Jay Jay was a very special boy. He was very calm and mellow from the time he was a puppy. He also absolutely loved people. Because of these traits of his, I registered him and myself as a "Pet Partners" therapy team. Together, we visited patients in the hospital, and he put a smile on the face of everyone he visited. He had a way of knowing who needed him and would pull me towards that person to give them a warm, loving "hug" (putting his head in-between their legs).

Jay Jay lived a good, happy 13 years, which is good for a golden retriever. His favorite activities were getting brushed and eating dog ice cream. When I brushed him, he would roll his 95 pound body over and expose his tummy to the air, making me laugh.

As he aged, Jay Jay had some health issues, including weakness in his hind legs which was greatly helped by acupuncture. He saw each treatment as a "nap" and would lie very still as the acupuncture needles did their magic. The next day, I would notice improvement in his mobility and mood.

I miss my big boy and think of him every day. I know he is happy at the Rainbow Bridge and will be waiting for me when I get there.