I remember my freshman year of high school when we got ‘ol Jaz. He was just a little puppy with barely any spots to his name. He was always there to greet you at the door with a wagging tail. He would look at you with those big blue eyes and try to snuggle as close as he could to find a good spot under your arm or anywhere where he could touch you. He was always looking for a pat on the head, a rub on the belly, or your leftovers from dinner. Man’s best friend… My best friend… When I had trouble with school. with a relationship, or with mom and dad he was always there to hold on to and vent to. He didn’t offer much conversation, but you could always tell he didn’t care what I was talking about he just wanted to see me happy bc he was happy just to see me.

Yesterday my family and I put my first childhood dog, Jaz, to rest. Wednesday night (12.21.05) he became paralyzed from a spinal injury and was not able to move his back legs. The decision wasn’t easy and as I sit here now I can’t help but wish I didn’t make it, but I know he is in a better place and not in the pain I could see him going through the last week.

I’ll miss my buddy… coming home from work will never be the same. I’ll miss waking up in the morning to Jaz rubbing his head on the side of the bed or licking me in the face. I’ll miss those big ears and being able to wisper his name a mile a way to see him running towards me. I’ll miss a lot of things, but I know I will see him again. I told him to wait on me up there and when I get there he will never have to wear a leash again. He is truly free.

So much more than just a dog… Jaz was family and will be missed.

Jaz ( 4/11/1994 – 12/26/2005)