In Loving Memory of Blackjack

I adopted Blackjack (formerly Zorro) in July 2007, and he lost his battle with cancer on December 29, 2009.  Despite scars on his body that indicated he had had a rough life, he was a friendly, playful boy who made everyone laugh.  He hid in closets during fireworks shows and howled when classical music came on the television and insulted his ears.  He ate everything he could reach, including soap, and loved to sleep in the sun, sprawled on his favorite blanket in the dining room.  He was both clumsy and prissy; his stability on wood floors was hopeless, especially when he chased his toys, and he detested stepping in mud.  He loathed baths but loved being clean, to the point where he would tear around the backyard after a bath, leaping from the driveway with joy.  He chased squirrels tirelessly and guarded me vigilantly.  He wordlessly pleaded with me not to leave him at the kennel when I went out of town.  When I returned from a trip, he would be my shadow for several days, preferring to spend as much time as he could with his face smooshed against my leg.  Even though he was with me for a short time, I loved him as much as any pet parent could.  His last month was difficult, but his last two and a half years were filled with treats, affection, appreciation, laughter, joy, and love. 

Sherlyn Wiggs