Saturday, October 29, 2011

All about Jamie

 Jamie was found by My Vickie's niece Becky shortly after her mom (My Vickie's Sister) had died.  At the sweet request of this little girl,  "Aunt Vickie, please take her home" My Vickie made arrangements to bring Jamie into her life.

She hadn't intended to do search work with the little black and white charmer, but as life would have it, the decision was made for her. 
My Vickie had lost her search dog McKenna to a terrible accident and had decided that she would just train other handlers and dog teams but didn't want to start another dog of her own.

However, Jamie had other plans. 

At about six months, Jamie, who had accompanied My Vickie on the training weekends across the country, was sitting patiently by a vehicle as the My Vickie set up a one mile track for one of the older more experienced dogs.

Jamie watched "the victim" leave the campsite and disappear into the forest.  An hour later it was time to bring the SAR team in to try and track "the victim".

While My Vickie was laying out the "Scent Article" for the team, Jamie, who was just trying to be as patient as she could, could hold herself back no longer.

She was off....She ran to the "Scent Article" picked it up and drank in the smell of "her victim" and headed on track, into the forest after her victim.

My Vickie watched in amazement then finally figured out what was happening and quickly followed Jamie into the trees.

Jamie didn't miss a turn, she didn't pause to check out a dead carcass that was lying just to the right of the track, she followed the trail making no mistakes.

She worked it like a seasoned pro.  It took her less than 20 minutes to make her way to the hiding spot of "the victim"

The decision was made.  My Vickie had little to do with the choice.  Jamie was a search dog. 
 For ten years, Jamie gave her heart and soul to the lost and missing, as well as over 100,000 children across the country who she came to schools and parks to teach, How to stay safe in the mountains.
 She searched and found people lost in the mountains from Utah to Canada north, and as far as southern Texas to the south.  Found people who were consumed by avalanches, had drowned in lakes and rivers, and people trapped in rubble.
 Retirement was hard for Jamie to accept but as she reached her 12th year, her big brown eyes started loosing their strength, her ears started hearing less and less.  But her nose..oh that nose....it was as strong as ever.
 Now the eyes are almost completely blinded, the hearing completely gone, but the spirit is AS STRONG as ever.  Her heart of gold would serve to the day she could no longer walk, as long as her nose can lead her, she would work.

It was a terribly hard thing for My Vickie to retire her, harder still to go out and find ME to take up the job she could no longer do.  

Now the Seizure monster is visiting her a couple of times a week, her little back legs can no longer hold her up for more than a few minutes.

How and when do we say good bye.  Many of you know.  Many if not all of you have known or are now playing the "Waiting Game"  now.

Why do I write this now?  Because when that time comes, be it through a choice made by My Vickie and Jamie or by the angels above...My Vickie and I will not be able to talk or write about it.  there will be silence.
But as we wait, we hold on to those big brown beautiful eyes, and the heart as big as Texas, the wild spirit, the concentration, the wisdom, the process of reading the clues and reasoning out the answer, the magnificence of this beautiful dog that I can call my mentor, my teacher, my sister, my light.

“Life is short. Time is fleeting. Realize the Self. Purity of the heart is the gateway to God. Aspire. Renounce. Meditate. Be good; do good. Be kind; be compassionate. Inquire, know Thyself.”



Swami Sivananda

39 comments:

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Jamie is a true gem, isn't she? We feel your pain, we have all been there, and when the time comes, we will understand. Hugs to all of you from us.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning and Mom

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! Oh Jamaie. We can totally relate ... it will be very hard. But your Vickie will have great n precious memories of Jamie ... she will for sure re-tell stories of her. Sending Lots of Golden LOVE n Woofs, Sugar

Boondocks Love Shack Pack said...

Jamie, is such a beautiful girl.

We're praying for you guys.

Love y'all!!

Boon and all

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

Oh Dear Vickie, when the time is right you will know, as terribly hard as that is. Jamie's life has been one of giving and loving and we can't wish for more than that.

Enjoy each and every minute you have left together. She knows you and Bert adore and love her. When her time comes, you know she will be welcomed by all our cherished pets, just waiting to say "hello Jamie, so glad to see you". Hugs to all, especially you Vickie. Extra love, Carol (and Stella and Rory)

GOOSE said...

