The New Girl

In 2012, our son adopted a pup from the pound. She was a mutt that looked like a pincher with big floppy beagle ears. He named her Jess and when I asked him why, he said, "Because she's the new girl", like the TV show with the same name.

David with Jess

We didn't really want a dog but our son needed her. She quickly became his best friend and wiggled herself into our lives with her sweet disposition. We took her on long walks where she dragged us along with  exuberance. Eventually we bought her a chest harness in order to have a better chance at keeping up with her. She was naughty on the leash, lunging at humans and other dogs that we passed. Jess was very food motivated so I learned to carry treats to distract her. Soon all the neighborhood dogs knew me as the treat lady and would stop and sit politely for a chance at a snack.

Jess curled up with Beth

Jess lived in our home for six years until our son bought a house a few blocks away. We visited often and I made sure her treat drawer was stocked. She had her own fenced backyard so the walks were replaced with romps in the grass. 

Recently, Jess moved back in with us while our son prepared his home to be sold. She slid right back into her old routine of cuddling in our bed and following our heels closely all day long. After a few days I noticed that something wasn't quite right. It was -20 degrees outside but she would squat for a full minute or more during potty time. I checked her pee to find that it was pink indicating blood in her urine. Thinking she had a UTI, we made a vet appointment but her condition declined quickly. We took her to a emergency vet who knew right away that things were more serious. 

We were devastated to learn that Jess was beyond care. Instead of a treatable infection, she had cancer. There was little that could be done to improve her condition. What she needed was compassion. Our son made the decision to help Jess move from pain to peace. It was the right thing but it hurt like hell.

Heaven has a new girl now. I imagine Jess exploring her new world, with her nose to the ground, collecting all those wonderful smells that she hunted on our walks. 

Gentle Jess

We miss her so much, but we know that our grief is the price of having loved and been loved by the purest soul. Our life was made so much better for having her in our family for her lifetime. 

You were a good girl Jess! We'll never forget you!

Jess in her favorite spot