercely and did everything possible to save and protect her.
2. Touch and snuggle. Jack Jack was a hugger. She’d come up to you and put her head in between your arm and your side and push into you. She’d hook you with her tail when standing next to you. She was good about staying off the furniture, but if you were sitting on the floor she would come and stand over you and either sit in your lap or hug you on the neck with her big, fuzzy, head.
3. Listen. Jack Jack listened intently when you talked to her. I think she actually understood me. So much of communication is not in the words we say. She didn’t judge, and loved me even more when I talked to her. She reminded us of the importance of listening to others, even if you don’t understand them. Listen without judgment.
4. Think. Shepherds are super intelligent. Jack Jack could solve a problem by looking at it, thinking about it, and then making a decision. Sometimes the best way to get through something is to wait, look, and think about it. Sometimes that thinking got her into trouble. Like when she was home alone during the day and figured out how to get the garbage lid off and took out the garbage and lined it up in a very neat line across the living room floor. She definitely noodled that one out.
5. Protect those you love. Jack Jack would run straight at anything she thought was a danger to us or any of her pack. We always knew the chickens were safe from skunks, weasels, or sneaky neighbor dogs when she was around. When we let Jaqueline out at night, Jack Jack would insist on going out to make sure it’s safe for her, and you could not open a door without her right by your side. This week was the first time in 13 years that I’ve filled my bird feeders without a guard dog to protect me from the ground squirrels. She was a good reminder to stand up and protect those you love.
6. Serve. Jack Jack loved us, protected us, made us laugh… she served our family in so many ways. She brought comfort, smiles, and tears of sadness at her loss. I hate that she’s not here, but I love that she made such an impact that her absence is enormous.
I miss her so much. My heart aches without her, but I know we made the most thoughtful and loving decision for her. I remember wrapping my arms around her, how she hugged me, and breathing her in. She smelled like fresh air, freedom, running through fields, and love.
This week, my readers, while my family and I process this loss, I encourage you to open yourself to the guidance of a German Shephard. Even if you don’t understand with your ears, listen with your heart. Love, protect, and serve each other.
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