Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Happy Birthday to our Jazzy!



Well, I have to make this post since our litty Jazzy has turned 10. Jasmine, our little chocolate Boykin Spaniel, came to us in March of 1998 (thank you mom and dad- yes, she will always be your dog too), and she has provided us so much happiness over the years. As all newly married couples do when they get a puppy, we spoiled Jasmine rotten, and therefore, she is a princess, the Nowak girl. I realize that she is only a dog, but to us, she is so much more. Before we had Patrick and Matthew, Jasmine was my company when Brian was at sea. She kept his spot in the bed warm, greeted me when I came home, and traveled with me wherever I went.

Jasmine is truly part of our family, and we are so sad that unfortunately, she couldn't join us when we moved to Japan. It is not the same when we come home here, and her tail isn't wagging away for us as she runs to us with a ball in her mouth.

We know that she is well taken care of in Michigan by my parents, and it helps to know that she is loved and cared for every day that we aren't there.

We are lucky that she loves the us all unconditionally. Even after seeing her at Christmas and leaving her again, she still sleeps on the boys' beds at mom and dad's house and looks out the window as if waiting for her two best playmates to come back again soon. She is the best dog we could ever have asked for. No matter where we go or how long we're gone, she is always waiting at the door, wagging her little tail, as if to say, "thank you for coming back to me."

Jasmine, your sweet wet kisses are always welcome! We hope you live another happy and healthy 10 years.

8 comments:

MI mom said...

That brings tears to my eyes because she IS a very loyal dog and does spend every day on the boys' bed watching out the window. It's hard to believe that in May it will be 10 years since we made the journey to South Carolina to pick up this little, mischievous ball of fur! She truly is a Schaadt family dog. She accepts Dad and me as her surrogate parents, but also is very accepting of the time she spends with the Boyles when we are gone for extended periods of time. I think the Boyle kids could do with a little less loving when they come in the door at our house and she almost knocks them down saying hello! She also loves it when the CA Schaadts visit. Of course, Brian S. was the third Schaadt she met when she came to the family. She always greets us with enthusiasm no matter how long we have been gone and always comes with a present in her mouth, whether it is a bone or a ball. So even though she is rightfully owned by the Nowaks, we all have a little ownership in Jasmine. Love, Mom

Anonymous said...

My little princess. The "dog the won't rock the boat" certainly keeps us on our toes, but we love her none-the-less. It's hard to believe that she's ten years old.

The dinner table isn't quite the same without Jasmine sitting under the table; she never begs for our dinner, but just knowing she's there is sometimes a comfort. She never holds us in contempt--like Amy wrote, it's a sign of total unconditional loyalty.

Jasmine, although we know you are in good, loving hands there, we miss you.

Happy birthday Girl.

Brian

Anonymous said...

Happy Bday Jasmine! Thanks Mom, but yes I was going to mention that we have part ownership in her too right now and she spends many nights while visiting us on either Claire's bed or our bed - she certainly is a BED HOG. And don't tell Pat I told you this, but he practically begs her to sleep cuddled up next to him when she is at our house. He loves that dog despite what he may tell you! Speaking of dogs, please keep Matisse in your thoughts today as she is having surgery to remove some nasty tumors that have grown - we will find out later how many were cancerous.

Kelly

Anonymous said...

Along with Mom, it has been a privilege to be Jasmine's caregiver during your time in Japan. Jasmine and I have developed a special relationship. What is so unique about this beautiful little Boykin Spaniel is the nearly total trust that she has placed in me. She greets me every night when I come home from work, she can't wait until the weekend mornings when she waits by the front door for Bob to come for coffee, and she lets us know when she is ready to go to bed and snuggle up between us. She especially loves it when I rub her tummy.

But I know that she has not forgotten you because she was so happy to see you all here at Christmas and knows that you have not left her forever.

As much as we love her, we know that she belongs in your household, and we will make sure that we keep her active and healthy until you get back to the States. Jasmine is still very active and amazingly healthy for her age and breed. So we will continue to enjoy her company for the next year, and I know we will miss her when she leaves.

Happy Birthday Jasmine.

Love, Dad

Anonymous said...

Pat and Kelly: We certainly hope Matisse gets a clean bill of health. She's a big lovable dog that is everybody's friend. She always greets me when I come over and just seems to be happy being a member of the Boyle family. Jasmine is comfortable coming to your house, so she certainly is a shared dog-definitely likes to come to your house. And while I am on the subject of dogs, I have become quite fond of the one and only Zamboni. This dog and I have both made compromises to get where we are today, but I certainly can say that we get along really well today. So not only do we have great families, but their dogs are also an important part of the family as well.

Dad

MI mom said...

I hope Matisse is OK and that her tumors aren't cancerous. She is such a big old lovable dog with such a beautiful face and eyes and I don't want to see her suffer or be sick. She is so gracious about sharing her house and family with Jasmine.
And we can't forget Zamboni who has matured so much and is so good around Owen. She actually differentiates between her toys and his. She still has so much energy. She has really become quite friendly to us. So to wrap it all up - we are blessed with 3 great granddogs and 6 fabulous grandchildren! Love, Mom

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to Jazzy Roo!! I cant believe she is 10 years old! Your post brought tears to my eyes because I am sure it is very sad being in Japan without her. As much as Zamboni gets on my nerves, I cant imagine being without her. You guys will be back soon and if you go to San Diego - you would not only have us but some free dog sitters, because you know how much Brian S. loves Jazzy!

Nana & Papa - please give Jazzy a big hug and kiss from us and please throw her the ball a few times from Zamboni!

Love, G, B, O & Z

Anonymous said...

Happy 10th Birthday Jazzy! It was nice to see her again over cmas. i think she remembered us! scottie and hal love playing with her. she is a great dog and very loyal to all of your family! Dogs are the best aren't they! We can't wait for someday to have bailey and jazzy see each other again!

love, patty!