Run Free, Sweet Jack

On a day when I should be saying, “It’s Sunday, and time to play with The Paper Players!”,  my heart is breaking…
Jackie and Mom

Am GCH/ Can CH URO1 Anscha-Happy Tail’s You Don’t Know Jack
CGC CGCA BN CD RN RI RA RE TKN BCAT TDI
April 4, 2015 – March 2, 2022

Saying goodbye is never easy, but saying goodbye to my best friend broke my heart.  Maybe that is why they refer to dogs like Jackie as “heart dogs” – your heart is broken when they leave. While it was sad to say goodbye to Muffy and Brody, they had lived long, wonderful lives, until losing their battles to Degenerative Myelopathy (Muffy) and a stroke (Brody).  Jackie would have only been 7 on April 4th – the victim of cancer. He was taken far too soon. Being stoic, as most Boxers are, he hid the symptoms from me until it was too late.  It had invaded his spleen, his liver and chest.  He was placed on an opioid painkiller while the emergency team at Iowa State University worked to stabilize him and assess his case. Iowa State has a wonderful oncology unit, and we were willing to do anything to have him with us longer. Cost was never an issue.  What was an issue was his quality of life.  And unfortunately, the assessment was bleak.  Although our hearts were breaking, we could not put this amazing boy through any more testing, only to end up making the decision to help him transition the next day. His attending vets were compassionate and caring, and cried with us as we said goodbye.  A working dog until the very end, we left his body for further studies. Jackie would have wanted it that way.  He was happiest when he had a job to do. He will return home to us in a few weeks, when his final “work” is done.  As I searched for pictures to post, some tears were replaced by smiles as I remembered his loving spirit, his sweet personality, his willingness to please.  Maybe you didn’t know Jack, but once you knew him, you loved him.

Run Free Sweet Jackie

Run Free Sweet Jackie

Run Free Sweet Jackie

I would love to thank my team mates at The Paper Players and Festive Friday for allowing me time away from my design team duties to allow my heart to heal.   Three dogs in three months is almost more than I can bear.  I apologize to my customers for not being in contact this last week. I’ll be back taking care of business on Monday.

Run free, sweet Jackie.  I know your mother Muffy,  Uncle Brody, and friend Lexi were there to meet you at The Bridge.  I will miss you more than you will know…

Until next time…

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62 Comments

  1. Dear Ann, My heart breaks for your family. I am so sorry you lost Jack too. What a shock. Our deepest sympathy to you and your husband. Hugs, Lisa

  2. Sharon Broussard

    Oh Anne I am so sorry!! I remember following the stories of Muffy and Brody when you brought them home. I remember when Muffy had her litter with little Jack and the others. My heart breaks for you! You are all in my thoughts and prayers!!

  3. Oh Ann, I’m so sorry you’ve had to say goodbye to another furbaby so soon. Whether it’s expected due to known health issues or comes as a surprise, it still feels impossibly difficult to get through. So many hugs.

  4. Mary Alice Bellis

    My heart is breaking along with yours. Such a loss! I always love hearing your stories about the dogs.

  5. Oh my God Ann, no, my heart is breaking for you!! I am so, so sorry, this is beyond, so much loss lately. Sending hugs and prayers. There are no words- please take care.

  6. I was so saddened to read this post today. Another loss so close together is just unbelievable. It’s like they called each other over so they could be together again. Your heart needs time to mend.

  7. I waited to send you a comment until I could write something without crying. Your three precious dogs have left you with a shattered heart. I wish I could remember the author of this quote: “Our pets only break our hearts once, and that is when they die.” Your Muffy, Brody and Jack gave your life such meaning and purpose. Grieve all you need and I wish you nothing but sweet memories of Jack.

  8. I have followed you for many years. I’m a diehard SU stamper and a passionate Yorkie lover! I love dogs, but I’m passionate about my breed like you are yours. I absolutely cannot imagine losing three in three months! I JUST CAN’T. I’m so very sorry you are going through this.

  9. Virginia (Ginger) Toivonen

    Thinking of you and Kim as you navigate the difficult waters of grief. Sending love and hugs.

