I've read the many stories like this and absolutely dreaded the day it was my turn. I wrote this on Friday of last week and thought I'd share with the you guys.

Jackson came to me as an early Christmas present in the fall of 1999, my junior year of college. With all the awesome roommates I had through my college days, none was a better roommate than my dog Jackson. He was with me through the good times and bad times. I often found myself talking to him during my mother’s battle with cancer, the challenges of entering the workplace, and the often broken heart of single-hood. He was more than I could have ever asked for in a roommate. He was truly my best friend.

As amazing as he was with people, both in and around the house, he was best known for our days together in the field. Growing up on the plains of the Texas Gulf Coast, most days were spent chasing ducks and geese in the marsh. The college years found us making road trips anywhere from South Dakota for pheasants to West Texas for quail. After graduation, work took me to North Texas where countless days were spent on the area lakes, ponds, and rivers. Jackson is thought of by many friends and family for the memorable retrieves he made on their respective hunts together, including even a hog at the end of a morning duck hunt.

Jackson made life for me easier in so many different ways. I'm certain he had a vital role in helping me to win over my beautiful wife. If someone ever had doubts or questions about me, Jackson could easily change their hearts and mind. Tiffany and I recall numerous days fishing together while he swam and just enjoyed being outside with us. As he grew older and retired from hunting, God blessed us with 2 wonderful children. I never thought as a young man in college that someday not only my future wife, but even children would get to know the dog that played such a vital role in my life. Thankfully, Brielle and Asher grew to know and love ol' Jackson just the way their daddy did.

It was an unforgettable 13 plus years together. The decision was extremely difficult to make. However, we have so much peace and assurance that the time was right. Jackson is no longer in any pain. As I type this, I'm driving out to my deer lease in West Texas on the banks of the Brazos River. I will be spreading his ashes in the river. Over time, Jackson will wind his way down the river throughout the great state of Texas, passing by so many of the places where memories were made. Ultimately, he will return all the way back home, to where this incredible journey began, near Lake Jackson, Texas. The surrounding bodies of water, where the ducks and geese roam, will forever be graced by the presence of Jackson.

Jackson Video

Damn tough read. Sorry for your loss.

Great great video and story.

and I just got back my man card!

Thanks for sharing. That was awesome. RIP Jackson. You were blessed just as you blessed others.

Sorry, man.

sorry brother...

So sorry for your loss .

Sorry for your loss, RIP Jackson

Heck of a friend, sorry for your loss.

Great 13 years you had with him. I'm sure he thought the world of you. Glad he left without pain

Great video! sorry for your loss

Robby

R.I.P. Jackson.

I just put a pet down myself. I feel you pain

What a great life you shared with your buddy, and an excellent tribute!! Sorry for your loss, but thanks for sharing.

Very touching story. Very sorry for your loss.

Heck of a tribute to a heck of a dog. RIP Jackson.

I hate reading these. keep your head up brotha.

I'm so sorry, I know it is hard!

Thank you for sharing Jackson's story. Very sorry to hear of his passing.

RIP Jackson

RIP. My life goal is to strive to be the person my dog sees through his eyes.

Sorry for your loss, You will always have great memories

RIP

Sorry for your loss. You family may find comfort in the following. I know I have.



RainbowBridge.com

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...