I have some sad news to share. Even though, it has been five weeks since our Jackie passed away, it is still hard to say. She had a heart attack. If you have ever lost a dog, you understand how I feel. My dog, was more than our pet. She was a big part of our family. I clearly remember the first time I saw her in a Vet’s shop in Mexico, and I fell in love with her. By that time, my two sons were little, and my poor Jackie learned everything almost by herself. It was hard to split my time between two little boys and a puppy. But she was very intelligent and obedient, and she managed to learn. She grew up along with my sons… she was like a furry sister
She was willing to give you the best of herself all the time, and was happy with whatever you gave her. She was simply happy as a dog. She loved car rides, walks and even the bath time. She was extremely happy every time my husband would come back from work… She loved to eat apples, watermelon, and would patiently wait for dinner time. She was the only one that was always willing to spend some time with my husband in the garage, or watching a football game with him. She never missed an opportunity to take a nap next to you. Dogs are awesome, and I think we should learn from them. I am sure human relationships would be better. Anyway, our Jackie is no longer with us, we have cried a lot for her. The only thing that comforts me, it is that she did not suffer. Now she is in heaven, I am sure of that. From now on, we will keep her in our hearts…

This was sent to me a long time ago by email, I am not sure who wrote it. Maybe you have read it before…
A Dog’s Purpose
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker ‘s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s Death, wondering aloud about the sad f act that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ”I know why..”
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.
He said,’ People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?”
The Six-year-old continued,’ Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long..”
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do..
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you’re not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!












15 comments
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June 28, 2012 at 2:51 pm
Karen Hasheck
Thanks for sharing the lovely words about A Dog’s Purpose. They really touched me. I am so sorry for your loss.
June 28, 2012 at 3:32 pm
~amy~
Oh Mariana…sorry for your loss:( Hang in there!
June 28, 2012 at 3:32 pm
Bev W.
Oh Mariana…..I’m so, so sorry for your loss.Jackie seemed like a truly beautiful part of your family. I too have lost my furry soul mate so I know how “empty” it feels. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Very lovely post btw.
♥hugs for you♥
Bev
June 28, 2012 at 3:36 pm
alicecarman
I totally know how you feel. I lost my dog in 2007 and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about him. I still have his clothes and his leash. I don’t have any children, but I have two other dogs that keep me busy. I’m sorry to hear of her loss. Just take one day at a time and breathe in and out. She’s was lucky to have you and you her. Big hugs Mariana.
June 28, 2012 at 3:46 pm
Virginia Lu
I sure feel your sorrow and pain with Jackie being gone, Mariana! She was the TOP dog for sure! Love your photos with her. Perhaps making a scrapbook page will help? I know it’s not everyone’s thing to do,but that’s what some people do when dealing with the loss. Sending BIG HUGS to you!
June 28, 2012 at 3:52 pm
Margaret
I am so sorry for your loss. We just experienced this in December. It was painful for the whole family since we had our dog for 13 years. He was our protector and friend. We especially miss him greeting us each time we come home. I actually had copies of a Shutterfly photo book made about his life with us,and shared the books with the kids. There were many tears, but now we are also able to remember the good times.
June 28, 2012 at 6:03 pm
Ashley Cannon Newell
So sorry, Mariana. I love the photos of your dog, especially the ones with you in it!
Pets really change your perspective on life. Take care.
June 28, 2012 at 7:31 pm
Kryssi Ng
I’m sorry for your loss, Mariana. I know how you feel, we lost our family dog 2 Summers ago. I find solace in knowing that ‘all dogs go to heaven’. God bless you…
June 28, 2012 at 7:38 pm
AnitaRex
This is a beautiful post and I can see the real love your family had for such a wonderful dog! I am so sorry for your loss, what a fabulous dog he was! Sending hugs!
June 30, 2012 at 2:02 am
alice wertz
sending you big hugs, Mariana. so sorry to hear about Jackie. i think the pets that we have are not just pets, they are members of our families, too and it must have been so hard to not have her around any more. awww… i hope i could give you a big hug. at least she will always be as beautiful and sweet as she was in your memories. =)
June 30, 2012 at 2:56 am
Kasha
I am so sorry about Jackie. She was gorgeous. I know what you are going through, it is so hard to lose a fury family member.
June 30, 2012 at 10:10 am
Jocelyn
Dear Mariana. I am so sorry that your Jackie has gone from your life and that you must go through the pain of her loss. I hope this passes soon and you are left with many lovely memories of your time together.
July 2, 2012 at 5:15 pm
stempelwolfanne
Im sorry to hear that your lovely dog passed away. It is hard when a pet dies. They are so much a part of your live and bring so much joy. I am sure you have many beautiful memories of her. It ll take some time to adjust. Hang in there.
July 4, 2012 at 2:01 am
Kine
Thank you very much for this inspiring post – both your text, the little story and the charming pictutres touched my heart
Hope you are all doing well.
Love your blog
July 8, 2012 at 4:06 pm
Nette
Mariana, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how difficult it is, feels like your heart is being torn out. We lost one our dogs earlier this year, and it’s so hard. They are truly part of the family