Wednesday, April 11, 2018

We love you, Jessie


Three years ago, I decided I was ready to foster again after losing Cinderella. JUST foster, though eventually I'd be open to adopting the right pup. Well, the foster I selected was picked up by a temporary foster mom and taken to our president's house to get a collar and LBR tag. As Jessie licked Sharon's face off, she made the prediction that "this dog is never going to leave Andrea's house!"

Of course, she was right. Jessie galloped her way straight into my heart, with her mile-long, non-stop tongue, her big grin, and her expressive face. I took so many pictures of her just sitting or lying down because she packed so much expression into it. She loved to roll around on her back in the grass, something that reminded me of my sweet Cinderella. She and Casey got along immediately, chasing each other and playing like they'd been friends forever. And somehow she eventually won over my little scaredy cat Pigeon, who suddenly realized that having a sister could be a GOOD thing. They snuggled together and played in a way I've never seen a cat and dog interact before. They truly loved each other.

Jessie was the most lovable goofball you've ever met. Everyone who met her loved her. You just couldn't resist the force of her personality! I always said her only flaw was that she couldn't control her licker -- she loooooved to kiss and would go to any lengths to just cover you in kisses. If I pushed her away, she would just keep licking the air until she was satisfied! She had wonderful puppy energy, bouncing and bounding everywhere. She was either moving at full speed, or she was sprawled out in full snuggle mode. There was no in-between!

Jessie was only a year and a half when I found out she was already in kidney failure. She had a congenital defect, and there was just nothing to do other than try to control it as best we could to prolong her life. I think maybe she was so energetic all the time because she knew she'd only have a limited time to pack everything in. Even after her diagnosis, you'd never know she was sick most of the time. She was still happy and energetic and loved life. When she lost that energy, I knew it was time to help her from her poor little body that couldn't keep up anymore. I think the first thing she did when she got to the Rainbow Bridge was run up to Cinderella and they both rolled in the grass with their paws waving.

I will miss you so much, Jessie girl. Thank you for making my life so much richer in the short time I was blessed to have you. It won't be the same without you. Casey and Pigeon miss their little sister so very much. I love you. <3

Jessalyn Ella Westerfeld
May 21, 2014 - April 11, 2018


43 comments:

  1. Our hearts are breaking for you as the tears fall. We are so sorry. Jessie died way too young. Godspeed, Jessie♥

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hari OM
    Darling Jessie; dance sprightly across that side of the rainbow and be sure to never stop smoochering with efurrybuddy there... I shall treasure always the memory of our shortest time together in the forest of Indiana. I add my tears to the pools of your mama's and am sending her and Pidge and Casey some extra special etherhugs and wags,. YAM-aunty xxx

    ReplyDelete
  3. So very, very sorry for your loss, but sometimes doing what is right hurts so badly. You did the most loving thing you could for Jessie, and she will always remember her wonderful life with you. Jessie has stamped a pawprint on your heart forever. Soft woos and gentle hugs from all ofus.

    With much love and woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber and Mom

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh no, I am so very sorry. Sending you so much love and support across the miles. Run free, sweet Jessie.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh noes. I am so very sorry,and my heart is breaking for all of you. I loved watchin' you guys welcome sweet Jessie into your pack, and I am so very sure she loved every single moment! Sendin' lots of {{{hugs}}}} and slobbery kisses your way. And tons of AireZens ♥
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥♥♥

    ReplyDelete
  6. My heart sunk when I read your title. I feel so sad - because she was so young. You gave her an incredible life, and she knew it. We are sending you hugs and love in this time of grief. Hugs - KB, Shyla, and R

    ReplyDelete
  7. Andrea, I'm so sorry and so heartbroken to hear the news about Jesse. Saying goodbye is never an easy thing. In fact it's the hardest thing to do no matter how much we try to prepare ourselves. Sending you love and hugs. Run hard and free again, Jesse.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sending love and hugs. We were so blessed to have met and loved on your beautiful girl.

    xoxo,
    Beth, Arty & Angel Dory
    (Jakey, Rosy and Dad Ed too)

    ReplyDelete
  9. So very sorry Andrea. Jessie knew such love in her short life because of you. Sending you love and pug hugs
    Hazel, Mabel & Linda

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh Andrea, I am so sorry for your loss. I knew from Facebook that Jessie was not doing well but I have not been online much today and just now reading this. I was hoping she mite rally a bit but I guess not. Hugs and prayers of comfort to you, Casey and Pigeon.

    To Jessie - make sure to seek out Angel Shiloh - he is always ready for a good chase or up for a rabbit hunt. I know that you, Angel Cinderella and Angel Shiloh will have some good times at the Rainbow Bridge.
    Mom Kim, Lady Shasta'n Miss Maizie

    ReplyDelete
  11. We're so sorry for your loss - sending hugs and purrs.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh no, we're so sorry to hear about Jessie. Sending lots luv and westie kisses.

    ReplyDelete
  13. my heart is aching for your loss and prayers for peace for those of you left behind. we all loved Jessie and you are right, the laying down sleeping photos are priceless. hugs and kisses

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh nose! So very sorry to hear your sad news, sending you BIG hugs and lots of LUFFS.
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

    ReplyDelete
  15. We're so sorry to hear that Jessie has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Our hearts are hurting for you all and we are sending all our love and hugs to comfort you.

