Jackson....

Over the last year our 12 year old black lab, Jackson, has been losing weight...we haven't been able to figure out why he wasn't eating. He has lost 24 lbs in about 15 months. Last week I made a Vet appointment for him and today was the day. We had an appointment with the Dr. that we started with 25 years ago when we first moved in this area. Within the first 5 minutes of the Dr. examining Jackson he found a mass in his abdominal area. After blood work, urine test and x-rays it was determined that the mass was in or around the spleen area. Four hours later he was in surgery. And about two hours after that I finally received the call that he was doing well and resting comfortable. The spleen was removed and in about 5 days we will know the results of the biopsy.

Our animals become part of our family. We bring them in our homes in various ways...they are picked, found, rescued or just show up. Jackson was a found puppy. About 14 years ago our beloved first four-legged child, Sandy, passed on to the next life and I thought we would never love another pet. A year later, our sweet Jackson was found by one of hubby's Navy friends. The friend was unable to keep him and offered him to us. Our daughters were at their grandparents for the week, so we took the 5 pound ball of fun, bathed him, he was full of fleas, fed him, took him to the vet and fell in love with him. After the okay from the Dr. we introduced him to our girls. They loved him! But, immediately he was hubby's dog, would follow hubby everywhere. Jackson grew to be 85 lbs, would eat anything the girls could slip to him and loved to run around in our yard. Open a car or truck door and he would jump in, never to get out without his ride around the neighborhood! He gives unconditional love, asking nothing in return but a rub under the chin. Today sitting there in the waiting room before the Dr. took him back to surgery I was thinking about all the fun and love he has brought to us. I am so grateful for him today and grateful that he made it through surgery and is resting comfortably tonight. Tonight, I pray he will not be scared that we are not there with him and I pray he knows we will be there tomorrow to pick him up and love him for the rest of his life, whether that is a short time or a long, long time. If you have pets, give them a big hug tonight and remember they are only here for a short time...make it the best. I love you Jackson...sleep well and pain free tonight..see you tomorrow!!