Jack

Jacky Spaz entered my life and my heart on Friday 19th November, 1999 when he was 14 weeks old. I went to the Lost Dogs' Home in North Melbourne determined to get myself a girl puppy. Of the 15 or so puppies there, only one was male and he stole my heart immediately. There was no way I could leave without him - especially when I heard that someone had adopted him the week before but then returned him.

Jack was my best friend. He got me through many suicidal moments because I couldn't bear the thought of what might happen to him if I wasn't there to look after him. The last eight years have been turbulent but Jack was the one constant thing in my life - my rock, my wacky loving rock. He was family. He was my world and I feel so lost and empty without him.

When I left him on Sunday morning he had scoffed down his breakfast and was happily gnawing away on a giant marrowbone. As I left for work I said 'Goodbye Spazzy, I'll see you a bit later.' Only it wasn't to be. My girlfriend came into work that afternoon to break the news to me. She'd got up later in the morning and gone looking for Jack - and found him in my housemate's room. He'd gone to sleep on the floor but didn't wake up again. I guess I have to be grateful that he went in his sleep, that it was sudden and hopefully painless. I couldn't have beared to watch him suffer. He was only 8 and it was so unexpected. I really thought he'd be sleeping on my bed for years to come.

My spazzy one I love you so much and I always will. You will always be in my heart. I miss you so much but I am trying to be strong. I am so lonely without you. I hope you're running wild wherever you are, that you're smiling and that there is a neverending supply of bones for you. I love you Jack. xx

Allison Black