The Most Wonderful Dog in the World (Except for Yours, of Course)

by Juliette
(Woodside, CA)

My beloved Aussie Jackson left Earth on Monday, November 6, 2009, at 10:30 in the morning. I have loved (and lost to old age) many animals, but nothing prepared me for saying goodbye to my amazing friend, "son," resident clown, and beachcombing companion.

Born November 27, 1995, Jacks was a big boy with a big heart -- and to the end, he had the constitution of a dog half his age. I loved his eyes. They were a rich cinnamon brown, and the joy and life I saw there never failed to melt my heart. We went everywhere together.

Jackson loved nothing more than inviting me to play, and I was always ready. Tug, chase, hide-and-go-seek, and more. He also loved his toys (his toybox would put a human child's to shame), and especially liked getting new ones. Until his last year, he always carried a toy on our walks or in the car. Imagine, if you can, a 63-pound Aussie walking down the road with a 2 1/2-foot-long stuffed alligator in his mouth -- needless to say many a neighbor was reduced to helpless laughter.

He was a once-in-a-lifetime dog.

Oh my little boy, my little boy... how I miss you.