Monday, July 20, 2009

White Boys STILL Can't Jump

Even with assistance!

What I Did On My Summer Vacation!






I had a great time in North Conway with my friend Laurel and her Mom and Dad. We went to Storyland, Thomas the Train, The Alpine Slide and swimming in the hotel pool. Not to mention we went out for BBQ Ribs! I like vacations!

R.I.P. Zack January 4, 1996-July 13, 2009


The 2 words we've been dreading for so long...It's time to say goodbye to our loyal, loving, always-need-to-be touching-us, best friend Zack. "PJ's Sidekick" Zack, born January 4, 1996, was truly the best dog. Yes, there were many times when we didn't think he was so great...during his puppy years he dug a hole thru the sheetrock into the adjoining condo TWICE, he broke out of his crate and completely ransacked the house and chewed the TV remote, which turned the TV on and he was sitting happily on my brand new white couch when I arrived home. Or the countless nights of no sleep because Zack was sleeping literally on top of us and we didn't want to disturb him. When I first met Tim, he and Zack didn't really hit it off right away. In fact, when we were dating, Zack walked over to Tim one day and lifted his leg and peed all over Tim's shoes! (Some of us found that hysterical, others not so much!). But the day I walked into the living room and Tim was face down fast asleep and Zack was on top of Tim's back with his nose in Tim's neck also fast asleep I knew all would be okay. From then on they became best buds and I moved to the bottom of the pack. In his 13.5 years he's done alot. Zack has summited eleven 4000 footers, been sailing and camping, been to the beach and the pool. He basically went whereever we went. He was a loving therapy dog and brought lots of joy to the folks at Lowell Adult Day Care for a few years. He enjoyed being "top dog" around here. He also has been a trouper. He's had 4 surgeries - 2 knees, 1 tail and one major back surgery. He pulled through all of them like a champ - especially the back surgery, where we weren't sure if he would make it. He knew we needed him and he fought to stay with us. And he's put up with Dominik's arrival on the scene and displacing him as "top dog". Dominik hasn't always been the easiest kid to put up with either. There was a time that Dominik enjoyed making Zack show his teeth and growl, so he would torture Zack by ripping his hair out or smashing him on the nose with a full sippy cup. Zack never once even thought of hurting him. Up until about one year ago, he was still going on 3 mile walks every day. This past winter was very hard on him. And now he needs us to be strong for him. As Michael Jackson said "kiss me and free me - show me you care". We need to free Zack of his suffering. The tumor on his spleen has grown and is causing him discomfort and his legs are not able to hold his weight much any more. On Monday, July 13th, we will say goodbye to our beloved Zack and we will keep with us all of the wonderful memories that he has given us. We are so lucky to have had him in our family. Our only regret is that Dominik will not get to grow up with him. Zack, we will never let you part, you are always in our hearts. We miss you so much, but are happy that you are at peace now.