Thank you.

Thanks for looking up at me with those sad puppy eyes the first time you saw me--I knew then that those looks would always convey the unconditional love you held for me and my family.

Even if it scared me when I was seven because of how big you were, I'll always appreciate how energetic you were as a puppy. Watching you sprint down the hill in our backyard as the other kids and I played outside was always a burst of joy.

I'll never forget how you used to--as an over-100-lb. dog--jump up with your front legs on the couch and lay there halfway because you thought you were a lap dog. And how you even had "your" chair that we gave up trying to sit in because you claimed it as your own.

Thank you for your never ending forgiveness when I accidentally stepped on your paw (or not-so-accidentally used you as a pillow when laying on the floor and watching TV). Not once did you growl, snap at, or bite a single person, even when you had every right to.

Also shout out to you for hardly ever barking. You only got riled up when a stranger came to the door, and that was probably a good thing (in case someone ever tried to break in, I don't know).

It was comforting sitting in the living room with the family, and looking over to see you laying in one of your spots.

I love how you became such a part of the family, almost another human because of your personality and those eyes that seemed to hold so much wisdom.

When we got another dog, you accepted her into your world without hesitation. You two were best friends, and I think you were glad to have someone new to play with (even though she was about 1/5 of your size).

We essentially had to move into a bigger house because you made everything seem too small (just kidding); but when we did you took it like a champ, even though you lost your chair in the process.

The two more dogs we got didn't phase you either, and it was funny to watch your relationships form with each of them.

Thanks for laying under the table while we ate dinner as a family. I'll admit that sometimes I used you as a footrest in those moments, but it was all out of love.

Thank you for never, ever peeing on the floor past the first few months we had you.

I'll even admit that your bad behavior sometimes made me laugh. Like when you would steal food you knew you weren't supposed to have, hold it in your mouth to "hide" it, then stand at the back door to go out so you could eat it in peace outside. Or when you'd stand on two feet to reach the counter and grab whatever you liked off of it. Even though you were breaking the rules, it was hilarious to watch.

Thank you for moving whenever anyone needed to get by a doorway you were blocking as you laid down. We made you get up, and you never resisted.

I so appreciate how when I came home from school, you were always there to welcome me as I walked in.

Thanks for holding on to your good nature even when you were old and in pain.

I said goodbye when I left for college, not knowing whether I'd see you again. Thanks for being there when I came home to visit during my freshman year--I needed that. Thanks for holding out till the end of this summer so that I could have one more summer with you.

Thank you for being the best dog I've ever had, and ever will have--my family and I will never forget the impression you made on us and all the people you met.

*RIP Jack

12/10/2004-07/31/2016*