Bert, give miss Jamie a hug for us and to your Vickie. And when the time comes we too will understand. Our heart and soulful prayers are with each of you. MOM has been down that road with her beloved Pete. Her heart is heavy for your family.
Blessing,
Goose

Finn said...

What a sweet story of Jamie. We will be thinking of you all.

animal lover, quilt lover said...

I know your pain well Vickie.
Jamie is so wonderful. She is a pleasure to have around.
I lost my Bambi last June the 3th. We had lived together 13 years and 3 months. She was 13.8 years old. I still cry , like now.
xx, Fern

Anonymous said...

This is an extremely touching story. Thank you for sharing. We understand it is an extremely though time for you all. You will know when the time is right. A beautiful story will always remain at heart.

KB said...

Jamie is a dog who has touched my heart, even though I've never met her in person. I can feel your love for her through your words. What a wonderful girl she is!

I've been through what you're going through now. My heart aches for you... and tears spring to my eyes upon reading the love pouring out in your words. We will understand and be sending you virtual hugs when the time comes.

For now, please hug Jamie for me.

Katie, Maizey and Magnus said...

What a wonderful tribute. Your tribute made me wish I knew Jamie. It's always so hard to make the dreaded choice, but you will know the time. When it comes give each other lots of hugs and kisses. When you are ready to share with us we will all be here. We've all been there and understand. Until then get lots of love and hugs from your wonderful girl. Hugs to you all!

bichonpawz said...

This is a wonderful tribute to Jamie. What a beautiful girl! Sending along our love and prayers. xoxo Chloe, LadyBug and the mama

Ina in Alaska said...

Jamie has/does have a life rich with experiences most dogs will never experience. Yes tears will be shed but her strong spirit will never be lost.

Her service has brought education, happiness, relief & closure to many. What a testament to you, Vickie. Thank you for sharing this post. I wish our dogs could stay with us forever but since they cannot they will stay in our hearts forever.

verobirdie said...

This is a beautiful post, full of love. Jamie will cross the bridge knowing she was loved.

Molly the Airedale said...

Jamie is a true beauty.
We are praying for you.

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

Oh Miss Vickie and Bert, What a WONDERFUL WONDERFUL post about Jamie.

I so UNDERSTAND why you wrote about Jamie NOW... and how you are feeling.

Our lives are so short... in the long scheme of thingys.. butt Jamie showed that we can and DO live our lives to the fullest... every day..
QUALITY means so much more than quantity. I'm just sayin'.

Anonymous said...

Jamie is most special. A wonderful life story she has. Hugs to all of you. And when the time comes, your silence will be respected and our hearts and most soothing thoughts will be with you.

Much love,
The Roo Family

Scooter said...

Oh Bert, I will be sending constant loving vibes to Jamie and your whole pack. This is so hard. I think Jamie is amazing and she has touched so many peeps and pooches in her life. We are all richer for having the experience. Take care of each other.
Grr and Woof,
Sarge, COP

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

Jamie, you are a wonderful soul, and even those of us who have not had the good fortune to meet you "in person" will feel the void when you make that great leap.

2browndawgs said...

They are with us such a short time and it is so very hard to say goodbye...

rottrover said...

What a gal! You'll know when it's time, and we'll understand. Sending hugs to Your Vickie, Her Jamie and to you, Bert.

Your friends,

-Ruby and Bart

Wyatt said...

What a wonderful life Jamie has had. I'm reminded of the book 'A Dogs Purpose'. She will cross that bridge knowing that she was a great dog and helped so many.

Wyatt's Mom

Sheila and Bob said...

We know the feelings you have all to well. We have been owned and loved by Goldens for 40 years.
We are praying for Jamie and for you and your entire furry family. Came across this quote which I think says so much.


A beautiful quote...
"We need another and a wiser and perhaps a more mystical concept of animals... In a world older and more complete than ours they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendor and travail of the earth."

~Henry Beston


Sheila & Bob
Hamish & Rescue Sophie

Bailey Be Good! said...

