Jack

One morning I was training Jack, my dog, at a mall.  It was a bit warm so we decided to take a break.  While we sat on a bench, an older gentleman came and sat down next to us. He looked so sad.  Because I was raised part of my younger days by two wonderful and caring grandparents, I have a soft spot for the elderly. I wanted to put a smile on his face before we left, so I had Jack do a couple of tricks. There was no response from the man until Jack did the big death scene and finally we got a laugh. We starting chatting and he was quite interested in Jack.  Before I knew it, the man was joyously petting and playing with Jack and Jack loved it.  After some time, the man thanked us for making his day, and after another pat on Jack’s head, walked away.

Two or three months later Jack and I saw this same man back at the mall.  He remembered Jack and I and seemed very happy to see us.  He hugged us both and asked if we could sit and visit with him for a bit.  He told me that he had not forgotten how Jack and I had cheered him up that day and that we had probably saved his life.  He went on to say that just the week before our first encounter his wife of 55 years passed away.  He could not bear the thought of living without hear and going home to a lonely house. He was contemplating suicide.  The time he spent with Jack and I made him feel better and look at things differently.  He told me he had never owned a dog before, but the day after our first meeting, he adopted a dog from the pound.  In the short time they have been together, they have become so close. He loved how his dog made him laugh, just like Jack.  He already considered him his best friend.  Now when the man goes home, it is not so lonely anymore.

I must admit that his story gave me goose bumps.  Ever since this happened, I think twice when Jack and I are out and someone stops us to ask questions about Jack or to tell me stories about their own dog.  I try and take the time to listen because it really could help someone.  If it helps just one person to feel better, then it is well worth it.

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