Dog Tales – Jimmy Jones

I don’t think I’ve shared this with you before but you may have heard me mention him previously. It’s also quite apt since it’s around this time of year he died. So here’s the story of my Jimmy….

Jimmy Jones

Growing up, we had a family dog – a black and tan Jack Russell Terrier called Jimmy Jones.

He was a Christmas present from my uncle – hands down the best Christmas present ever! I don’t rember what age I was but I was a toddler. Mam had warned my uncle not to get me a dog but of course he didn’t listen. He came over on Christmas Eve and in his coat pocket he has this teeny tiny puppy. The moment he took him out of his pocket I fell in love. Mam said that the look on my face was enough for her not to send him back. And thank god she didn’t because he was my best friend.

I remember sitting on the edge if the kitchen sink trying to decide on a name. I don’t know where Jimmy came from but he was given the Jones surname as it suited him better than mine!

He was very much part of the family and my best friend growing up. The bond between us is something I’ll never experience with Megs. Jimmy and I were as thick as thieves and wherever I went he went. I even remember one playtime at primary school one of the boys shouted to the teacher saying there was a dog on the yard – yup sure enough it was my Jimmy!

I have so many great memories of him. A couple of anecdotes for you:

Crewe

We went on a caravan trip to Chester and went for a day out to Crewe to see Thomas the Tank. Jimmy came with us. Whilst walking through town he decided he needed to do his business… right in the middle of a zebra crossing!! I have a vivid memory of me and my cousins standing waiting on Dad and crying from laughter. Dad obviously wasn’t pleased and I can say that was the last time Jimmy came with us in the caravan!

Llyn Adar Camping

Oh boy this was an experience! Dad drove the Land Rover up to the highest point he could and then we had to walk a fair way before reaching the lake. Dad setup the tent whilst me & Jimmy went for a walk around the lake. Dad was going to do some late night fishing so Jimmy & I went to sleep in the tent. He just wouldn’t settle because of all the smells and sounds! He was up ALL night barking and trying to dig his way out of the tent…. and that was the last time he went camping!

All Dogs Go To Heaven

He died October 2001 at the ripe old age of 16. He had gotten old and started having fits. He couldn’t control his bladder which meant he was no longer able to sleep in my bed. It was heartbreaking but we decided to put him out of his misery. I went in with Dad and so was with him when he passed away. To this day I clearly remember the look in his eyes – it wasn’t fear, it was relief. And to this day, it still brings me to tears.

He was my whole world and whenever I look back I smile a bittersweet smile – happy because of all the great times we had but sad because he can’t still be with us. So here’s to you, my gorgeous boy!