Jackie, was a rescue I was only supposed to foster. She had been hit by a car & left for dead in March of 1994. A Kind lady stopped to move her off the road & discovered that she was alive. The lady called the Bouv rescue to ask if we would take her. Upon a vet exam is was discovered that Jackie was at the very least 10 years old. She also had some long term health problems. So My Husband & I decided to keep her ourselves & let her live out what ever time she had left with us.
Jackie recovered , & proved to be a delightful old girl of many talents . Inculding an uncanny abillity to open things like refridgerator doors. She was smart, quick to learn & the sweetest lil Bouv girl you could ever hope to meet a real cuddle bear. My Zeker adored her from the day we brought her home, as did every one else in the house.
Ayecee & Jackie at the Fowlerville fair july 1997
(sorry this itsn't a very good picture)
My oldest Daughter showed her in 4-H , & AKC Junior handleing. Jackie got a 5th place in conformation at the fair out of a class of 50 & a 10th place out of a class of 42 in obediance( she was a little slow on the recall, & lagged a bit in the heel, but did knock 'em dead down & sit stays).Not Bad for a dog in about her 13th year of life.
As the years went by my Zeke started to lose his eyesight & Jackie stepped right in. She would guide him down the steps to go outside, the two of them were insepratable.
My Jackies last few months were not easy for her, and very difficult for those of us that knew & loved her. She would quit eating & sleep all the time her arthrites had gotten so bad there were days she couldn't stand. When the strokes & seiziers started I felt it was time to give my sweet Jackie girl her dignity , and let her go on to the Rainbow bridge to be with my Beloved Bear.This decision didn't come easy . I don't think a decision like this could. But when I felt my sweet old girl at rest & heard a soft sigh, I Knew I had done the very best I could by her. She has earned a permanent spot in my heart & will be forever missed & never forgotten.
Shelby & Jackie Nov, 1997
Jackie 1983?- Dec.1,1997
FROM FRIEND TO FRIEND
You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.
But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.
So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.
The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.
That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner 'til the end.
Please, understand just what this gift,
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.
You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.
So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.
Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.
And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.
I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
...a young dog once again.
(c) Karen Clouston
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Bears tribute pageclick here!
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