We had to let go of my dog Jessey this weekend, she was 15. My family adopted her in 1997 after much research and persistence from an 11 year old Heather. She’d been abandoned on a highway in Florida and had definitely been abused as she was terrified of people. We gave her a home and a second chance, but she gave us so much more in return. I know that sounds cliche but Jess was such a protector, playmate and little furry friend.

One of my oldest memories of her was the night we brought her home, she stole a piece of pizza right off the counter. My brother and I would play outside in the snow with her and she loved catching snowballs we threw. We also had parakeets and cockatiels and being a herding dog, Jessey would ever so gently round them up into a little group. She was so smart and just “knew” things — when you needed a snuggle or after you brushed your teeth it was time for a walk (clearly, every time you brushed your teeth you were leaving the house with her in tow).

I could share so many other stories, I have a lot of good memories growing up with her. Every kid should be lucky enough to have a dog. Miss you Jessey Leigh!