My best canine friend, Jinx, came to me in 1985, badly abused and very frightened. She was given to me by a friend who had rescued Jinx from her horrible circumstances in Maine.

    Beneath her apprehensive demeanor, there was an animal of enormous heart and pride. Over the next 14 years these attributes became quite obvious to all those who came to know and love her. In her own quiet way, Jinx demonstrated much love and attachment. She was patient with, and interested in, children of all ages. Eventually, she overcame her fear of being hurt by men, and would willingly greet any stranger, man or woman, as is the Siberian Husky way.

    She and I undertook many adventures together. Until a year ago, she would never hesitate to jump in the car for a ride, and we did indeed ride all over New England together. She was also one of the few passengers who never got seasick on the ferry from Point Judith to Block Island! We learned how to rollerblade together, I wore the 'blades and she pulled. She was, after all, a Husky! And she proudly pulled a small sled through the snow, with a child on board (and a little guidance from me)!

    During those 14 years, there were many ups and downs in my life. The good times were easy, and Jinx coasted along by my side. The bad times were hard, and many days she was the only reason I kept trying. In the fall of 1997 two things happened, one good, but one very bad. I met the man who would eventually become my husband, but suddenly Jinx wasn't able to do so many things we enjoyed together. It became more difficult for her to jump in the car without assistance. She began to have trouble walking. And then, it was even hard for her just to stand without falling down. These things crept up on us over the last 22 months, but with the assurance and assistance of her wonderful and compassionate veterinarian, we kept going.....together. Dr. Long said I would know when the time had come. But Jinx kept swinging at the pitches, and when I looked into her eyes, she always gave me the sign to keep going.

    Last Sunday night, July 11, she swung for the final time. I stayed with her all night, watching her, petting her, smelling her unique and wonderful scent, and looking into those loving brown eyes. Through those eyes, her soul told me she was very tired, and that it was all right for me to let her go. Jinx had been very brave and stoic for almost two years. I believe she waited until she was certain that Brian, the man who became my husband this May, was going to be able to take her place. That he would stand in for her when I needed to be looked after, to be comforted and quietly supported, and to play with me.

    I don't know if I will ever, again, have the privilege of knowing such an extraordinary animal. My wonderful dog, Jinx, has set an example for me to follow the rest of my life. I, too, will be brave when it would be easier to whimper. I will keep trying, even when it seems that I have already lost. I will appreciate the simple comforts of life: the companionship of my husband (my best human friend), people who love me, a warm home in which to rest or play, plenty of good food, and a joy in living each day for itself. Although I can no longer just reach over and touch your soft ears, Jinx, your memory and the gifts you have given me will be tangible in my heart for the rest of my days on earth.

All my love,
Monica

Monica Armstrong Snow
July 14, 1999

To Huskies Over the Rainbow Bridge