Jackson: Little Prince Charming

by Jane
(London, UK)


In May 2012, I received the best gift I could ever receive, my baby boy for whom I prayed. I called him Jackson. He was the bestest friend, the most patient teacher, the most loyal companion, the most beautiful child, inside and out, the joy of my world and the colour in it. I cooked all his meals fresh, nutritionally balanced, if there was one thing I thought was certain, it was that he would live a long life.

Last month, at 3.5 years, he became sick and rapidly deteriorated. He could not keep food down and refused to eat. He was weak and hot. He had masses of drool coming from his mouth. All this developed in the space of two days.

He was hospitalized and put on fluids and syringe fed, but he did not respond to any medication. His first day in hospital I visited him, he licked and licked my hand, as he lay on his baby tummy. I think it was his way of saying, 'I have not the strength to move but I am SO glad to see you.' I kissed and kissed his lovely head and nose, stroked his beautiful long back and paws, and told him I love him so many times. The next day, I came back, he could no longer lick or sit up, or gaze at me, but I was lucky to hold him for hours.

I could tear the skin off my face at my powerlessness in the situation that I never thought would happen. There were so many things we planned that would be forever left undone. I prayed endlessly and held on to the hope that there had to be a way for him to survive. I could not picture a world without him in it. There had to be a way. I would have done anything to save him, and would do anything to bring him back to our lives, at home.

Tests revealed multiple organs were failing. It looked as though he had tonsular cancer (as his tonisils were very enlarged and abnormal) which spreads rapidly to the surrounding organs. His heart and liver were failing, not to mention his stomach and what seemed like his brain. He could not walk or close his eyes when sleeping. He spent the whole last day drifting in and out of sleep in my arms as I discussed with the internal medicine vet our options.

She offered operating to biopsy every organ but it was clear he would not make it past the anesthetic. Being so weak, how could I expect him to heal from a mutilated body? Remembering the pain of his castration, I knew how much a more elaborate operation would hurt him and demand of him. And what of the treatments? Could I put him through chemotherapy just to prolong his days and his suffering? I could not put him through any of those options. She said his prognosis was very poor, additionally because his heart was attacked. I knew he deserved the best.

Without thinking of myself, I know his last wish would have been to be in my arms and not in a crate somewhere among strangers. I held him in my arms, kissing his neck and telling him I love him repeatedly, like I always did. My daddy held his head and Jackson fell asleep peacefully by injection. Just like that, in that fateful and heavy moment, I felt his spirit leave that beautiful, once chronically alive, body I loved on constantly. My whole world ended there. He brought every single light into my life.

I sat there crying my eyes out, the doctor left the room, and Jackson's spirit came to me and said, "Don't you ever feel unloved mama, I loved you more that love itself. I will always run beside you." Is there anything more deep than a Schnauzer's love for his family? He was my first dog, and so, I made mistakes in the beginning for which I feel such overwhelming guilt now because he deserved the best, but he never held a grudge. He loved me when I did not deserve such wonderful love at all.

It's been a month and a week since my world changed. I miss Jackson terribly. My arms hurt. If I could just see him again and kiss him again...those things that came freely before I would give anything to have now, even just for a single minute. He made me the luckiest girl in the universe and beyond. That's just how amazing he was to me. He was the best of everything. Being Jackson's mommy was the greatest and best opportunity of my life.

Where is Jackson now and why did he have to go too early? These are the last questions. Medicine deals with the physical but not the spiritual. The vet said dogs go to heaven for sure because they are better than people. I have conviction that his spirit is with me. Life is a mystery. All I can know, I am so sorry for each mistake, which I so wish I could correct, and I love you more than air. If there is one thing I could have, it is to be with Jackson again, one day, that is all I want, nothing else. I hang on to that hope; and I hope it is true.

My Jackson, I love you endlessly, my dearest, dearest, sweetest friend, brother and son, and now my angel. As I live on in this physical body, I'll make sure to keep you alive by living up to all the things you taught me: To have courage, to be patient, to forgive quickly and, most of ALL, to love, to keep your light on. It is so hard, I do not know how you did it, but that is what made you Super-Jack. I hope the angels are treating you well. You showed me heaven is real.

Mama loves you, no end, no end, no end.



Comments for Jackson: Little Prince Charming

Click here to add your own comments

Apr 26, 2016
Jackson
by: T St Louis

Jane, thank you for your kind words in memory of Joey. It means a lot to me. I hope you are doing better. I know you miss your beautiful little Jackson. Thinking of you and hope you're doing ok.you're in my thoughts and prayers. T. St L

Jan 09, 2016
Thank You
by: Anonymous

Dear Schnauzer family,

Thank you for much for your comforting words. It means a lot to me to have someone who understands. I am so sorry for your loss. They are the best thing about this life, the most precious, precious children and friends. I look forward to that day we see them again. They are in heaven for sure; we must ensure to be on our way there too. They are surely waiting for each of us. Big hugs to each of you. <3 <3 <3

Dec 16, 2015
Jackson
by: T St Louis

So very sorry for your loss. Understand your sorrow. Miss my Joey boy so much. Jackson knew he was loved! God bless, comfort and peace to you.

Dec 09, 2015
Jackson
by: Anonymous

I am so very sorry for your loss! I lost my soul mate 13 months ago at the age of 14.5 and I still miss him so! His spirit definitely lives on in me and the love he gave and showed me will continue to teach me the true meaning of love! Dog spelled backwards spells GOD! So, I do believe we will be re-United with our fur babies! God Bless and I pray you will find it in your heart to love another!

Dec 09, 2015
All dogs go to Heaven
by: Mary

God Bless and believe me you will see him again!
So sorry for your loss, I know that feeling all to well it never goes away

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to A Schnauzer Tribute.

Search Schnauzers-Rule.com


Custom Search


Miniature Schnauzers Rule
Share this page:
Share page info with family & friends. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Hide a Squirrel

hide a squirrel AMZN

Schnauzer Tested and Approved Dog Toy: Hide a Squirrel on AMAZON

GET HEALTHY

icon health 1

Great deals on vitamins for your pet!

Note: I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Zymox Vet Shampoo for Dogs AMZN

Veterinary Strength Shampoo for Dogs helps destroy bacteria and fungi that cause skin infections and Schnauzer Bumps


Mini Schnauzer Family Sun Shade for your car's windshield. So dang cute

Sch Windshield AMZN

Adorable Schnauzer Kitchen Quick Drying Dish Towel

Sch Kitchen Towel AMZN

Schnauzers Rule on Zazzle

zazzle schnauzer shop
Schnauzers Rule Zazzle Shop

Be sure to visit our Zazzle store. We have lots gifts for Miniature Schnauzer Lovers including T Shirts, Stickers, Home Decor items and more. Got Schnauzer?


Special Promotional Offers

Check out all the cute dog customers on AMAZON

Amazon purchases through affiliate links, earn me a small commission

PUPPY SUPPLIES

dog supplies amazon general