Jessie had the most beautiful spirit I have ever known. She greeted each day with exuberant joy and open heart and loved everyone unconditionally. From the moment she raced into my arms as an eight-week-old puppy and placed her paw over my heart, I was devoted to her. With every cute thing she did and every kindness she showed, I adored her more. She found happiness in everything. She loved watching birds, collecting Beanie Babies, listening to the Gilmore Girls and Harry Potter, snacking on sugar cookies and eating pepperoni pizza (okay, I spoiled her. I couldn’t help it. She was too cute!). She taught me lessons in living and loving and courage I will never forget. She battled serious liver disease, then invasive cancer and finally congestive heart failure with valor and endless cheer. I got the very best girl in the whole world. She was endlessly good, unerringly gentle and faithfully loving. Twelve and a half years of being her best friend was not long enough, but I’m grateful for every single second.

I miss you, girlfriend. I’ll love you forever.

Jill S.