Thoughtprints: The Story of Jack and Amber

Preface -
I just posted a deeply moving and touching story over on Dog Blog!, then decided to post it here, as well, as it truly does transcend what one might term "just another animal story". Please, sit back and take in the story of Jack and Amber ...

When Daisy came home with us I began visiting 3 Golden Retriever forums regularly in order to educate myself further about the breed, and have learned a great deal from the people who post there. It's so cool when people share their knowledge and experiences with others. At all 3 there have been, from time to time, sad stories about beloved furry family members who have passed to the other side, but none like the story of Jack and Amber. Their story touched my heart so deeply that I asked their person, Shane, if I could share it here, with all of you. I was graciously granted permission, so get comfortable and get ready for an amazing love story.

How Amber Was Rescued

"When we first moved to Georgia, we had one dog. A wonderful Flatcoat named Blackjack. We called him Jack and he was trained to be my wife's disabled aid dog. We promised Jack that when we got settled, we would get him a companion. When we fenced an acre around the house, it was time to make good on the promise. We started looking and didn't find just what he wanted. We finally went to a town 25 miles away and found their animal shelter. We let Jack walk up and down the outside kennels and he picked a small Golden girl. They let us take her for a walk with Jack and it was love at first sight for both of them.

We went inside and said we would take her. They said we have to tell you about her. She was turned in at 1 year old by the person who bought her. She had been adopted 7 times and was always returned because she had heartworms. They would waive all fees if we took her, because she was to be put down that day.

We had her tested and then treated. We took her home after the first shot and brought her back the next day for her second shot. By the time we got back home the pain had started. We slept on the floor in shifts next to her. If she was touched anywhere but her head, she screamed in agony. Heartworm treatment sucks.

Jack NEVER left her side the whole time, he went when she did and ate when she did. They became a loving and caring couple. About 9 months later, Jack was bitten by a large rattle snake twice while protecting us. She stayed by his side until he recovered. Two months later we found that he had cancer. After major surgury failed to save him we called the Vet, who came to our home to send him home to God. We laid him down on his quilt on his love seat. We cuddled him and Amber sat with one paw on Jacks paw. The Vet injected him in the other leg and he passed to the other side. Our wonderful neighbors waited about 5 minutes after the Vet left (outside in the rain) and then came in to say their goodbyes and to support us. I carried him out to his grave and placed him in the bottom wrapped in his quilt. As I read the Rainbow Bridge aloud, our neighbors filled the grave for us. Amber would visit and sit by the grave EVERY night for at least 10 minutes until we moved 5 years later.

Amber is still with us, the queen of the house. Every year she mourns for him on the day he died. She won't eat and climbs onto our bed to be close to us. We dread the day that she leaves us, but we will rejoice for her, because she will be back with Jack."

Now, my friends, if that's not moving enough, keep reading - the following is what Shane wrote to me when granting permission to use Jack and Amber's story on my blog:

"Please be my guest. I am happy to share their story. The bond between them was awesome. They would lay and hold paws while watching the sunsets. Amber still wants out at sunset to watch the sun go down. We had a plastic Milkbone pail that we would leave open. Jack would take a bone and ask if he could have it. If we said no, he would put it back and try later. After we got Amber, He would get 2 bones, then ask permission. When we said yes (most of the time) he would give one to Amber and wait for her to start. Then he would eat his. He was a gentleman at all times and their bond was truly beautiful. I would be honored to be included in your dog blog."

*sniff sniff* So ... don't ever try telling me dogs don't have emotions or a huge capacity for the deepest kind of love. We humans could learn a lesson or two from them.

Thank you, Shane, for granting me the honor of sharing their story.