Jackson (Jack Jack)

Page last updated on Saturday, March 31, 2007.

Jackson's story is told by his new mom, Diane:

In May, 1999, my dog Rici (pronounced "Ricky") and I said a very sad goodbye to a wonderful shepherd-mix companion called "Max" due to Prostate cancer. He and Rici were soulmates and his passing was difficult for both of us. After a few months, we decided it was time to try to find another friend to join our family. It didn't take long!

On October 2, 1999, Rici and I went to an adoption day at PetSmart in Springfield. I explained I was interested in a companion for my 13-year-old dog and myself. Given Rici's age and problems with arthritis in her hips, we wanted a non-puppy that would provide companionship for us both. Jack Jack was suggested as a good possibility. Jack was adorable when we met him. The 3 of us went outside the PetSmart to sit and meet each other and, while there was an understandable distance between Rici and Jack, there wasn't even a hint of animosity. So, Jack came home with us. Within 15 min. of arriving, he found the pile of toys that Max and Rici pretty much ignored and immediately began to play. Jack Jack (renamed Jackson but fondly called "Jack") quickly adopted us as his new family. Rici was understandably shy at first, but the 2 of them have become quite compatible.

During the first couple of weeks, Jack would trail me around the house ... I couldn't leave a piece of furniture, let alone a room, without him right with me. Now, he'll often go outside himself when I leave the patio door open. Jack and Rici got to know each other over the first few weeks. At first, they were occasionally curious of each other, but generally just accepted the other's presence. There were occasional territorial growls, but very occasional. Now, after 7 weeks, they often lay down next to each other as they're doing right now and I've caught Rici giving Jack little kisses on occasion!

Rici has lived with another dog for 11 of her 13 years, so sharing her home comes naturally. What probably makes it easier is that she and Jack have different preferences ... he likes to cuddle and she keeps more to herself (although when Jack cuddles, Rici's likely to ask for a bit as well ... the "me too" syndrome). The 3 of us are often on the couch together ... me at one end, Rici at the other (her favorite spot) and Jack cuddling up next to me. At bedtime, Rici prefers the foot of the bed, Jack the head. Somehow, Jack quickly learned that I like to use the snooze alarm on work days. He lets me hit it twice, but the third time he comes over and gives me soft little kisses to remind me it's time to get up.

At first, Jack was not pleased at the prospect of having his ears cleaned ... I got more of the liquid on me than in his ears! After a couple of weeks, though, he's accepted it with grace. He's a perfect fit for the laundry tub, so that's where we go for the twice-a-week event ... and we always have treats nearby, of course.

Jack loves to play with the toys and chasing the birds and squirrels in our backyard. I always knock on the patio door when the squirrels are out so they have a head-start before Jack runs out. He ignores the fact that there are steps to walk/run down and leaps off the deck instead. When he hits the ground, he's up on his hind legs sniffing the air for the squirrels. Then he proceeds to bounce (maybe I should have called him "Tigger"!) around the yard looking for any creature he may not have seen before. Another favorite part of his day is our walks. After Max died, Rici and I starting taking short walks when I got home from work. Jack now joins us and the 2 of them walk very nicely together ... ok, so at times they pull in different directions ... but they're usually very good. I can't help but laugh when Jack wants to see/sniff something on the other side of Rici and just walks right under her tummy!

Another of Jack's favorite things ... scratching his tummy ... both my me and the carpet! Often, he'll lay on the floor, stretch his back legs behind him and then pull himself across the floor ... kind of like the "crawling under the barbed wire" military training we see in movies. It's hysterical!

We took a trip down to North Carolina about 10 days after Jack joined us and he was wonderful on the trip ... slept most of the 6 hours down. And, he was the perfect gentleman, making himself welcomed at "Grandma's" (oh what a big yard you have to play in ... and all those neighboring dogs to bark at!). We'll be heading down again for Christmas with "Aunt Maureen" who'll join us from Illinois.

We've had a couple visits to the vet ... general checkup (excellent marks for this 4-year-old), weight check, grooming ... and he immediately makes best friends. Everyone we've come in contact with there comments on how cute and well behaved he is. "How lucky you are" they tell me. I agree!

Max's death left a big hole in Rici's and my lives. Jack has carved his own niche and both Rici and I couldn't be happier. There are no "super dog" stories to tell or "miracles" to recount. He's just a special "little guy" (his 2nd name) who has warmed our hearts and makes us feel loved. And he is loved in return.

Thank you OBG for letting Jack become a part of our lives!

Diane May

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