    ReplyDelete
  16. We are so very sad for all of Jesse's family, but especially Pigeon. They had such a special relationship. We will miss you, Miss Jesse.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Andrea we are so very very sorry to read this post. Mom and I send you lots of hugs and love. I know Casey and Pigeon will miss their Sweet sister. Jessie's life was too short; however, in true Boxer style she used every single moment and was full of glee and love of life. Mom says she feels honored to have touched Jessie in the furs and seen her happy sweet smile and how much she loved you and Casey. Run free Jessie, until we meet again Madi your bfff
    Joyous
    Elegant
    Sissy to Casey and Pigeon
    Sensational kisser
    Intelligent
    Exceptional Friend...we'll miss you

    ReplyDelete
  18. This is just heartbreaking, especially when your furry friend is so young. We will hold you close in our thoughts today and check your front steps for perhaps a little something delivered today in honor of Jessie.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Jessie sure was gawjus. We're so sorry fur your loss. That kidney disease is just pawful. Hissssss We're sendin' hugs and purrayers fur all.

    Luv ya'

    Dezi, Raena and mommy A

    ReplyDelete
  20. I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful girl.

    ReplyDelete
  21. So sorry for your loss! I too, know the pain of losing a furfriend so young. All I can say is Jessie knew she was loved deeply, and returned it in kind.

    ReplyDelete
  22. We wanted to say how truly sorry we are. Godspeed your journey to heaven Jessie; with hugs to you and your whole family ♥♥♥♥♥

    ReplyDelete
  23. Andrea we put up a post in Jessie's Memory here
    http://blogvillepotp.blogspot.com/
    Many hugs cecilia, Bryan and Madi

    ReplyDelete
  24. Such a difference lives like Jessie make here on earth. How sorry I am that she had to leave so soon. May God give you all comfort.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Soft prayers for you, for your beautiful Jessie ... we are saddened by your loss.

    ReplyDelete
  26. So sorry beautiful Jessie lost her battle. She will always be with you.

    ReplyDelete
  27. she sounds like a sweetheart. so glad you had time with her although it wasn't nearly enough. Very sorry for your loss. Hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  28. We are very sorry. That is much too short a life. Sending you love and prayers

    ReplyDelete
  29. We are so sorry to read this. An amazing dog! Run free sweet Jessie.

    ReplyDelete
  30. We are so sorry to read the news.
    Jessie will be remembered for her sweet kisses.
    Run free and sweet dreams baby girl.
    xo Astro

    ReplyDelete
  31. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your beautiful angel Jessie will always be with you. Until you meet again.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Just dropping by to send you lots more LUFFs and HUGs, you've been very much in our thoughts
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

    ReplyDelete
  33. Andrea-
    We are so sorry for your loss. We too have been following your sad news on FB. Jessie was so lucky to have found you and your pack. We will look for her bright star in the night sky.

    Wyatt, Tegan and Family

    ReplyDelete
  34. We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Sending you much love.
    Xo Xo
    Tootsie & Renee

    ReplyDelete

  35. Andrea, our Mama is crying as we all are here in Vancouver upon hearing this sad news. We feel awful that we haven't been here to prop you up these past few days. We had no idea Jessie was doing so poorly!

    Jessie WAS a bright light and we know she is shining her light over Cinderella, Scribbles, Isadora, Mitalee, Esme and over all our precious angels as she lovingly licks her way to everyone over the Rainbow Bridge.

    We loved Jessie and love you for loving Jessie despite the many challenges you had to face surrounding her health issues.We know she had a wonderful life with you, Casey and Pigeon.

    We are sending you all our love and support Andrea.xx

    Rest in peace sweet Jessalyn Ella Westerfeld. You were loved by so many in this world ; you were especially loved by our Mama and by Duffy, Malou,Levon, Wilhelmina and Avalon.

    Sophie and the critters in the cottage xo

    ReplyDelete
  36. We are sorry to hear abut Jessie. We send you all lots of comforting purrs.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Jessie...we love you. Sometimes the hardest decisions are the best ones. You were a great owner to this dog for as long as you had her, Andrea. Stay strong for Casey and pigeon...

    ReplyDelete
  38. This is heartbreaking. Jessie was such a young girl. We lost our furry girl a couple of months ago and we are still heart broken. She has had such an impact on our lives as Jessie had on yours. Our Kali loved everyone and was always ready for a good sniff fest. Hopefully, they'll be friends at the Bridge.

    Jean and Shoko

    ReplyDelete
  39. Our deepest sympathy. Memories let them fill your mind warm your heart and lead you through this time.
    Sweet William The Scot

    ReplyDelete
  40. Our hearts are with you all. Such a beautiful pup gone way too soon.

    Hugs,
    Muffin

    ReplyDelete
  41. Sending our sympathy and love to you.


    purrs from Mindy

    ReplyDelete
  42. Oh Andrea .... I am soooooo sad for you!! What a lot of life Jessie fitted into those few years and what a lot of love she gave. My heart aches for you.

    ReplyDelete