You can give way to the grief — or you can give thanks that you loved enough to grieve. — Ann Voskamp
There are no words I can think of that will be enough to describe our heartache or what Jack meant to us. I’m so sorry, I know this is hard because you loved him, too.
So many of you were a part of his life for the past 13 years. Whether you knew Jack in real life or just through his adventures shared here on the blog and his social media, he made us all laugh.
My sister has always said she loved that Jack put this whole self into his bark and that really was true of his approach to everything he did. He wasn’t just there, he was fully present and engaged in every part of our day and our family’s life.
Whether he was taking the starfish from my garland or sneaking the ornaments off our Christmas tree or stealing napkins off people’s laps, he certainly kept us on our toes. He was always the life of the party! But it was clear his antics weren’t just to be naughty, he loved to make people laugh and wanted to engage with them. But if you didn’t notice or pay attention to what he had in his mouth, he would drop it. He was just as happy to sit by your side and rest his head on your lap.
Jack created connections in many ways so you always knew you were loved. He loved to watch TV shows with the family (especially dog shows) and would always sit right between us on the couch. Every morning I could count on Jack to be the first to greet me — even if he was asleep he would open his eyes as I walked by and reach his paw up from his bed to shake my hand.
He would never go off to be alone, he was determined to be right where people were and wanted to be a part of every experience. He loved to ride in the car (and comfort Lily on the drive) and go for walks in the forest or beach or anywhere his family was.
Jack was there to get us through loss and there for us in hard times and created memories in happy times.
He warmly welcomed every new member to the family over the past 13 years, from spouses to babies to puppies, he loved everyone well.
Even in his final hours though he didn’t have the strength to get up, walk or even bark, when our kids and grandson came through the door to see him, his eyes lit up, he pulled his head up to greet them and wagged his tail.
Our kids were his greatest joy and he wanted them to know how much they were loved. And in return, they loved him deeply and made sure he knew it right to the end.
We are thankful God brought Jack into our family and let us experience this love. I wish with my whole heart that he could’ve stayed with us longer, we all miss him more than we can express. There have been so many tears. But I am grateful for him and all of the seasons we had together. He impacted our lives in ways we will never forget.
Through his thirteen years Jack taught us how to live life to the full. He made the most of every experience! He showed us how to feel and show love more fully, to go out of our way to create connections, to make fun memories, to embrace everyone, to be by each other’s side on good and bad days. He reminded us that times of laughter and sorrow are a part of living a full and meaningful life and that faithfully being there for each other through it all matters.
We are heartbroken — but we know we feel this loss so deeply because Jack loved us deeply and we loved him. We’re thankful for that.
Thank you for loving him and Lily, too.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I always loved seeing Jack in your posts – he had such a great smile, and all could easily see he enjoyed life and his family immensely. Hugs.
Oh Melissa. My heart is breaking for you all over the loss of Jack. He truly came across as a one of kind. Going to take my guy out for his favorite walk and a pup cup in Jacks honor. ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss. Love and blessings to you and your family at this time.
I say that our dogs are our hairy little gifts from God, a glimpse of the joy of heaven on earth. Hugs and tissues to you and your family.
My heart hurts for all of you! This must be such a sad time for all of you. It always made me smile to see the posts on his IG page and I can tell he had an amazing spirit. I’m so very sorry for your loss. I know how much a part of your lives.
On the day that we had to put down our beloved 19-year-old cat baby, I read a quote in an email that really comforted me. “Grief is the price we pay for love, and it is worth it a million times over.” Perhaps this will bring some comfort to your family also.
I am so sorry and so sad because we have 2 cats that make our day and our lives. We are the kind of people that tell Sam and Grace we will be right back when going on an errand and they are the kind of cats who who us better than we know ourselves, they offer unconditional love and healing at all times. So we understand your loss. Jack was such a good boy.
I’m so very sorry for this deep loss! Jack was the most delightful, handsome, personable dog… I so loved all your updates, your words put to his shenanigans and adorable “looks” were so delightful! I’m so glad he was able to live on the shore these past few years! What magical photos you have! And memories! Thank you & your family for sharing him! Prayers to sweet Lily, too, she will miss him, as we all will!
I’m so sorry to hear about Jack. What great memories in those photos.
We want them to be with us forever but that’s not possible.
When they leave us they take a piece of our hearts with us but they leave the love that they gave us.
I am so very sorry. I loved Jack and all fun.
So very sorry to hear about Jack. We love them hard don’t we? I just know he’s playing with my lovely Lula….she loved the water too. Thinking of you and your family.
I am so sad to hear about Jack. I always looked for his posts and/or pictures to make me smile.i understand the excruciating pain at the loss of a beloved pet. 🙏sent your way. I hope Lilly is ok. She must be looking for her brother and mate. 😢😢😢
(Ooops, my first effort didn’t seem to work. Sorry if this is a duplicate)
You have my deepest condolences and I hope Lily isn’t too sad as surviving animals can be.
The endearing photos of both Jack and Lily was just as often the reason I would share your great blog posts.
