Note: I’m apologizing in advance as this may make you sad.
This has been a rough week, so unfortunately we didn’t make it to any parks. After a year and half struggle with seizures and a sudden, rapid decline due to a probable brain tumor over the last month, we made the tough decision to say goodbye to our first baby, Jerry, this week. Being only 7 years old, he lived the life of a much older dog, having traveled to many places (Blacksburg, Richmond, DC, Wintergreen, Virginia Beach, Caroline, Stafford, Atlanta, Vermont, NYC, Nags Head, Maryland, Charlottesville, Pittsboro, Wilmington, Myrtle Beach, Smith Mountain Lake, and Asheville, to name a few), enjoyed a variety of activities, and romped with so many people and furry friends. Words can’t express what he’s meant to us and how much he has enriched our lives, so here are pictures and videos from over the years that show the wonderful memories we had with him and his furry friends. Thank you to our friends and family who brought him into your lives and befriended your dogs.
Meeting Jerry for the first time, Thanksgiving 2004
First bath at his new home
Playing with his new toys
The only time he let his ears hang down
He loved playing with tennis balls
Snoozing on the couch
Being playful with Bill
Super Dog
Snoozing with his buddy, Smokey
He loved wearing sweaters
Jerry and Mr. Endo
Pete & Jerry at Wintergreen, Jan 2005
Hiking through Umstead, 2005
Pete & Jerry relaxing
Meeting the Beltie cows at Fearrington
First SPCA dog walk
He loved swimming in the pool
Lucy and Jerry at Lake Sherando
Jerry loved to tease Pete in the water
The only boy allowed at Jennie’s bridal shower
Birthday treats from Bill’s mom
Heading to Asheville
Heading to the pool for the Doggie Swim
With Jasmine, Pete, and Lucy for the doggie swim
Sunning with Smokey
Couldn’t stay out of the water
At the SPCA dog wash
So tired from walking around downtown Wilmington
Halloween dragon
With his friends Mr Endo and Ty and Jangmee at Carol & Brian’s wedding in Lynchburg, VA
Always looking for a treat
Thanksgiving dinner with Jasmine, Smokey, Lucy & Pete
Gangsta Jerr-bear
Christmas with Santa
My dad and Jerry
In Nags Head for the Yuengling 5k race, 2007
Going for a boat ride around Smith Mountain Lake
At one of the many BT meetups at the dog park
Taking a break from playing in the creek at the dog party
Being playful in the creek
Doing “frog man” at the dog park
Cooling off with other BTs at Falls Tap Room
A new adventure of swimming lessons
Squeaky pink elephant = motivation for learning to swim
Well, of course dogs can wear costumes at the dog park
Tackling Adam
Not happy about the newly constructed gate for the deck
Snuggling next to the warm fireplace in Vermont
Bunny ears for the BT
Hiking around Lake Harris
New brother, Ripken has arrived!
With pals Lucy, Ripken & Ty trying to tap the Rockies
At Nags Head
Kris & Blair with all the pups cheering on Gin & Bill at the July 4th 5 miler
at the WWII Memorial after a fun weekend in DC
One of Jerry’s favorite places to sun himself
Getting geared up for Hokies football!
After the Alzheimer’s Walk with the Jaycees
Fall time at Everett Ave
Cows and bumble bees for Halloween
Christmas 2008
Ripken’s first stocking
Lots of awkward staring!
Bark at the Park with Ansley and Ripken
Baseball was too tough, so they took a break
All-American baseball fan, Jerry
Jerry’s friend, Abby!
Relaxing with Kelly (too much water slide time)
Halloween 2009 in VA Beach for the Wicked 10K race
Christmas 2009
Chilling with Pugsley and Ripken
More sunning
Laying pool side after a few cold ones
Surfing in Nags Head, 2010
Halloween Dog Party 2010 at the Hoover’s
Full on cat poop and egg nog, Christmas 2010
Snuggling with Ashley and Bill
The entire family on the way to their first drive-in movie
Snuggling up with me
All cuddled up with Bill, Ashley & Ripken
Jerry loved to curl on up on the couch, Nags Head 2011
On a hike at Umstead, May 2011
Looking ever so regal on Memorial Day weekend
Enjoying some quiet time with Ashley
Hanging out with Cas and Jamie
With buddy, Tyler in Richmond
With lots of friends in Nags Head, May 2011
Last trip to Nags Head, Labor Day 2011
Hanging out with baby Ashley
The Three Musketeers
Ashley trying to be like big brother Jerry
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
