They say a dog is man’s best friend, but for me, it’s all about a woman. I like to call her “Midge”. Our relationship began when she and the girls sprung me from a chain link cage at an animal shelter
back in 2003. I was only 9 months old at the time, confused and sad to have been dropped off there in the first place. I would have gone with anyone who’d have taken me.
The girls named me after some character in a pirate movie, Captain Jack. As far as I can tell, my main function in this family is to allow everyone to love me. I willingly put up with group hugs that squeeze my middle and pats on the head that make me blink. I also tolerate kisses on the sides of my face and occasionally a full body bath, after which I’m hugged, patted and kissed even more than usual.
Most of my days are spent following Midge around. She likes having me nearby, and I like that, too. If she leaves a room, I usually follow. If she goes upstairs, I go, too. If she shuts the bathroom door, I wait just outside. I understand everything she says to me and do my best to look intelligent when she says it.
Midge and I have walked miles together over the years, and we try to get to the beach every day, even if it’s stormy. She tells me my black coat gets soft and shiny after rain or snow has soaked me. As we walk, I do a lot of sniffing and snoofing, but I always keep one eye on Midge, making sure we don’t get too far apart. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to her.
Recently there was a major shift in our home. I can’t tell you exactly what happened, but I know that Midge’s husband, Pidge, doesn’t come through the front door holding his briefcase and coffee mug anymore. I used to greet him with enthusiastic wags, and he’d give me a few reassuring pats. I never-but-never would jump on him. He had a suit on, for goodness sake.
A couple of weeks ago, Pidge drove in the driveway. At least I thought it was him. His car turned in, just like old times, and I ran out to greet him, happy he was finally home! But when the door opened, it was Klaus. Pidge never appeared, which was a shame, because his absence has been a problem for Midge.
Sometimes she makes strange noises. She sniffs and sobs. When this happens, I move in close. I focus my brown eyes directly on her face and just wait like that till the sniffs and sobs end. Sometimes she’ll tell me what she’s crying about, but other times she just reaches down and strokes my back. She could do anything she wanted to me at those times, and I’d still stay right next to her.
Today I overheard a conversation I could hardly believe. Midge told Louisa and Birgitta that when they drive to Florida to help with the new baby, they’re going to take me along! I was so ecstatic, I almost wet the rug, but that kind of thing is frowned upon.
As for travel skills, I get A+, sleeping quietly in the car for hours at a time. I think the reason they’ll be taking me is strictly for Skylar. She’s a fast-moving mini-person who thinks I’m her plaything. I have to be on red alert when she’s around, but toddler-love is a small price to pay to be included on the road trip. The words “Jack, you have to stay” are the last words I ever want to hear.
For some reason Midge told the girls I’d have to stay behind when she goes to England in the spring to help with a couple of other new babies. I try not to think about that. I heard Midge’s sister Modge say she’d be willing to let me stay with my cousin-dog Sydney during that time, which would be a major treat, but I know she’ll have to OK that with Podge first.
Oh boy, there’s Midge with my leash. Gotta run.
“A friend loves at all times.” (Proverbs 17:17a)
This made me smile. Only true dog lovers will understand! Love to you and enjoy your new grand baby in Flordia.
…and what a faithful friend he is!!! I could almost hear his “radio voice.” 🙂 Give him a pat from me, and a hug to you. So glad he gets a FL trip!! He’s welcome to stay with us anytime.
Wow, Jack is quite the author!! I think he could write a book & it would be a best seller!
Thank you for blessing me with Nelson. I’m so thankful to have a friend like him. I hope to thank you in person one day. He talks about you all the time and how he adores you.
What a blessing to have a dog like Jack! Hope I’ll get someone like him one day!
haha! I think this has been my favourite post… I’m sitting, meant to be working, in the library but laughing out loud to this instead! You have truely made my day!!
I’m sad that Jack won’t be over in the spring… I know Besa and Disco would love to hang out with him!!
xx
So creative Mom! I love it. We are counting the days till you all get here. Love you!
Dear Jack,
You would think that being named for a Johnny Depp character was enough, but did you know your name means “God’s gracious gift?” And you have been. Thanks for taking care of Midge so well and being all in to go on her crazy adventures, just like your namesake.
Big bones and small fleas to you Captain Jack. You are a good and perfect gift from above.
Ah, Jack! Love on Midge for me today, please!
Haha! Great post Buddy. You keep up the good work – I know that Midge is very grateful to have you around!
xx
Hey Jack, nice post!! Puli rescued me too!! Puli and Puggy sound a lot like your home, lots of hugs and rubs and kisses. I love to walk around our small lake with Puli. I sniff and picking up sticks then if I’m lucky, I get to go into the water and splash around a bit. I think you are right, God put us here for them. He knows they need us, we are their confidants, their kleenexes, their friends. I do wish sometimes I could talk, there would be a lot to say. Sometimes humans miss God’s love, your family sounds like they get it, so does mine. God created us for them. He does a lot for them, He loves them so much. I am so honored to be a dog. You are doing a good job keeping Midge company. Woof.
Oh yeah, you can come stay with me when Midge is not around, Puli and Puggy would love having you here, so would I.
From what I’ve read, dogs are probably going to be in Heaven, and what a treat that will be to have Jack there. It wouldn’t surprise me if he will be able to talk in such clear words…
Enjoy your time in Florida, Margaret! It’s coming very soon.
Jack has figured so conspicuously in your blogs, it is fun that he gets to have his “say”…(and so articulate!) Casey, and Hansi, and Reggie are the dogs who made the difference when Terry died, and as I dripped daily over Casey, all I could think of was…”He’s so absorbent!” He never leaked…:) just took it all in and held it. Thank God for dumb creatures, who don’t judge and are just THERE— And grin goofily when they see a leash. Boy, are we NOT like them!
Loved this! Jack is very expressive and I would loved to see him typing this story out. tehe
Precious Jack – for such a time as this.
Wow Jack IS God’s gracious gift! I love this post Marnie! I can just imagine him staring at the keyboard typing away. Dogs are so amazing. When I broke my ankle, Sydney was almost always right next to the couch. She acted like she was there to protect me. 🙂 Jack is doing exactly the same thing.
Loved this blog…how fun and creative to read how life is through Jack’s eyes! He is such a dear friend and buddy to you these days. God is a lot like Jack in some ways…faithful, patient, loving, understanding, closeby, ever-present, protective and ever-ready to go with you wherever you go. What a gift!