His Name Was Jack.....

When we went to Kenai, Alaska to see best friends, Janie and Phil, in 2021 we met the newest member of their family....Jack. He was a Maremma sheepdog, a big Italian breed....friendly as could be. Dog lovers all we made a big fuss over Jack and sort of "discussed" whether he was to be an indoor or outdoor dog. This breed has a heavy, heavy coat and loves cold weather....a perfect Alaska dog.  Jack would "patrol" the grounds and whenever we heard him barking we knew a moose was close by.  Janie and Phil designed a special heated, indoor sleeping area he could access in the garage....but Jack preferred to sleep outside even in the winter. Janie said he would make a nest in a big snow drift right below their bedroom window....comfy as could be. 

But, no surprise, as Jack became more and more beloved he'd peek in the living room window and then be allowed to come in....but only on a small area rug right by the doorway.....

.....and then, maybe during meal time, he would be allowed to come just a little closer.

As an Alaska resident and parents who loved to fish and spend time in the kitchen, Jack enjoyed home made salmon dog cookies and he even sent a few home in our suitcase for Fenway. Jack loved to run and would follow Phil down the road behind the car....racing to get his exercise. 

I got a fast message from Janie on my phone last night...."We just had to put Jack down. It was peaceful but we are a wreck." I'd known for months that Janie and Phil had been making trips back and forth to the vet to try to help Jack with several serious health problems but the message grabbed my heart and tears filled my eyes. At an outdoor concert I walked away from the music to a quieter area and called....Janie's voice was filled with tears as she told me they were burying him in a place of honor.

We dog lovers know that when they leave they take a piece of our hearts and leave their footprints behind....you were much loved Mr. Jack. You will be missed terribly....and now, the moose will be back wandering through your yard.