Across the Rainbow Bridge with Jazzman 2008

So in the end of April, 2008, Jazzman joined a transport from Utah to Denver.  When he tottered out of his crate, he was so stove up from the ride that he could hardly move; his tail had clearly been broken at some time in his life and although it carried a tight Akita curl, it hung limp from the base; his coat looked like the moths had returned it after several years of hard use; I could count his ribs.  But he was alert.    

My first thought was "OMG, this poor dog."  He gave himself a good shake (and about fell over) picked his head up, squared his shoulders and looked around with the quiet dignity of somebody who's "been there, done that" and got nothing to prove to anyone.  Then he turned his head toward me and met my eyes with a stare that looked straight into my soul.  With his head held high, he took two hobbling steps toward me, put his nose into my hand and wagged his broken tail and gave a big sigh.  That broken tail spun like an airplane propeller.  That night after dinner, he fell asleep with his head in my lap. 

The next morning he greeted the new day with a happy Akita "woo woo woo" and gently took a biscuit, waiting for his breakfast like a gentleman in a five star restaurant.  I was hooked.  Last night I wanted to keep this guy, this morning I felt he had been part of my life forever ... and his foster mom was due to arrive any minute.  I told myself nobody would want to foster this feeble old guy and he would just stay with me because I loved him and didn't care what he looked like.  Waiting for Joni, I combed a mountain of old coat out of him and without the winter coat, he looked even more skinny.

Joni arrived, took one look at Jazz and said "He's beautiful; he just needs a bath and some groceries."  Yep, she was hooked too.  Jazz climbed into the car with her and gave me a gentle Akita snuffle in my ear before they left.  I think it was almost 24 hours before Joni called and announced that Jazz had found his forever home with her family.

Each day I heard how smart / funny / gentle / loving / Jazz was.  As he regained strength, he showed he was a jokester.  He was gracious with the other dogs; he ignored the cats; he liked the horses and adopted a rescue mare as his special friend.  He adored his house and his toys.  But most of all, he loved Joni and made it clear to her Akita puppy that there were going to be some big paws to fill in that house and Jethro better be taking notes.   

The vet said Jazz was at least 7 and that he had lived a very hard life.  Overall his health was good, he'd just had a tough life.  Jazz charmed the vet too.  He was unfailingly gracious with everyone and in every situation.  Everyone who met Jazz was in love in less than 5 minutes.  He was so grateful for every little kindness and would wag his long ago broken tail so hard it would whirl like a propeller, but he never lost his gentle dignity.  His eyes would always meet yours and it felt like he was looking deep into your soul.

There is never enough time in a happy life, and Jazz had waited so long to find love in a forever home.  Less than a month after he found that home, he was called to the Rainbow Bridge. 

Jazz, it was an honor and a privilege to know you; the day you left us you took a piece of each of our hearts.  You will always be remembered with love.  We wish we had more time with you here, but we'll meet you on the bridge.  Until then big guy play hard and snuggle gently.  You were one in a million.