I would be beyond remiss if I did not point out that Jiggs is 13 today.
I never thought I would see that age in print. Jiggs is a big golden retriever. I thought I would be lucky to have 10 years with him. Any reader of this blog knows that I have had concerns that his end was near every day for the past year. But he never ceases to surprise me.
Some things are different. His favorite spot in the world is on an Oregon beach. But his back legs are so weak, he cannot navigate through the sand. Or so I thought. During our snow storm this past month, he dashed around like a puppy. Only the onset of the ice defeated him.
I consider this last year to be a gift from God. I have enjoyed each day with Jiggs. I have consciously chosen not to accept a year's worth of invitations merely to spend more time with him.
Right now, he is asleep next to my computer table -- ready to jump up just in case I need to go for a walk.
Happy birthday, pal.
I never thought I would see that age in print. Jiggs is a big golden retriever. I thought I would be lucky to have 10 years with him. Any reader of this blog knows that I have had concerns that his end was near every day for the past year. But he never ceases to surprise me.
Some things are different. His favorite spot in the world is on an Oregon beach. But his back legs are so weak, he cannot navigate through the sand. Or so I thought. During our snow storm this past month, he dashed around like a puppy. Only the onset of the ice defeated him.
I consider this last year to be a gift from God. I have enjoyed each day with Jiggs. I have consciously chosen not to accept a year's worth of invitations merely to spend more time with him.
Right now, he is asleep next to my computer table -- ready to jump up just in case I need to go for a walk.
Happy birthday, pal.
Happy Birthday Jiggs, and Happy New Year to you Steve. Thank you for a wonderful year of insight and writing, and I look forward to reading about your (not so same) life in a new location. All the best in '09...
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Jiggs!!! I am sure that he will make the move and continue to surprise you with his joi de vie (or however you spell it).
ReplyDeleteregards,
Theresa
And a blessed new year to you, Deb. I look forward to meeting you soon.
ReplyDeleteTheresa -- This dog has truly made me appreciate the small things in life. He is easily the most willful dog I have owned. But the smallest thing will please him.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Jiggs! May there be more to come!
ReplyDeleteI've been reading (and enjoying) your blog for a while...and every time you mention Jiggs, this Josh Ritter song comes to mind -- I hope you guys enjoy it!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O63A7oi3PWY
And Happy Birthday Jiggs!
Mr. Jiggs looks beautiful and very happy. I think that the reason he has stuck around is because he loves you and knows you don't want to be without him and his love. Dogs are special that way. My Chorizo was that way, always eager to please, always loving and never asking for anything in return. What a treasure you have there Steve, always cherish Jiggs. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. JIGGS AND MANY MORE. WE LOVE YOU MR. JIGGS.
ReplyDeleteHAPPY NEW YEARS STEVE.
Gary -- Jiggs is no Mr. Patel, but he will do.
ReplyDeletemcm -- I had not heard the song. Thanks for passing it along. I played it for Jiggs as a birthday present, but he just went back to his nap. I liked it.
Gloria -- Thanks for the greetings. Professor Jiggs and I are both about at the same stage of life: nothing excites us as much as the prospect of a good nap.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Prof. Jiggs. He looks pretty happy in that photo. My German Shepherd lived to be 14 1/2 yrs. old. They are always ready to surprise us. I am sure he will enjoy the move to Mexico with you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Brenda. I was a bit worried about him today. He did not want his breakfast, and he was willing to merely sleep next to the computer. But the moment I got up to head for the door, he was right there for his walk.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you and Prof. Jiggs!
ReplyDeleteAnd to the two of you.
ReplyDeleteI love old dogs - they're the best. Happy Birthday to Prof. Jiggs!
ReplyDeleteCairelle -- I assure you that with Jiggs the adage is true -- no new tricks.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope that he sets a new record for longest lived Golden Retriever ever!
ReplyDeleteWayne -- He claims he will dance on my grave.
ReplyDeleteHappy Belated Birthday Jiggs!!! Didn't know he was born on such a special day. What a great picture. He's setting a great record for BoBo to match.
ReplyDeleteBoBo's Mom -- He is a handful. Last night, I was willing to take him for a second walk, but he stopped one house from ours and just stood in the rain. And then decided to go home.
ReplyDeleteGracie was hoping to catch a opposum for the Professor, but even my water dog found the wind & rain yesterday oppressive and depressing. We opted to lounge on in the recliner together watching reruns.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Professor Jiggs!
Your pal,
Gracie Lou
Beth -- Gracie and Jiggs must have found their mutual canine mantra. It certainly did not involve any time on that downpour.
ReplyDeleteWhat a handsome Gent for age 13!! Happy Birthday to Jiggs.
ReplyDeleteHave yet to meet a Golden Retreiver that wasn't a really special person.
Mic
Mic -- Special he is. I hope the weather breaks -- to give him an pportunity to "run" a bit.
ReplyDelete