In loving memory of Jessica

Jessica was my best friend for 15 long years. She was my best friend through everything I'd been through in my life. When human friends would come and go, I always knew my dog would be there for me. She loved me unconditionally, and I loved her more than anything in the world.

My family adopted Jessica from the SPCA when I was four years old on August 26, 1988. My criteria for a dog was that it had to be a black dog like my neighbors, and it had to be a girl, because "girls are better than boys." My parents wanted a young dog but not a puppy, and one that would not be too big. Jessica was the perfect match. She was a year old and very friendly. The two of us bonded immediately.

Jessica was the best dog I could have ever hoped for. When we were both young, she put up with me wanting to play horsey and other silly games. When we got older, we would run and jump in the backyard. She loved being outdoors and going on walks with the family. And she loved coming home and sitting on the sofa with us, snuggling and watching TV.

She lived a long healthy life, spoiled and loved of course. After a gallbladder infection and an emergency surgery, we thought we would lose her, but the talented vets and techs at Bellevue Animal Hospital gave us a miracle and another year and a half with Jessie. At almost 16 years old, Jessica started to rapidly decline. The diagnoses was kidney failure, and there was nothing we could do.

Her last days were spend at home with those she loved. She got to lay on the couch and eat anything she wanted, which meant lots of chicken. It finally became time to make the hardest decision I have ever made. My family decided to put Jessica down. She was in too much pain.

This morning of June 7, 2003 at 8:40am Jessica fell asleep in my arms and was put to rest. But she will always be in my heart.

by Janna Greenberg (aka "Ash")

 

	When Jessica and I were both young
Jessica at her prime
	Jessica when she was getting old
Sleepybaby

(Click to enlarge Pictures)

 

Passages
Grief
Bentley
Memory of Shadow
Memory of Sparky
Prince and Natasha
For Bear
Memory of Jessica