Awww, my mommy knows how you all must be feeling, since she's had other doggies before Nala and me. And Nala is getting up there in years -- she'll be 13 in just a few weeks! I'm gonna send lotsa woofs, prayers and hugs for all of you. <3

~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)

Scrappy Angel said...

so well said. it is a two way street. Jamie knows just how to truly love with purpose and she so obviously gets it from you in return.

Sagira said...

Thank you so much for sharing your Jamie with us. We love reading about her and all that she has done. I can't say that I understand as you have a much more special bond I am sure than just a regular house pet since you and her have been through so much together but our hearts are with you and you will know when it is time. We just lost our very first dog ever on August 4th, it was SO very hard to say goodbye and I still call his name to come back inside to this day. Saying good bye to someone who has been by your side and knows you better than most people do is never easy. Our hearts and paws are crossed for you and Jamie.

Meeka said...

We are happy reading of all the searches Jamie was involed in and sad to hear her condition right now. We'll be keeping you in our prayers.

How Sam Sees It said...

We are sending hugs your way. Mom thinks when it is time for her Sam to go, the whole world will hear her heart breaking.

Sam

NCmountainwoman said...

Oh dear Bert and your dear Vickie, we know just how you feel. Our first dog lived to be fourteen and our second dog lived to be thirteen. Enjoy whatever time remains and know that many of us will be grieving with you as we remember that path ourselves.

JuneBug, Milta and SnowPea said...

Woof Woof and already tears of sadness as well as happiness for wow what an amazing life both the human and hero pups are.... We found you on the Pet Blog hop and I am greatful for it...

2 dogs (both rescue by us) and a very fat cat...

Georgia Peach said...

Jamie knows that you love her and it will be so hard to let her go but you will know when the time is right. This is not what any of us "parents" want to happen to our babies but just like us one day it will happen. God will give you the strength to get through this as he has many other trial and tribulations. Please know I Jazzie and I are thinking of you. We love you both. Penney, Ken and Jazzie.

Bailey Be Good! said...

Thinking of you! Sending more hugs and prayers your way. :) Happy Halloween, my friends. :)

Woofs,

~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)

snoopy@snoopysdogblog said...

What a wonderful post - Jamie sure had her own ideas of what she wanted to do and she was so lucky that she found your Vickie and they got to live that adventure together!

Sending BIG hugs for all

Your pal Snoopy :)

Road Dog Tales said...

Jamie is so beautiful and smart and we know you've have lots of amazing adventures together and made lots of happy memories. We're so glad you shared Jamie and her wonderful life with us! We understand the heartache you must be feeling and we are just wishing the best for all of you.

Take care.

The Road Dogs

The Army of Four said...

We totally, totally love Jamie! What a great post!
Luv,
Dave

hazelmarie elliott said...

I could feel my heart move, my desire to offer something of comfort quite overwhelming, and I felt I'd stepped into familiar shoes while reading this post. I could almost go there, to this place of loss, through your words. Certainly, I understand how there will be silence. I've become quite 'silent' myself over the summer, but often we must withdraw to a place within ourselves to heal, to mend.

My heart is there with you. Gather the memories of this beautiful companion, though every one will be like a golden ache within you, and remember...

Sending you much love,
M.

Kirsten (peacefuldog) said...

So wonderful to write about our seniors before their time comes. I believe it makes us stronger when it does. Devastating when they get old. Thinking I may just do fostering for a while so I avoid that whole part of the cycle :)

Jamie is till enjoying a rich and joyful life, so you too should rejoice in that!

Suka said...

What a beautiful tribute to a truly beautiful soul, Jamie. Our heart hurts with yours at the thought of sweet Jamie leaving, but she is here today and that is all that matters.

Thank you for sharing her special story. She is an inspiration and a dog to admire. We send her lots of love and positive thoughts and healing.

Suka and K

Anonymous said...

This is a Most Beautiful postie and it made my momma's eyes leaky. Jamie is a very remarkable and special girl and is most obviously oh-so-luved. We understand not being able to talk about it and we will wait until My Vickie finds her voice again.

We are thinking of all of you and holding you in our hearts.

Gentle wiggles & wags,
Mayzie

Whitney said...

I love love that dog. I am currently crying my eyes out. I will miss her. Beautiful dog!