Thursday was vivid; the sun unburdened. The trees were flowering—what a beautiful moment. Would that it would have lingered but life can move from Spring to Winter quickly and that happened to Marty and me. Deep winter.
Until yesterday we had our 5th edition of a black Labrador named Jazz and then we didn’t. We got the report mid-afternoon from the Vet. Jazz had a urinary track blockage that could not be repaired. And now she is gone. The sun was eclipsed and now I am struggling to retrieve memories—to hold on.
As we drove home from the Vet my wife and I recounted our joys and from time to time, what are now sad memories, turned poignant. None more vivid than our trip to the Vet in the New York Catskills with Jazz having been involuntarily festooned with porcupine quills. She was stoic; well what choice did she have? I suspect the scent lingered in her memory. It was her last encounter with the spiny beast.
Jazz, maybe instructed by the porcupine, liked people more than her four legged peers. At dog parks she made an inerrant path for those whose love would be reciprocated.
And boy did she love the Fall. I suspect most thick coated dogs are happy when the summer has given way. She loved trips in the field to be followed by our time together in a duck blind. The Fall’s temperatures were inviting and her eyes didn’t hesitate to go skyward as the waterfowl migration gathered force.
I’ll be telling Jazz stories until, well, I am done telling stories. She is gone but the memories will remain vivid. Expressions of love are like that!
Al Sikes is the former Chair of the Federal Communications Commission under George H.W. Bush. Al writes on themes from his book, Culture Leads Leaders Follow published by Koehler Books.
Charles E. Valier says
Dogs have a way of expressing love in such a powerful manner that it overwhelms us. They are literally a gift from God. My current Golden, Taffy, series 6, just spent 6 days and 6 nights at our front door waiting for me to come home from the hospital! As I recuperate she lies at my feet waiting for my recovery. My condolences to any one who has missed a dog’s love. There is absolutely nothing like it.
Kathy Bosin says
It’s so hard to lose our short-lived family members. So sorry, Al and Marty.
Gilda Tuttlebee says
So, so, so sorry. I wish there were an analgesic for this type of pain.
Jazz looks beautiful amidst the flowers.
Janice Gnospelius says
Jazz was a Syke—very special. So sorry for the loss that you and Marty must endure in the loss of your beloved pet.
Jan
peter b stifel says
I share your sadness Al———
I’ve lost four wonderful four-footers,,, two of them labs——–
The last one took her final breath in my arms——–
We miss you guys out here in the ‘way back’——-
Your writings are much appreciated——-keep them coming——
S.D. Swan says
May your memories of Jazz be a blessing.
The fact that there have been 5 editions speaks to your openness to renewal and love.
Peace & Light to you and Marty.
Jane Phelan says
I am so sorry to learn of your dog Jazz’s death. Dogs come into our lives to teach us about love. If you have loved a dog, your memories of her will stay in your heart. Remember all the happy times she enjoyed with you.
Yours,
jane phelan
Patti Willis says
They do take big pieces of our hearts when they go. Sympathies to you.
Hal De Bona says
Rest in Peace Jazz. Keeper is waiting for you with zillions of tennis balls
Jacque Smith says
So sorry for your loss. Hope her sweet spirit finds you and Marty again…
Ellen Walsh says
Al and Marty,
I am so sad to learn of your loss. Cherish your memories of Jazz; they are golden.
Ellen Walsh
Deirdre LaMotte says
I am so sorry. There is truly nothing worse than loosing our little pals. You know, they are the only love money can buy. And they always give that love even when they are over that darn “rainbow bridge”! They never leave us….
Dick Myers says
There are no words to express our feelings about the loss of our canine family members. Although Jazz is gone, you have so many memories of your time with her and those will always be there. I know she was special and how you will grieve. I will be thinking about you.