A Thank You Note

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Dear Linnea and Adam,

I feel honored to be the only canine who’s ever bunked under your roof. How many dogs get to go with their mistresses to welcome a new baby into the family? I had a fear you people might have thought I’d act aggressively, but as you know, all I needed was a quick sniff. Thanks for letting me investigate Micah Nathan that way.

I feared I wouldn’t be able to accompany Midge on her trip to see you, which would have thrown me into a blue funk for sure. Did you wonder why I never left your yard while I was outside, even without a leash or a fence? It was because Midge was inside. My M.O. of sticking close to her is still in effect. Thanks for letting me sleep in her room when you could have insisted I spend my nights in the garage or even on the patio. I’ve never gotten to sleep near her at home but have plans to campaign for this upgrade when we get back.

I also want to tell you what a delight it was to play with Skylar. Thank you for sharing this my-size person so generously and not insisting she keep her distance. I feared you might. The dog bones she gave me tasted twice as nice. I’ll miss her “Hi, Jackie!” in the morning and her tender “Oh, Jackie” in that soothing tone she reserves only for those she loves intensely.

I apologize for leaving my full water bowl and food dish within Skylar’s reach one too many times. I guess when she washed her hands in my water, they weren’t all that clean.

And thanks for Saturday when Midge, Skylar and I went to the library so you could wash all the tile floors. I’m sure when you did it, you found a disgusting amount of my black fur in your wash water bucket. I apologize. The Florida sunshine made it hard for me to hold onto my coat. I was afraid you might not like me as much after that.

One more apology is in order. I’m sorry I tore up your copy of C.S. Lewis’ “A Grief Observed” when I shook it around. After everything that’s happened in recent months, it was just my way of expressing deep feelings.

After Pidge got sick, I never quite knew where my place was. I feared I might not have one. I got excited every time his car drove in the driveway, but it confused me when he was never the one to step out of it. Eventually his car stopped coming at all. Then Pidge disappeared, too, along with the head-pats he used to give, a very confusing time for me. I began to get fearful every time Midge turned to me with her coat on and said, “You stay here, Jack. I’ll be back.” I never knew for sure. That’s why it was so great when you let me come with her to your house. Thank you.

Looking back over this letter, I see I mentioned fearing five different things. None of them happened. What a waste of energy on my part! I should stop fearing anything in the future, too, like Midge’s upcoming trip across the ocean. I’m tempted to feel afraid for her safety without me there to watch over her. But since my fears usually don’t come true, I’m going to let that one go, too.

Love, and without fear,

Jack

”I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4)

15 thoughts on “A Thank You Note”

  2. Ah Jackie, I’ve missed you and our Black Club meetings, but I’m happy to hear you had such a good time in Florida. I asked Modge and Podge if you could come stay with me when Midge goes to England, and they said YES! We can have lots of fun together and Midge can travel to her next assignment with peace of mind. Love and bones to you good friend Jack.

  4. Oh….buddy!
    Jackie, perhaps Midge could ask nicely and you could curl up at her feet on the airoplane? I’m sure Bessa and Disco would LOVE to have you come and stay with them for a couple of weeks!
    Although, perhaps you will have more fun with Sydney and Modge and Podge!
    Great post Jack, what talented paws you have!

  5. Awww, Jack-Jack! You are the sweetest, most polite dog we’ve ever met. Even though Adam and I are definitely not dog-people, I have to admit that when I found one of your raw hides inside Skylar’s toy truck yesterday, I actually missed you. Because you’re a comfort to Midgee you’ll always be welcome at our house. =)
    PS – Miss you SO MUCH Mom! Hope you’re having a great time on all your travels.

  6. Jackie, “A Grief Observered” is a good book. I think I mangled my copy as well.

  8. Dear Jack – You are so polite, well-mannered, and sensitive. I think you and my grandson, Jack would get along very well.

  9. Wow this and all the comments almost made me cry! Haha! When are you going to England? Maybe I’ll be able to help take care of good ol’ Jack. I miss feeding him and Syd when you lived with us. We were able to have two dogs in the house again. 🙂

  10. Jackie..Jackie….you’re definitely a keeper! So handsome, so well-mannered and apparently travel well too; glad we had the opportunity to meet you too.
    Love, GG

  13. Dear Jack,

    We thought we should let you know that when your dear mistress comes over to England, we will do our best to cherish her and watch out for signs of home-sickness.We reckon, though, that she will be very busy with her grandson, Nick and her new little grand-twins and that probably you will get more attention with Modge and Podge.

    We will look after her for you, so have no fear.

    We would love to meet you and scamper on the shores of Lake Michigan.xx

  14. That’s it! The minute we get back from Africa we’re getting a dog! We have missed that unconditional love you guys do so well….and the “he says it with his eyes” kind of communication that never requires a response, yet elicits one just the same. How many people do you know who would be whole body wriggly over a pat on the head? Well, Jack…for one who just comes along for the ride, you have moved front and center in this cast of characters whose numbers wax and wane, as God wills. Paw prints or no, you have made your mark on this extended blog family and made me eager to get home and pick out my own furry friend. Way to go!! p.s Would you mind if we named him/her after you?

  15. That’s it! The minute we get back from Africa we’re getting a dog! We have missed that unconditional love you guys do so well….and the “he says it with his eyes” kind of communication that never requires a response, yet elicits one just the same. How many people do you know who would be whole body wriggly over a pat on the head? Well, Jack…for one who just comes along for the ride, you have moved front and center in this cast of characters whose numbers wax and wane, as God wills. Paw prints or no, you have made your mark on this extended blog family and made me eager to get home and pick out my own furry friend. Way to go!! p.s Would you mind if we named him/her after you?