Update on Jade

Bad news... As of 1630 CDT 29 September 2006, Jade is confirmed dead. I found her about a mile away on the side of the highway - she was struck by a vehicle at some point yesterday. I can only hope that she didn't lie there in pain wondering why her mommy and daddy weren't there to help her...

From September 2000 until I met Marla in April 2002, Jade was the most important part of my life, and Marla loved her just as much as I did from the first day of our relationship. So much of our lives revolved around Jade (and Dakota too, later on) that it's hard to imagine life without her right now. From our "Jade voice," "feed the dogs," "Look - it's a Smiling Beckus" and all the other little things that wouldn't exist without her, the next few weeks are going to be a struggle, to say the least. So far as dogs go, I couldn't have asked for a better one than Jade.

Jade, you were always a smart dog (even if you didn't quite figure out how to dodge moving vehicles), so if you've somehow learned how to read up there in doggie Heaven, I love you, girl. Rest in peace - you will not be forgotten.