On September 5, 2005, the sweetest and most gentle puppy entered my life. From the beginning, Jack was inquisitive and had a great sense of humor, bringing so much joy & happiness where ever he went. A friend once claimed that Jack was like a gregarious salesman who perennially found the handshake buzzer joke to be hysterical. And it never got old. He had an extraordinary interest in stealing hats, mittens and gloves. Those of us who knew him could see people approaching at the dog park or on walks with just that type of mitten that would be so tempting. He could smell a glove or mitten under a foot of snow. And he could tell when a gardening glove was left unattended, just asking to be swiftly grabbed and the game to begin. One of his biggest joys was finding lost gloves on the sidewalk or in the park, and after a day or two wait for the owner to return, getting permission to bring it home. He just pranced and was so proud in doing his job to acquire these treasures. This hobby brought him great joy throughout his life.

Jack grew from a goofy puppy to a handsome stately adult male. He could out run, out play and out last other dogs at day care or the dog park. We loved to watch him run down the beach and dive majestically into the river, over and over. He taught many younger dogs how to spring at just the right moment and fly over the current into the water. To say that Jack had a passion for swimming is an understatement. Even when the lake was less than a week from ice-out in the Spring, Jack would beg to be allowed to jump in. I don't know, Puppy, the water is pretty cold -- but soon, he would have the biggest grin on his face as he swam back and forth along the beach. He always gave that look of - wow, that was invigorating! - as he came out and then jumped back in.

In the last few years, Jack transitioned into a wise and settled aging friend who always remembered the sweetness of life, and retained the most incredible gentleness. He was everyone's friend, but had a special fondness for small children, especially little girls. He didn't hold anything back in showing his love and adoration for those of us closest to him - he knew he was deeply loved and broadcasted that love around him. And of course, anyone looking for a belly to rub would find a patient and transfixed little being, lying on his back with a big grin on his face.

When arthritis slowed Jack down this last year, he asked for shorter and slower walks, but still loved getting out to greet the world with his sweet trusting, smiling face. While there were indications that he was becoming more frail, he was happy and loving and oh so glad to be with his people. The last week of his life, it became clear that he was at peace and without distress, but no longer comfortable in his aching thirteen year old body. On Saturday, August 26th, he gently and peacefully passed, surrounded by so much love of his favorite people. Jack is deeply missed. He brought fun and love and joy beyond what I could have hoped for. He was my companion, and he was a great friend. I am so honored to have shared these last twelve years with him. He will be forever loved.