Jade

Her name was Jade and she was born on April 25, 2007. She was the second of three puppies born to Chica, our Chihuahua/Rat Terrier. Her older sister, Halfpint, made it 24 hours. Jade had a rough start into the world as she was half the size of her younger, but much bigger brother, OX.

Poor Jade did not ever seem quite “right”. She was the underdog and everyone in the house loved her very much.

Early this morning, around 0430 she managed to get out of her box on our son’s bed, over him and fell to the floor. The vet said it must have been a “header” because the top of her skull between her ears had fractured. Being so small and dainty, he very professionally and candidly suggested she be put down. She was just too small and fragile and the way she was howling her chances of survival where slim. I somehow knew that it was coming and was prepared for the prognosis, but it devastated our daughter and my wife. We brought sweet little Jade home and the news then devastated our son. He thought it was his fault, but far from it.

She liked to curl up and sleep in my wife’s slipper, so we put her in her favorite slipper and she now watches over us from under the weeping willow tree in our side yard next to her sister.

Jade, you were our precious one! We knew you were challenged and we marveled with your every advance. You won our hearts and we championed your spirit. You will be missed, little girl, and we know and understand you are in a better place. You brought happiness and joy to our lives and we thank you for sharing your brief time with us.

Run and play in the garden of paradise, little one!

June 15, 2007