After one last breakfast, he headed back into his bed for a quick nap, and didn't wake up. And knowing my parents, his last breakfast could have been anything from scrambled eggs with Italian sausage, or oatmeal with fresh fruit, perhaps even eggs benedict with a seafood hollandaise drizzle on top. Jagz was a food snob, he ate only the best of the best. So I'm sure he went out on a high note.
Jagz might not have been the fastest dog, his ears didn't always stand up like they should, he often sat like an overweight 45 year old man, but he was a good dog. I'm not going to pretend him and I didn't have our rough patches. Because we most certainly did. I carry a lot of guilt with me in the fact that I was a real bitch to him throughout most of high school.
With both Jade and Jordan off to college, Jagz and I often found ourselves fighting for the "only child" role. We fought over the best spot on the couch, the most comfy blanket, what to watch on TV, who got to lick the remains of my mom's mixing bowls. It was pretty much a constant battle between us two.
But regardless of how cold I was to him, he was always there just as excited to see me walk through the door as if I'd been gone for five years. Dogs are great like that. They like you just as you are, even if that means a rude little 16 year old bitch.
I regret I didn't take him on enough walks. And when I did, I always got so frustrated with how much he pulled. He pulled because he was excited, what's so wrong with that? Every once in a while we could use someone like Jagz, to pull us along in life when we're at a stand still.
But we reconciled within the past years. Or at least I did, he never really seemed to be mad at me in the first place.
I like to think he went peacefully. He took one last look around the living room, said good bye to Izzy, let out one big doggy yawn and walked to bed knowing his time here was done. He had taught the Wolfe family all there was to know.
He taught us that pills are better wrapped in turkey.
Running shoes means it's go-time.
Bury your bones for a rainy day.
Never pass on a car ride just for the fun of it.
Greet the ones you love with enthusiam.
Be loyal.
Nothing beats a good day on the couch.
Take risks (like laying on the forbidden couch.)
Bask in the sun just because it feels good.
A good scratch behind the ears, or under the neck, can cure anything.
Squirrels are not to be trusted.
The best shade in the backyard is behind the bushes near the alley.
When you hear a good song, howl it at the top of your lungs.
Life is too short not to lick a plate.
Enjoy the small things.
Welcome every new day with your tail wagging.
We think dogs need us. But sometimes I think we need them just as much.
