Remembering J.J.

As a way to remember J.J., I created a set of 36 of my favorite photos of him called Remembering J.J.. Please have a look.

And if there is any such thing as Doggie Heaven, I'd like to think J.J. was there when we hiked to the top of the mountain at Saguaro Lake. This is how I would like to remember J.J.-- healthy, happy, and on top of the world!

OstravaCzech- (53 months ago | reply)

Rest in Peace, JJ!
Sorry to hear the news, Daniel. It's heartbreaking, I know for fact. I don't cry easily but when Max, my English Springer, passed away, I totally broke down.
You dog had a wonderful loving home, for sure.

Bahama Mama2007 (53 months ago | reply)

Daniel, I'll tell you something someone told me when I had to make a decision to put my beloved Ashley down (BTW, Ashley was a native Phoenician :) ). She trusted me to care for her and sometimes that comes at the end as well. One thing that I realized all by myself - animals don't have concept of death. That thought alone made it easier for me to put her down. But she was starting to suffer and she was too good of a dog to put her through the pain - so I know you made the right decision even as hard as it was. Find your strength in your memories (and pictures) of him. It's going to take a long time, but the pain will get easier. But, let me tell you - you'll never forget him... that never goes away. My Ashley has been gone almost 10 years and there's barely a day goes by that I don't think of her ... and all the dogs I've had through the years. I even still have dreams of her... but they're all good dreams and for that night, it's like she's in my life again and I cherish those dreams. Hugs to you and Andy as you deal with this in your own way.

tricherson (53 months ago | reply)

I'm so sorry to hear about JJ. From the pictures, he looks so sweet, especially when he's lying with Andy and in the Christmas portrait.

--
Seen in your Remembering J.J. set. (?)

awungfoo (53 months ago | reply)

I'm so sorry and sad to hear this. We had to put both our dogs down a while back from cancer :( They are the sweetest pets and have such unrequited love for us :)

he's up there :)

David Maury (53 months ago | reply)

sorry about your loss, Daniel and Andy, J.J. seemes like such a beautiful, sweet loving dog. I'm sure he had a wondeful life and was loved very much. Hugs to you 2.

rusty_tripod (53 months ago | reply)

The email and post are both interesting in light of my class writing assignment yesterday for students to write a pet obituary. They responded with blank looks and puzzlement, "What's an obituary?"

In looking at the thumbnail, I had overlooked the leash, and did not catch the title.

We have not yet had to put a pet down, although we may soon need to go that way with one of our cats.

I can understand your loss in light of the loyalty, patience, trust and love that some of our pets give without restraint.

~Angela Marie (53 months ago | reply)

Hi Daniel, This is a lovely tribute to a special dog. I know that choice is very hard, I've been there. You did the right thing for J.J. and I always believe that we will meet our family, even the four legged members, again someday. Thanks for sharing this with all of us.

Angela

cobalt123 (53 months ago | reply)

So sorry to hear. I would be devastated too. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photo and loving memories. How is your other dog doing? Wishing you all well....

daisyjellybean (53 months ago | reply)

OH NO! I am so sorry to hear about JJ... The great thing about JJ is that he had a wonderful life! Full of love and happiness and in return made you and Andy very happy!! You couldn't have asked for anything more.

This photograph is very touching and full of love.

Daniel Greene (53 months ago | reply)

Thank you for writing. I appreciate reading each comment and knowing that this experience is shared. Luckily, little Buxley is fit as a fiddle, and we're glad to have him, especially as J.J.'s absence is eerily palpable. Buxley seems to be going through his own grieving process along with us, though he seems to be taking it okay. We're pleased that he is showing us his sweet, mellow side more than his hyper, wild side. It's great to have a dog with a playful spirit, but right now we just need him to be quiet and cuddly-- and he is! =)

LilBtch (53 months ago | reply)

I'm very sorry to hear of J.J.'s passing. Your photo is a beautiful memorial to him.

JamesSeattle [deleted] (53 months ago | reply)

Daniel and Andy I am so very sorry to hear about J.J. passing. I know what a truly hard choice it is to put a loved one down. My heart goes out to the both of you. I know everyone always says it’s the right choice for the dog, and of course it is, but it still hurts just the same. Like you said though, he had a good life and that’s really all that matters… I know you both loved him very much!

This photo captures J.J.’s memory and life along with the feelings you and Andy are going thru.

Please let me know If there is anything I can do

With love and hugs,
James

gwarcita (53 months ago | reply)

I'm so sorry about J.J.! This photo is beautiful and poignant. It's good that you and Andy have Buxley to comfort you, and vice versa. I lost my kitty of 18 years last year (who also had to be put to sleep), and her "sister" kitty seemed just as lost and sad as the rest of us. Pets are wonderful family members, and I know you have lots of good memories of J.J. to carry with you.

Michael Klaas (53 months ago | reply)

It's so awful to lose a beloved friend. And that decision to stop their suffering and let them rest is never an easy one.
May all of your memories of J.J. be fond and last a lifetime! He seems like he was a very sweet dog.