He truly was one of a kind. Each picture I thought….that’s my favorite of Jack, then no this one and then again no this one. They never stay as long as we would like them to and years soften the loss a little but not entirely. I feel as if I lost him. Poor Lily won’t quite understand. So sorry.
Such a loving boy. So very sorry for your loss. Much love to you and your family.
Awww, great pics! I’m sorry for your loss, but it’s obvious that Jack had the best life with your family. My son also has a labradoodle who is well loved. Thinking of you and the whole family and praying for peace.
I’m so sorry you lost Jack. Our fur babies become a part of us and it’s painful when we lose them. My husband and I used to “see” our Billie from time to time for years after we lost her. She was a gift as I’m sure that Jack was. They enrich our lives so much and teach us how to be real and gentle people.
So sorry to hear about Jack. He was a wonderful dog and a fine fellow! As sad as it is to lose him, it is truly a great thing to have known such a love.
Jack was an angel unaware. Looking at his pictures with tears in my eyes. There were so many times I would laugh at his antics.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Tears in my eyes reading your post. We have two doods also. Leo & Bella. This breed is so special. Praying for all of you, including Lily. I’m sure she misses Jack so much. May God bring you all peace & comfort 🙏🏻🐾🩵
I am so sorry for your loss. Our pets are such an important part of our lives. He had a great life with a very loving family.❤️
I am heartbroken for you and your family. Jack was a beautiful soul. And that face…those eyes…that nose! In time, the happy will outweigh the sad. But for now, Jack deserves all the tears that show how loved he was.
So sorry about Jack. There are tears as I am writing this. I still miss my sweet dog who died last year. She was only 7 and had cancer. I believe every dog we had on this earth will be with us in Heaven. When another of our dogs died I asked God to give me some comfort and immediately the words I will see you when I get home popped into my head. The exact words I would say to Holly when leaving for work!
We are dog lovers and have a Siberian Husky and a mini Goldendoodle. I will keep you in my prayers.
My heart is breaking for you. They truly bring such light into our lives – so unconditional and pure. We still feel the pain of losing our grandvizsla unexpectedly last year. She was 12 and such a presence in our lives – our sons first dog. It helps to remember our great love for her and hers for us. We still cry so I’m pretty sure there is no “Getting over it”.. prayers to you all…
So sorry!💔Take care!
I’m so very sorry for your loss!!! What a sweet, funny, lovely boy Jack was!! He brought so much love and joy to you and your family as well as your readers!! He will be sorely missed!! Hugs!!♥️♥️♥️
I was so sorry to hear about Jack, I’ve always enjoying seeing him in so many of your posts. You gave him such a great life, he was a fortunate dog for all that you gave him. Losing a dog is heartbreaking , they truly are like good friends. My thoughts are with you!
My heart breaks for you and your family. He will be missed by so many of us followers too. I’m praying for peace and comfort for you all 💙🙏🏻
I am so sorry for your loss. I am crying right now bc my 17 yr old Baby Kitty died a year ago August 1. My husband and I grieved for three months so I feel your pain. I still see her everywhere. I loved the quote about grief. I have one I’m sure you’ve seen.. “until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”Anatole France
I am heartbroken over your loss too.
I am so sorry for your loss. Jack was well loved & had a great life!
Melissa, I am so heart broken for your family & Lilly. I know I’m one of many who loved your boy without ever meeting him. He brought joy to all who loved him in person or through the blog. Praying for all of you. 💔😢🙏
I am so sorry for the loss of Jack. I feel like he belonged to all of us and he will be greatly missed. That face!🥹
Thank you for sharing your precious boy with us. They just do not live long enough 💙
Such a beautiful tribute to a beautiful dog, I am so sorry for your loss, rest in peace Jack, you are going to be greatly missed😢. Thank you so much for sharing Jack with the rest of the world😢💔
Sweet Jack! Your beautiful photos show how much he was loved, and how much he loved you. My sincere condolences to you and your family. xo
I’m very saddened to hear about Jack. He was a big part of your family for a long time, and a real cutie. I always loved the pictures of him in your posts! Animals are a gift from God. It’s so hard to lose them…
What a personality this guy must have had!!!!!!!!! What a joy!!!!!! I have had 3 dogs and the one I have now I love but she is not joyful, not like your Jack anyway and not by most peoples standards. I have tried to improve her demeanor and it won’t be changed. I hope to have a “Jacklike” dog someday. In the meantime, I will accept and love her for what she is. You were blessed to have had him in your life. Yes, it is a mournful thing that he has passed, but because he was so wonderful. His pictures make that testament. I wish you peace.
i am so very sorry (and sad) about jack. he brightened my day many times through the years.
Aww, sweet Jack! He was quite the character and absolutely adorable. So sorry for your loss… hugs to you all and Lily as well.
I have followed Jack from the beginning and I am so glad that you shared him with all of us. I loved watching him look out for funny business, lay on his ottoman and just be entertaining. I have pups of my own and know what a beloved pet can bring to your life. He brought joy to many and will be dearly missed. So sorry.
What a heartfelt memorial for your boy Jack. He was definitely loved and loved the life you gave him.