Jax has been there through it all; always a constant in our family’s life. We picked him out of a litter of puppies, paid $75 (don’t know why I remember that detail) and brought him to our home on a warm, sunny day. Jayde was just a baby, not even a year old yet; still crawling around. Matt and I were pretty much still babies too, adult babies, but nonetheless- babies.

Jax was small but his bark was mighty and anyone who neared our front door or home would get a greeting. Up until his last day, he was still this way. Always giving us a heads up of company. Sometimes though he would bark and we had no idea who or what he was barking at. But I’m sure he did. It gave me great comfort, especially when Matt had to be gone for long periods of time for work in the early days of our marriage, that Jax was this way. He was a comfort to me on those nights when I was scared and would recall Dateline mysteries in my mind.

Jax wasn’t an ankle biter. He didn’t chew things up. A little timid and reserved, much like some of our family members. He was like a soft, sweet cuddly stuffed animal who loved anyone he met and would always gladly jump on your lap to be cuddled and pet. Very gentle. Very loving.

He was there for it all. Bringing our 3 girls home from the hospital. Through hard times and good. For all the countless birthday parties where family and friends would come. All the holidays and celebrations; also times of hurt and mourning. There when we said goodbye to our first home and moved to this one. He loved the girls and the girls loved him.

You could always find him in the kitchen during meal time. His favorite thing was American cheese. I swear, he could be downstairs, and once I started peeling the plastic from the square cheese, it wasn’t too long after that he’d be right by my feet. And I’d always give him some. Always.

He had a way of communicating with me and others if he needed something. He’d do this little growl noise and jump up and down and right away, I knew he wanted food or water. If those two things were full, then it was always a treat he was wanting. And he was persistent. He always knew my mom was a sucker and he could get many treats from her when she visited.

Jax was there as Matt and I became “not babies” anymore. As we aged, so did he.

Jax was a part of our family, someone we could always count on to be by our sides. He wasn’t just a pet or a dog – he was one of us – a Berry. He gave us so much love and I’m so thankful for the 14 years we were able to spend with him. Dogs truly show us what it’s like to love unconditionally.

We will miss Jax so much.