AmbiguousProdigy [deleted] (53 months ago | reply)

That's a sweet memorial. I'm glad to hear you had so many wonderful years.

sweber4507 (53 months ago | reply)

Oh no...that's so sad...the loss of a pet is so hard to bear. I remember when you posted the pics of him when he was sick in December...so sorry for your loss. Putting a pet down is never an easy decision, but it sounds like you made the compassionate choice. Luckily for all, you can find comfort in the great life and love you gave him...I'm thinking of you.

troutwerks (53 months ago | reply)

Daniel, as one dealing with an aging and deteriorating pet....your situation has really hit home. I'm glad you were able to enjoy the time you did with J. J. Elsie is the love of my life and both B and I are trying our best to do what we can to make these days as meaningful and comfortable as possible for her. Knowing that you did the best you could for J.J. and knowing that he had a a great life and was loved has to bring you some comfort. My heart goes out to you and Andy. Peace. xoxo

AZTransplant/Nicki (53 months ago | reply)

So sorry to hear you lost your loving pet. It's never easy to lose a pet or person that is dear to you.

Kat Davis Â© (53 months ago | reply)

I'm so sorry Daniel. Really. Our dogs become children to us and give us so much joy. Your pictures at Christmas helped me get to know him a bit---what a sweetie. I feel your loss with you...have had several dogs and few kitties where we needed to make the same decision because the end was near. It's never easy.

How lovely that you shared this photo with us. I looked through your tribute and it was lovely.Thank you for including me in your ceremony and tribute to J.J. I hope that all of these comments warm you heart and let you know we care. Hugs to you and Andy.

raphaelmazor (53 months ago | reply)

Beautiful shot. My friend just lost his longtime canine companion over christmass. He's still pretty heartbroken.

RichSeattle (53 months ago | reply)

As I sit here with Sam in my lap, this made me cry. Dogs bring so many good times to our hearts and show us what true unbiased love really is. I am reminded of something I read once that summed up what a dog is all about -

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."

I'm very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing the wonderful photos of J.J. and your fond memories of him.

*Lynne (53 months ago | reply)

I'm sorry to hear about JJ--they are part of the family and our
best friend rolled into one. His photos are very sweet and
I'm sure you will have a place in your heart for him as long
as you live.

The urban snapper (53 months ago | reply)

Sorry to hear about JJ - it's difficult me and my partner gary had similar with out cat pheobe it's a really shock but you get through it. it's obvious he came from a well loved home:-)

jglsongs (53 months ago | reply)

I'm really sorry to hear about JJ too...I've lost dogs in my life as well, and it's not easy. In fact, it can be harder than losing "human" family members at times. If it gives you any comfort, JJ didn't have a sense of time or death like we do, and he's at peace.

todd* (53 months ago | reply)

Daniel, please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I remember when I had to let go of my Lucy, after 15 wonderful years. It's a very difficult thing. Hopefully JJ is in a more comfortable place now and not suffering any more. Your artistic expression is wonderful. Thank you for sharing.

Daniel Greene (53 months ago | reply)

Thank you, Joe, Ivo, Darlene, Tina, John, Dale, David, Rusty, Angela, Cobalt, Sheila, Sylvia, James, Johnida, Robert, Michael, Richard, Scott, Trout, Nicki, Kathy, Raphael, Rich, Lynne, James, Jon, and Todd!

Your outpouring of support helped me though my first day without J.J. I appreciate that each of you took the time to write a note of condolence.

J-o-h-n-n-y (53 months ago | reply)

Very very nicely done, my friend! I'm very sorry about your loss....: (

St. See (53 months ago | reply)

Sorry about this Daniel

Daniel Greene (53 months ago | reply)

Thanks, Johnny and Andy.

I am sorry to hear about your loss of such a beautiful and loving friend as J.J. was to you and partner. i hope the memories you have of him will warm your souls and ease the pain of your loss. The photographic tribute was very touching and wonderful. A real tribute to the place he held in your lives and hearts. My sympathies to you both.

J. Gervase Photography (53 months ago | reply)

I am so sorry for your loss. :-( Losing a beloved pet is the worst.

Daniel Greene (53 months ago | reply)

Thank you, Janet and Jason. We're getting along okay and loving Buxley.

Lukky Q.E.D. (53 months ago | reply)

Good night J.J.

Daniel Greene (53 months ago | reply)

That's a good way to put it, Toni. =)

athenasigns (53 months ago | reply)

Sorry to hear of your loss. You have some very nice flickr friends. "Good night JJ" does sound right, doesnt it.

Viv | Seattle Bon Vivant (53 months ago | reply)

Really sad to hear about J.J. May you find hope in the knowledge that he lived a happy life, knew how much he was loved by all of you and that he is in a better place now, free of pain. Hugs!

Daniel Greene (53 months ago | reply)

Thank you, Athena and Viv. J.J. loved us and knew he was loved to his final breath.