Feb. 21 1993 —— Jan. 13 2000
I wanted to write you a poem but somehow the words would
not fit to describe the way that I feel about my dear friend Jessie.
The first time I saw the beautiful five month old Cocker Spaniel
I fell in love with her. She was so friendly and lively that the whole
house took on a feeling that was never there before.
Over the next five and a half years I developed a relationship with
Jessie that will remain in my heart forever.
Jessie would come to me every night at approximately 9:00.
She wanted to play a little game with her treats.
She wouldn’t take it if I just handed it ti her she wanted them hid away.
She loved to look around the room in her favorite hiding places.
Some nights I had trouble convincing her that they were all gone.
Each morning she would come to me as I put on my shoes to
go to work. She wanted me to get down so that she could put her
paws on my shoulder for a hug. It seemed that she felt better when
I told her that I would be home later.
Jessie also loved her walks. She wanted to explore and her nose
never left the ground. She particularly liked the walks in the winter.
We would go in the trails and I would let her run without a leash.
Of course she never went far before she looked behind to make
sure I was still there.
Then there was Christmas.
She loved to rip open the gifts that she had under the tree.
She never got bored either and watched until every present
was unwrapped.
I can’t begin to explain the bond that there was between us.
I could almost understand what she was thinking by the look on
her face and I knew what she wanted by the slightest movement.
I know that all that I have left now are all these wonderful
memories and all of her pictures and toys.
In January I lost Jessie to an illness I still can’t understand.
She had no symptoms for her illness until her heart was so
big it was pressing against her windpipe making breathing difficult.
I don’t know why I couldn’t see that this was happening.
After she became ill she still tried to keep the same spirit.
She tried so hard to eat but couldn’t and even wanted to play.
I made the decision to end Jessie’s suffering when I knew that
she would not get better. As much as I wanted Jessie I didn’t want
her to suffer. On the night before we took her to the vet for her
final visit I asked her if she wanted to go for a walk.
She stood up and walked to the door.
We took her out in the driveway for a few minutes and it seemed
to satisfy her. It was almost as if she knew she was going to die;
the way she looked in my eyes almost pleading for help.
I stayed with Jessie until the end and we buried her in my
parents garden. She loved it there and I look forward for the
summer when I can make the grave site as beautiful as she was.
Jessie If there is any way at all that you can know what I am
writing here please know that I love you and your memories
will stay with me forever.
Kim
| Jessie - Ann |