Jade Memorial Stone

Three weeks after her untimely death, Jade now has a memorial stone to mark her final resting place. Thanks to Nancy McComas at Carved Graphics for working with us on it. She agreed to place a custom image on it for us, and we are very pleased with the result. I certainly hope that none of you find yourself in a similar situation with losing a beloved pet, but if you do, I can recommend Carved Graphics without reservation.

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.

Jade?

What a horrible ending to an otherwise nice day... When I arrived home earlier tonight (Thursday, 20060928), my lab/hound/mutt dog (Dakota) was outside the dog fence, and my German Shepherd (Jade) was nowhere to be found. This is *very* unusual for the dogs, as they don't go anywhere alone, and even so, it was well past their normal feeding time, and they *always* come home when it's time to eat. After further inspection, I found that Jade had physically broken one of the gate latches in the back of the fence. I don't know what she decided to get out and chase, but as best I can tell, it must have won the battle, as Jade has still not returned as of 0034 20060929. Unless something changes, she is presumed to be dead somewhere (or at best, severely injured), as she would otherwise never even consider spending the night away from home. As you might imagine, my emotional state is not very good right now - I've had Jade since she was a puppy back in 2000, and to say that she's been a major part of my life would be a huge understatement. As always, life goes on, but she will be missed. RIP, Jade - I love you, girl...