  10. Once again, I’m so sorry to hear about Jack. My heart breaks for you during this time Ann. Such sadness to have to endure with the loss of not one but three Furr Babies in three months! Thoughts & Prayers & Hugs!

  11. Good Morning Ann, So sorry to hear of your loss. I have been watching you and the little girls and guys for a lot of years. It is so very hard to say good bye to our little best friends. Prayers are with you.

  12. Everyone has said what I would say. Enjoy all the precious memories of the time he had with you and your family.

  13. Oh Ann, I am so, so sorry. I cannot imagine the sorrow and pain of losing three loved ones in as many months. I was devastated last year losing my Harley at 18 months. I couldn’t even go to work the next day. But three? My heart breaks for you. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. All my love.

  14. Dear Ann,
    My heart goes out to you… 3 in such a short time how sad. I know just loosing one of the family is very tough I feel for you and your husband. Hugs to both of you on your loss. All three are out of pain and running in a beautiful place.

  15. Dear Ann, you have suffered so much heartbreak in such a short time. I have cried along with you while reading your posts. The dogs could not have a more loving mother, caretaker, or best friend. I lost my two cats within six weeks, three within 13 months. One was also younger and her death was unexpected.
    Take time to heal. Look at my those precious moments often.
    My deepest sympathy.

  16. So very sorry. So many losses so close together…. sending hugs your way…. I have no words to ease your pain except I do understand.

  17. Ann, my heart is broken for you. I just cannot imagine three precious babies lost in three months. You and your husband are in my thoughts and prayers. So, so sorry.

  18. Oh my goodness…. I feel so bad for you! Please know that we’re all thinking of you and hope you’re doing OK. You’ve been through a lot! Take care!

  19. Oh, honey! I am so very sorry. My heart hurts for you. You and your husband are in my loving thoughts.

  20. I am so terribly sorry that you and your family are having to go through another loss! My heart hurts for you, but I know you have lots of wonderful memories to help. Please know that prayers have been sent and will continue to be sent.

  21. I am so sorry that Jackie is gone. I lost my Keela a couple years ago and she is still in my heart and will be forever, as I’m sure your lovely Jackie will be. Have strength and comfort in the wonderful memories you will carry with you. Love never dies.

  22. So sorry for your loss. Your boxers are beautiful animals. You are one of the best dog people I know.

  23. Jack is very lucky he had such wonderful “parents” that knew when it was time to say goodbye. He certainly was a handsome guy. I had a boxer named Ginger while I was a teenager. They are the smartest and most loyal dogs. I always love your posts and the pictures of your your family. I understand heart dogs I had one of those and it took a long time to get over the lose of her in my life. We all cope with great losses in our own way and time. Be gentle with yourself and know that others are holding you in our hearts and prayers. Hugs from a Stampin’ Up Sister in Florida

  24. Sending virtual hugs and sincere sympathy for your loss of Jack. Thank the Lord for the memories you and Kim have of Jack, Muffy and Brody. They were special.

  25. Bless your sweet hearts, I am so sad for you. It is alays so heartbreaking to say good bye to one, much more 3. You were blessed to have them in your life and they were very lucky to have such wonderful loving “parents”. They were beautiful.

  26. My deepest sympathies to you for the loss of your
    sweet Jackie.
    Losing those four legged family members is never
    easy. 😢💔
    Prayers and hugs to you

  27. My heart is breaking for you. So much sadness in your life, but am pleased you ca n still feel joy at Jack being with youin those g reat pictures. TFS

  28. And my heart is aching for you. This has been a horrible 3 months for you. Take time to recover your losses.

  29. You are right—three losses in three months is hard to bear, especially when it wasn’t his time. I’m so sorry and am sending healing hugs and lots of love to you and yours.

  30. Maria A Rodriguez

    Dearest Ann: I’m at a loss for words, my sweet friend, I can’t imagine going through all of this pain and loss in such a short time. I know your heart is broken at the sight of the empty bowls and beds, the lack of noise, the absence of these beloved and sweet companions is so heavy a burden to bear and impossible to fill. I also know that the memories you have of them will live with you always, let them be a balsam to soothe your aching heart.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you, my dear.
    Sending also loving hugs.
    Maria.

