Jack

Jack is gone. 

Last Friday he was operated on for what turned out to be a massive tumor, necessitating a three hour surgery.  He came home and seemed to be recovering. The next day he managed a few shaky steps outside, before returning to his bed.  He seemed comfortable, though still groggy, and we thought that all was well.  Later, unexpectedly, he had a seizure of some sort, perhaps a massive  stroke, from which he did not recover.

He was the most cheerful dog I've ever known and the only dog who made a habit of turning to thank you when you opened the door to let him in.  

Jack the Jester, we sometimes called him because he was foolish in ways that didn't seem right for a Border Collie.

  "What would the lads down at the pub say?" we would ask when he climbed in a lap for a quick snuggle.

Another member of Dog Club gone, alas! But oh, what fun they had!

And how much joy they have brought us, despite the inevitable goodbyes.