Your name was
Blackjack, but everyone just called you Jack. A black lab retriever and my
fabulously, faithful, floppy eared, furry, friend. I'm just remembering you
today as I often do my friend.
Remembering how you loved to head to the water on the hot summer days and your daily visits to the neighbors for treats. Which often led me there for a visit also, only to find you on their sofa in front of the TV. "Can my dog come home now?" I'd say.
You never seemed to think you were a dog and I guess you were right. You certainly were more than just a dog. You, who were always there with a willing ear and a sloppy kiss as you'd climb up onto the sofa and put your head in my lap. Just an ear scratch and a belly rub was all you would ask.
"Jack the Licker" we'd call you or of course "Jack Riley", since you certainly had the life. You still are such an example my friend, never an unkind word (or bark) for anyone. Not even for the neighbor’s cats, who took over your doghouse and made it the neighborhood "cat house".
Remembering how you willingly
tolerated (you actually loved the attention) having to wear your doggy antlers
at Christmas. And how you proudly wore your fire helmet and rode in a fire
truck during the parades. And your Halloween bandana as you "trick-or-treated"
to the neighbors again for bacon strips.I remember now the games of "biscuitball" and walks in the park with your lease in your mouth. "He's taking himself for a walk" I'd tell everyone.
"He's died and went to heaven", everyone said the day you came to live at the lake with me. No, my friend you brought heaven to me.
It's 15 years years now, since you've been gone. I remember that day so clear, the most difficult day of my life. The day I repaid you for all of your unconditional love. Barely able to walk, but with a heart so brave, I lifted you into the truck and stopped to buy you donuts on the way. Proud to the end, you would not be carried into the vets that day. Silently you walked in and lay on the floor, three grown adults cried as they watched.
That heart so strong, it almost refused to stop. But finally you rested, a rest so deserved. Now you're in doggie heaven, I'm sure and chasing slow rabbits is your reward.
We miss you, my friend and Zeekee, the cat who runs with you now, too. She slept in your spot until it was her turn to join you. Riley was your namesake, chocolate he was though and bigger too, plus the little black lab, JJ (Jack Junior)... Simon, the yellow lab. They sat together with Zeekee to keep her warm and say goodbye on her last day...
Friends you would have been, playmates I'm sure. They've all joined you now... And there's a new kitty in the house... I miss you my friend... XXX
