When we took Jazz to an appointment for a second opinion this morning, we didn’t know we’d return this afternoon to say goodbye. We thought they might change her meds, or recommend a change in diet. Instead, they found bigger problems that couldn’t be fixed. In addition to her severe arthritis, exposed third eyelid, and sensitive teeth, she had a cancerous spleen, an ulcer, an enlarged heart, and an internal laceration that was leaking into her gut. Rather than put her through surgeries that would extend her life for three months if all went well, we elected to spare her that pain and send her off peacefully to play with her big sister, Phila. I’m certain Phila and HER big sister, Sandy, and Sandy’s buddies Socks and Joli, will all be waiting to frolic and run and eat all the raw meat and cookies together. No swimming, though. She’ll just stay on shore and steal whatever Phila drags back. Although she died too soon, she packed a lot of life into her short years for a dog nobody but us wanted. She was the runt of the litter and not too bright or otherwise typical of a lab other than her voracious appetite. Regardless, we took a chance on her and she turned out to be the sweetest little and then big sister to the rest of the pack. Even though she didn’t have an adventurous nature, she happily tagged along as we snowshoed in New Hampshire, hiked in Maine, kayaked in upstate New York, and every other whim we humans decided to undertake. By far, her very favorite was camping in Connecticut. We had to put a cow bell on her because she would wander over to the neighbors she knew kept treats for the resident dogs, and they would good-humoredly bring her back. For sure, her forte was eating. She loved to eat more than she loved just about anything in the world, and we indulged her as much as we could while trying to keep her at a healthy weight. We have captured so many wonderful photos of her through the years. Here are a selection of our favorites with her favorite canine and human pals.
Not a big fan of the snow 
A big fan of snuggling with dad post hot-tub 
Getting adjusted to the new little sister 
Piling on during a football watch party 
Watching the little one conquer the stairs 
Hogging the little’s bed 
Teaching the little one how to strip a bone 
She didn’t like the bubbles or the chemical smell of the hot tub 
Snuggle buddies 
She’s the only dog CJ would share things with 
Taking a cool break from the hiking 
Ball tired 
Best buddies 
Helping mamma try out her new wetsuit 
Teaching the littles how to behave in public 
Hiding from the vacuum 
Mess? What mess? 
Thinks she’s still a lap dog 
Taking a break from the puppy 
She wore that smiley sticker all day 
She thinks the lounger is there for her comfort 
Her last Halloween costume 
Loving her new bed in the new camper 
Her favorite bed. She shared it with her big sister, and then her little sister 
Rug? What rug? 
Late night snuggles with mamma 
She loved hiking with us 
Thief! She stole it from Phila 
Can’t wait for more snowshoeing fun 
Waiting for Phila to bring her something to steal 
She looks so innocent 
Not interested in joining the water fun 
Tackling another snowventure 
It took her all day to eat a pork roll 
She was so photogenic. This shot was published in a local newspaper 
Tug of War was more her game 
Food? Did you say food? 
The lower bunk was her kennel 
Trying to steal Phila’s duck 
Dad trying to tell her to go get Mamma 
Chewing on Phila’s ear. She did this to CJ, too 
Race ya!! 
She didn’t chase the ball. She just liked to get it wet and play keep-away 
She loved her human sisters 
Waiting for treats 
When’s it going to be my turn! 
Offering her pork roll to her favorite person 
Watcha got? 
Post snowshoe naps 
Rest? I don’t need no stinkin’ rest. 
She didn’t know the word “boundaries” 
Post surgery sadness in the cone of shame 
Saying bye to one of her human sisters 
Half-heartedly trying to steal the ball 
Aren’t you done shoveling yet? 
Proud of their human parents for winning 
Looking forward to another adventure 
Phila is a comfy pillow 
Girls keeping girls company