Jack’s Story
ADOPTING JACK
I adopted Jack from the Anti-Cruelty Society of Chicago in 2004. I’d bought my first home (a condo in Chicago) and knew that I needed a buddy to inhabit the place with me. So, I went to the shelter and there he was, waiting for me! Jack was 1 years old, voluntarily released to the shelter by previous owners due to problems with the older dogs in the house. Records indicated that Jack didn’t warm up much to folks; and, he was my best friend immediately! I’ll never forget sitting on the bench at the Anti-cruelty society with my future dog, Jack (he was Snoopy before I changed his name!), snuggling up next to me. We bonded immediately. So, I took Jack home and the adventures began! Jack went with me everywhere…all around Chicago, to Denver, visiting friends on the east coast, and to any dog park within a 30-mile radius. Jack would get into all kinds of adventures, from chasing friends’ cats to jumping out of the car window while I was driving. He loved chasing his little blue ball and going for long walks throughout Chicago. Jack was a barker, and warmed up to few people; it was clear from the beginning that he was meant to be my doggie!
PARALYSIS
Life was going along until one February day changed everything. At the time, I lived in the top floor of a condominium building. I always had to bring my groceries in in shifts. I brought up 2 bags; Jack was fine. Then, I went for two more. By the time I came back, he couldn’t jump on the couch. I wasn’t sure what was wrong, so I waited and watched. Within a few hours, I knew something was off so I took Jack to the emergency vet (it was a Saturday and my usual vet was closed). I thought it was an issue with his back leg, so that’s what they looked for! Well, nothing wrong there! They prescribed steroid shots and sent me on my way.
Within 24 hours, Jack was getting worse. Unknowingly, I took him on his walk. He could barely walk and it was difficult for him to use the bathroom. But, following the doctor’s orders, I waited! Sunday night was the most difficult. The pain in Jack’s back (unbeknownst to me) was worsening and normal behaviors: walking and going to the bathroom, were becoming impossible. He spent the entire sleepless night panting. Monday morning, I called into work and took Jack to my regular vet. They immediately sized up the situation, put Jack on a stretcher, and sent me to the Vet Specialty Center in Buffalo Grove, IL. In shock, I drove to Buffalo Grove and admitted Jack. As it turned out, Jack had slipped a disk in his spinal cord, which was what was causing the inability to walk and use the bathroom properly. The vet predicted there was a 30% chance of Jack walking with four legs again. Unfortunately, had ‘we’ caught the slipped disk earlier, he would’ve been 100% fully functioning. But, due to the time lapse, the chances of him walking like a ‘normal’ dog, decreased significantly. I wondered if he actually needed the surgery due to the slim odds. They stated that Jack would be in perpetual pain without it. So, we went for it! Surgery it is! (I’d just gotten my master’s degree in special education and couldn’t quite imagine doing anything but having the surgery!)
Jack came through with flying colors. He had two disks removed from his lower spinal column. It was odd seeing him so weak at first, but he quickly regained strength. I sectioned off an area of my condo for Jack and filled it with pillows, water, treats, and his favorite stuffed animals! At lunch I would come home to administer pain meds and at night Jack would get a treat of organic chicken breasts (his favorite!) until he regained his dog food appetite. For a while, I took Jack to doggie acupuncture and physical therapy to try and stimulate sensation, but it didn’t work. But, Jack and I adjusted and soon the life of a paralyzed dog became the ‘norm.’
CHALLENGES
Along the journey, there were a few challenges. First, Jack could no longer use the bathroom like a typical dog. So, I had to concoct a doggie diaper! At the time, there were few resources for handicapped dogs, so I made do with what I could find. It was quite the process of trial and error, but I’m proud to say that I came up with two very simple solutions to the doggie diaper issue. Another complication of a similar nature was the perpetual bladder infection. It seemed like Jack was always getting an infection! And, when the cost of the tests and medication became too much to bear, I decided to stop having him tested. (I’m giving the very simplified version of this story!) I eventually put Jack on a special wet food diet, which is to balance the levels of acid in his urine. And, I really think that Jack ‘expresses’ his own bladder every time he barks (which is a lot!) and keeps the infections away. Jack hasn’t had a bladder infection in years!
MOVING TO COLORADO
Within a few months of Jack becoming paralyzed, I knew I had to make some changes. First, I needed to stop crying (I cried A LOT in the beginning). Two, Jack was not going to walk and I needed to learn to live with it. Three, I needed different scenery and a yard for Jack. So, I stopped crying, ordered Jack a wheelchair, and decided to move to Denver!
Within a few months, Jack and I were packed up in my then VW lime-green bug, wheel chair and all, and headed west! While waiting for my Chicago condo to sell, Jack and I lived with my sister and her husband. It was a learning experience for us as I figured out how to manage Jack and live with two dog cousins who LOVED to tear apart Jack’s stuffed animals!!! My family was super generous in letting Jack and I figure things out and get our lives together; I can never thank them enough! Soon enough, the condo was sold, my sister was pregnant with her first baby, and it was time for Jack and I to inhabit our first house, with an awesome back yard for Jack to explore!
LIFE IN COLORADO
Within no time, Jack and I adjusted to Colorado life! We hiked in the mountains, walked around the neighborhood lake, and played in our awesome yard. Quickly, I found some amazing folks to help care and love Jack: Dr. Schirella and co at the Western Animal Clinic; Jim and Trish at Westco Dog Grooming; and Beds n Biscuits, a kennel for when I’m away. I’d had some not-so-great experiences with other services; I’m truly indebted to these loving people for taking such great care of Jack!!!
And, with his cute face, floppy ears, and unique wheels, Jack was becoming somewhat of a celebrity! Everywhere we went, people stopped, stared and smiled, often inquiring about Jack and his wheels. People drove their cars next to us while we’re on walks, and kids point and yell about Jack every time we’re around. And, through these experiences, along with Jack’s goofy personality and incredible adventures, the idea for The Adventures of Jack the Dog was born!
After a few years of living in Colorado, I met my now husband and we decided to adopt a dog together. We knew we needed to find someone with a great temperament who could deal with Jack’s being so territorial. At first we thought the ‘short fat dog’ at the Dumb Friends League was going to be a winner until she snapped at Jack….yikes! Slightly disappointed, we were walking back towards the kennels when this dog called Julie was being walked by an employee. Julie walked right up to us and promptly rolled over on her back for a belly rub! My husband and I looked at each other and immediately knew—Julie was the one! After Julie met Jack, we were sold. Chloe (I thought Colby…because of Colby Jack! or Jill for Jack and Jill would’ve been hilarious, but we settled on Chloe) became the newest member of our family and Jack’s long lost frenemie :).
Over the years, Jack got into quite a few shenanigans. Once, I came home during a snow storm and couldn’t find him anywhere. Turns out that was the day he learned to use the doggie door and was happily waiting for me outside! Another time, I arrived home and noticed that the Christmas tree was on the ground. I quickly noticed Jack laying near the tree, some of the lights wrapped around his leg! There was never a dull moment with Jack!
Jack passed away peacefully in his sleep when he was 12 1/2. For a dog to live that long with his ailments is beyond a miracle! I miss my little Jacky and am so blessed to have had him for as long as I did! I hope you enjoy Jack’s stories as I do, and I hope you pass on the kindness that Jack demonstrates in his books. It really does cost nothing to be kind :)