  31. Ann, my heart hurts so badly for you and your family. That is too much loss in a short time. I’m so happy that you have lots of sweet, funny, good memories, hold onto those. Hugs!

  32. Chris from Pella

    Hugs my friend.

  33. Oh my! My heart is breaking for you! I have always enjoyed your posts about your dogs!

  34. So so sorry. I can’t imagine 3 in 3 months. Thoughts and prayers to heal your heart.

  35. My heart is breaking for you. I can’t imagine losing 3 babies in such a short time. I’ve followed your postings of your dogs and share your grief from a distance. Hugs to you.

  36. Sometimes there aren’t enough words or tears to get thru the pain of losing so many fur babies in such a short period of time. 💔 💔💔 Sending you prayers of strength to get thru this difficult time of grief. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

  37. I am so sorry for your loss I know that your heart is breaking I feel your pain my son has lost his 4 pitbulls in 3 months I miss my grandpuppies so much they were like my kids. Just remember the good times.

  38. What a pain the loss of beloved pets causes! What joy they bring to us as we remember all the great times we have had with them. But that doesn’t make saying good by any easier. Healing this sorrow takes time. Praying for comfort as you go through this difficult time.

  39. What a terrible blow losing 3 dogs in 3 months. I’ve never heard of it before. Losing one is bad enough but 3 is unbearable and my heart goes out to you folks as you are such devoted animal lovers.

  40. Ann, sometimes there are no words.
    Sending caring thoughts to you and your family.

  41. Ann, May you find strength in all those who are sending love and prayers.

  42. Oh dear, that is just too much sadness for one family to bear. I am so very sorry.

  43. Barbara M Riefner

    I am so very sorry for you. I tear up every time I think of the losses you have been through. Know that you will meet all of them again and they will run and play with you like they were puppies again. Keep that thought as you go through the hurt of losing them. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. Know you have friends who are hurting for you.

  44. Oh, Ann. I am so sorry for your loss. I thought I must have been reading this wrong! Hard to believe that it has happened again. Deep love and prayers of peace to you.

  45. Oh my gosh. I can’t imagine your grief at losing three of your precious pups in a short time. I have one and I dread the day we have to say goodbye to him. He is our world. Prayers for you.

  46. Ann, once again I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you. They were all so beautiful! Hugs.

  47. Oh my gosh. What a handsome dude. And I bet he was a gentle giant. Again, wipe the tears and smile with all the memories. He is without pain now. Hugs to you and your husband.

  48. Ann, my deepest sympathy to you on yet another death of your four legged family member, Jack. Sending big hugs to you.

  49. Oh my word! My heart aches for you all over again. I can’t even imagine. So much love to you and Kim. ❤️❤️❤️

  50. So very sorry Ann for your loss. No words can express my sorrow for you 😢

  51. Ann, my thoughts are with you during this very sad time. May sweet memories provide you comfort.

  52. No words seem adequate. 🙏

  53. Deborah Halstead

    There are just no words…I’m so sorry. God Bless You and your family. Deborah

  54. OMG! Again my heart breaks just reading your post. I know that only time will begin to heal your heart. I am so sorry. We lost our doggy, Bailey to leukemia at the age of 8. My tears are replaced with smiles and 8 beautiful years of fond memories.

    • So very sorry. My heart goes out to you and the family. Fur babies are part of tithe family. Priceless memories with Jack.

  55. Dear Ann: God is there and He will give you the necessary strength. It must be so difficult for both of you. He will always be there, alive, in your thoughts.

  56. So sorry to hear of all this! You need a little time to heal. Just take your time to greive, and when your ready, we will all be here. Praying for you !!💞

  57. Oh my Ann. You and your family have been through so much the past few months. Sending sincere sympathy, thoughts, and prayers. May you treasure all the good memories you had with your pups. 🐾🐾🐾

  58. Ann, my heart breaks for you. Losing three furkids in three months is unimaginable. Sending hugs from Canada.

  59. I am so very sorry for your loss of all 3 of them. It is so hard when we lose our Furr Babies. MY thoughts and Prayers are with you. Sending Hugs.

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