Jay is on his way to the Bridge this morning, January 2, 2007. Light a candle for him.

Jay was not a Pug, actually Jay was more of a "dawg". Adopted by my neighbor David as a pup from the Animal Shelter, he was an abandoned mixed breed, found wandering at about 2-3 mos old.

A big black dog, Jay was likely some Lab, maybe a bit of Rottweiler thrown in as well. He was friendly and pretty laid back for such a big fellow.

Jay and David both had a tough time. David had a horrible marriage, ending in his ex charging that he molested their son. A long and bitter lawsuit and trial ended in him being found not guilty and even gaining custody of the son. But the damage was done and he slid in to drug and alcohol abuse. He fought a long battle back with Jay constantly at his side. The addictions left him broke economically and physically. At 44, he is permanently disabled.

A few years back, Jay was stolen from David's yard and was going to be used as bait for a dog fighting ring. The ring was busted and Jay returned to the Animal Shelter. David was there everyday hoping Jay would return. When they called and told him Jay was there, David ran to get him, never letting him out of his sight again.

Jay was far from a pampered pooch. David did not have the money to spend lavishly. But he was kept warm, dry, well fed and cared for. Jay went everywhere with David, and vice versa.

Over the last 6 months, Jay began to deteriorate. He had trouble walking, he lost bladder control. When he became paralyzed over the weekend, David realized it was time.

Jay was likely a few days or months short of 18 years old.